Why Does My Dog Dig in His Bed?

Reason 1: the denning instinct

Wild and feral dogs dig shallow beds in soil, leaves or snow to create a sheltered spot to rest. The AKC describes this denning behavior as instinctive and notes that digging on a bed or in a crate comes from the same drive. Your dog does not need to dig a den in your living room, but the routine of scratching and turning before settling is wired in.

You may notice it more with a new bed, a freshly washed blanket, or bedding that has been moved. Your dog is rearranging the space until it feels right, much as you might plump a pillow. A roomy bolstered bed gives that rearranging somewhere to happen; see our donut dog beds, such as the round plush nest pet bed.

Reason 2: comfort and temperature

Digging moves bedding into a shape that supports your dog's body: a raised edge to rest a chin on, a hollow for the hips. It also changes temperature. Outdoors, scraping away the top layer exposes cooler earth on a hot day, and a burrowed hollow traps warmth on a cold one. Northern breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes are famous diggers for this reason.

If your dog digs at its bed more in summer, it may be trying to get cool. A raised cot bed, a cooler room or a cooling mat may help. In winter, a bolstered nest bed or a blanket it can burrow under gives it what it is trying to create.

Reason 3: marking the bed as its own

Dogs have scent glands between their paw pads. Scratching at bedding leaves their scent behind, which marks the spot as theirs. In a multi-pet home you may see more scratching on shared beds or after another animal has used one.

This is normal communication between animals and not something to discourage. Giving each dog its own bed in its own spot can reduce competition over favorite places. If one dog keeps claiming another's bed, offer an extra bed rather than scolding, and wash shared bedding regularly so scent and hair do not build up.

Reason 4: breed and hidden treasures

Some breeds were developed to dig. Terriers, Dachshunds and small hounds were bred to dig after animals in burrows, and they often dig at anything soft. Dogs may also dig to hide or retrieve a toy or chew they have tucked into the bedding, which is a version of caching food for later.

If your digger is a terrier type, offer a digging outlet: a sandpit in the yard, a snuffle mat, or a box of blankets with treats hidden inside. Letting it dig in the right place reduces the urge to excavate the couch.

Reason 5: boredom, stress or discomfort

The AKC notes that many heavy diggers are bored or anxious. Digging that is frantic, goes on for a long time, destroys the bed, or happens mainly when your dog is left alone may be a sign of under-stimulation or separation-related stress. More exercise, sniff walks, food puzzles and short training sessions often help. If a bed keeps getting destroyed, a donut dog bed such as this 36-inch faux fur donut bed for large dogs is worth a look once you know the cause, though no bed is chew-proof, and our donut dog bed guide covers what to check.

Restlessness that keeps a dog getting up, digging and lying down again can also be a sign of discomfort, such as joint pain, an upset stomach or itchy skin. Older dogs with arthritis may struggle to settle. If the behavior is new, increasing, or comes with panting, pacing, licking or changes in appetite, ask your vet to check for a medical cause.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.