Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Like To Sleep Under The Covers?

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More Menu

• Blog Home
• Breeds
• Health
• News
• Product Reviews
• Dog Food
• Our Team
• Shop Store

Shop By Cause

Donated & Counting!

34 Million Meals

Feed Shelter Dogs

SHOP DONATE

Dogs Saved!

2,435 At-Risk

Fly Shelter Dogs To Safety

SHOP DONATE

D.V. Survivors & Pets!

$75,399 Funded For

Keep Pets & Domestic Violence Survivors Together

SHOP DONATE

For Service Dogs

$1,532,139 Funded

Pair Veterans With Service Dogs

SHOP DONATE VIP ClubDeals The Feed Menu

• Blog Home
• Breeds
• Health
• News
• Product Reviews
• Dog Food
• Our Team
• Shop Store

• Blog Home
• Dog Health
• Ask A Vet

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Like To Sleep Under The Covers? By: Dr. Kathryn Primm

Dr. Kathryn Primm

| November 3, 2016 SharePinEmail

Does your dog love to bury himself under your covers to sleep? Many dogs do. It is fun to think about why they might do this seemingly very human thing. If we consider the way a dog sees life, it is easy to imagine why he tucks himself in at night.

Animals depend on the concept of resources. Resources are things like food, water, and shelter. Your bed represents a shelter or den to your dog. Since the bed is a place where he regularly goes, it is marked with his scent and it is part of his routine. He instinctively crawls into his den as a happy and safe zone. Under the covers may feel like the inner sanctum of his den to him- the safest of the safe.

When your dog is tucked away under the sheets, she feels surrounded, even swaddled and feeling firm pressure has been suggested to improve brain chemistry for anxious dogs.1 Certain breeds of dogs will even seem to prefer to burrow for entertainment. Think of the terrier type dog and the Dachshund whose long body was originally an advantage for climbing in tight burrows. The pressure of the sheets snug around your dog probably makes her brain release happy chemicals that give her a sense of security and well-being and maybe even fun.

Your presence also gives your dog that feeling of support which he craves as an animal evolved to function in a pack or family unit. He knows that you feel safe enough to retreat there for sleep and you are a valued friend, family member, and mentor. You have marked the area as a safe zone and you spend a good portion of your time there. As members of a pack, you share responsibility for raising an alarm and protecting each other. Being near you when you sleep is very natural to your dog.

Related: 12 Best Dog Beds

Pack animals, like dogs, know that their choice of sleeping quarters can be a matter of life or death. Their den is one of their most values resources. The snugness of the sheets can promote feelings of safety and refuge as well. Most of all, our dogs want to be under the sheets because that is where WE are and the safest place is always with your family.

Do you love dogs? Find me on Facebook to learn more. Click here.

1. The effect of a pressure wrap (ThunderShirt®) on heart rate and behavior in canines diagnosed with anxiety disorder, King, Camille et al. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research , Volume 9 , Issue 5 , 215 – 221

SharePinEmail

Dog Health

The Top 5 Reasons Dogs End Up At The Vet And How To Prevent It

Caring for your furry friend means more than yearly check-ups. Discover how to keep them healthy and avoid unexpected vet visits.

Read More

Dog Food Recalls

Pet Food Recall Warning To Pet Parents And Their Pets Nationwide

Country Vet Biscuits for Dogs Recall: Pet parents take notice

Read More

Puppy Health

Ultimate Cocker Spaniel Puppy Shopping List: Checklist of 23 Must-Have Items

Prepare your home with love for your new Cocker Spaniel puppy. Ensure their happiness with essential items from our heartwarming guide.

Read More

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog Jane D. just funded 35 Meals 🎉 Toledo, United States. SHOP NOW ×

We appreciate your business and support! Please allow us to assist you due to the size of your order. Please contact [email protected] to finalize your transaction.