Why Does My Dog Dig in His Bed Before Falling Asleep?

It happens nearly every night: you're so close to slipping into your dreams, but then your dog trots in and starts doing the bed-kicking dance we all know too well. They start digging and digging, and by the time they settle down, their bed looks like a pancake that wasn't flipped correctly, all scrunched up and folded over in the wrong places. We bet, like us, you've asked yourself: why does my dog dig in his bed before falling asleep? We've got the answers!

Why Do Dogs Dig In Their Bed?

It's totally normal for your dog to dig in their bed. There are several reasons why dogs exhibit this behaviour. The most common explanation for dogs digging in their beds can be found by looking into the behaviour displayed by their wild ancestors.

The Origins of Dogs Digging Before Going to Sleep

Most of the time, our pet pooches are simply following the habits of their wild canine ancestors. These wild canines of course didn't have the luxuries our beloved pets get to enjoy, including soft bedding - instead, they slept outside on the floor. The behaviours they employed to get comfortable explain why our pet dogs dig their beds:

To Get Comfortable

Wild dogs dig the area they're going to sleep in order to remove any rocks or debris that would be uncomfortable to sleep on. Even though your pup has a soft, already comfy bed, this behaviour is ingrained from their wild ancestors. 

A Reminder of Den Days

Some wild dogs dig to create dens, so this may also explain your dog digging in their bed - another trait passed down from their wild ancestors. Female dogs, in particular, can create a type of den when preparing to give birth.

Marking Their Territory 

Your dog may dig in his bed to mark his territory. By digging and scratching at their bed, the scent glands on their paws secrete a pheromone which marks their bed as theirs.

Regulating Body Temperature

Dogs can regulate their body temperature by digging in the dirt or snow; they may use this tactic to keep warm during cold days outside or to stay cool on hot days. Sled dogs are known to burrow out a little den in the snow, which can trap their body heat and keep them warm while they sleep. This may be another explanation for your dog digging in their bed, particularly if it's a hot or cold day.

Looking for Something

Could your dog be digging in his bed to look for something, such as a toy or food? If they can smell leftover food lurking, they might be digging away to try to find it. Alternatively, they could be searching for their favorite toy, or perhaps hiding it so that nobody else can take it!

Using Pent-Up Energy

If a dog's got pent-up energy they need to expend, digging in their bed can help to burn off this energy. This may coincide with a case of zoomies! Digging to release excess energy is more likely if your pup hasn't had enough exercise and stimulation during the day. Perhaps it might be a good nudge that your pooch needs more physical and mental stimulation.

Anxiety

If your dog digs in his bed a lot, it's worth asking yourself whether anxiety might be the cause. If you have any concerns, particularly if your pup is exhibiting other signs of anxiety, it's always a good idea to speak to your vet to get professional advice.

We hope we've helped to answer your question, why does my dog dig in his bed before falling asleep? As cute as their tunneling tendencies are, it'd be nice to know they end up in a comfortable position. It seems like most of the time, they make things more chaotic and fall asleep twisted up in a pile of bedding and blankets. But who's to say they don't like it better that way? Check out our Typography Collection for fun doggy designs to brighten up every day!