Why Dogs Burrow Under the Covers (And Dig In the Bed)

What’s behind the desire to burrow and is it safe?

30 October 2023

If you live with – and let’s be honest, sleep with – certain pups, there is likely the equivalent of a subway system of tunnels underneath the covers of your bed. Well-worn paths that your beloved dog has burrowed through, night after night. What’s the deal with dogs who burrow under the blankets (or dig in bed), and is this behaviour safe?

Certain breeds of dog are more inclined to burrow under the covers or dig in bed, and in general, this behaviour, sometimes known as ‘denning’ is not detrimental to their health. But some blanket options are safer than others, and dogs of certain ages and breeds need to be more closely monitored when they hunker down this way. With just a little know-how about dogs’ burrowing behaviour, we can rest more easily alongside our blanket-loving pups.

Which dog breeds are prone to burrowing?

If you cohabitate with a Terrier or Dachshund, you’ve probably witnessed some blanket-digging behaviour. These breeds historically were raised to drive vermin out of underground dens and their ancestors were accustomed to creating and squeezing into tight spaces in order to flush out rodents. Therefore, they instinctively feel comfortable within a dark and cosy duvet.

Huskies, too, are apt to burrow under the covers, as their Arctic ancestors dug holes in the snow and nestled in them for insulation (as do current-day sledge dogs when on the trail). Though dog behaviourists tend to list these three breeds as poster pups for ‘denning’, any dog can exhibit blanket-burrowing behaviour.

Why do dogs burrow?

Ancestors of the domesticated dog settled in tunnels and caves to protect themselves and their young from predators and inclement weather, and today’s canines intuitively seek comfort in spaces they associate with the cosiness of a den.

As pack animals, dogs also tend to search for modern-day equivalents of the warmth and sense of security derived from curling up against their littermates. They find these comforts in the act of sleeping alongside their human ‘pack members’ and nestling beneath blankets that smell of their human parents.

Dogs also burrow as a way to recharge after a day of external stressors (you know, how you like to bury under the covers after a bad day at work). “By removing exposure to the sights and sounds of an active household, the dog feels more secure,” says JustAnswer veterinarian Dr Jo Myers, DVM.

“After all, it’s your dog’s job to keep an eye on everything going on in and around the house so she can make sure her family is safe,” adds Dr Myers. “When your dog is buried under the blankets in your bed, they can turn off that vigilance and take a break.” Something we can all relate to.

In addition, being under the covers places a barrier between the pup and any loud noises, such as fireworks or rainstorms. Like a Thundershirt or similar swaddling vest, bed covers can provide anxiety-reducing pressure to the body of the nervous animal – think of it as a comfort blanket.

Is burrowing safe for dogs?

For the most part, yes. Healthy adult dogs will thermoregulate – eg, remove themselves from beneath the blankets – when they become too hot. As long as they have an easy exit out of their dens, there is little danger in allowing them to dive under the covers.

That said, it may be difficult for puppies and smaller breeds to ‘evacuate’ from certain types of bedding. In addition, older canines and those with respiratory issues (including flat-faced dogs like Pugs) can have a difficult time breaking free from especially big or heavy blankets. To minimise the opportunity for overheating or entanglement, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Which blankets are potentially harmful to burrowers?

If your pup can’t get out from underneath a blanket – in particular, weighted blankets some insomniacs have purchased – it’s not safe. The same goes for a blanket with pockets or openings in which pups could become trapped (duvet covers, for instance).

Also, dogs’ teeth or nails can snag in blankets with holes or loose ends, causing them to become stuck in the holes. “Avoid allowing your dog to burrow in blankets that have become so worn that they’re stringy and look more like a net than a blanket,” warns Dr Myers.

Of course, heated blankets and heating pads – with their electrical cords and quick-warming properties – may also lead to a dangerously sweltering sleep environment and even thermal burns. Experts recommend choosing bed covers made from breathable, hard-to-chew fabrics like fleece, microfibre and mesh.

Can burrowing indicate anxiety issues?

Blanket-burrowing in dogs generally is nothing to sweat about. However, if the digging seems obsessive or is partnered with panting or crying, separation anxiety could be the culprit. You can help release your dog’s tension by providing them with ample exercise and toy stimulation before leaving them on their own.

Dog-sitters or a doggy daycare also may be useful in minimising your pup’s attachment issues. That being said, if excessive burrowing persists even after the animal’s fear trigger has been identified and removed, the behaviour could suggest a larger phobia. Ask your vet for recommendations for behaviour modification techniques and/or medications based on their assessment of your dog’s compulsive conduct.