Does Your Dog Hide Under The Bed Regularly?

My dog has been going under the bed for quite a while during the day. This is something new, as she usually sleeps on one of the two beds in the house. The bed she hides under has very little space for her as we use it for storage.

Do you think her behavior could be due to not feeling well, the unusual heat we've been having or do dogs (like many cats) just like to have their space at times. Thanks for your input.


Blessings!

Could be any of those things, I guess. Sometimes dogs do hide when they are not feeling well. But my dog lies in strange spots when it's hot as well to keep cool. It's unusual for a dog to hide under furniture as opposed to a cat, though. Keep an eye on her, anyway, for anything else that could point to her not feeling well, just in case.

It's normal for dogs to seek something to lie in or under. It's denning instinct and part of why crate training is easy for many dogs. (And why outdoor dogs don't generally even require training to use their houses) That said, if this is a new it could be a sign of something. Fear is a common reason - but if this behavior is constant and doesn't just occur when something happens that might scare her (a thunderstorm, an argument between two people in your home, or hearing the word "bath" [all things that cause some of my dogs to "den up"]), then I'm willing to bet that isn't it. It could very well be the heat, as well. When it's hot, my dogs tend to lie under furniture. Tables, chairs, beds... However, it wouldn't hurt for you to ask your vet so you can rule out health problems. My Corgi mix hides a lot but generally, seeks said shelter in her crate. A while back, she started turning to hiding under my bed and in the corner in our living room, under our end table. I didn't think anything of it because I assumed it was the same as being in her crate. A week later, her "area" was swollen pretty badly. I rushed her to the vet and she had an infection. Nothing too serious, it was cleared up with antibiotics and pain killers. But the hiding probably was a result of her being sick. Keep an eye on her for other symptoms, just in case.

My cat hides in a special spot INSIDE the filing cabinet when someone else comes over. He hates men so, if he hears a woman's voice he is okay but a man's voice and he is gone.

Personally, this is not bad for me because the landlord doesn't know about him.

I would say if the behavior has always been there and is consistent, there is no need to worry. The worst is when they start changing their behavior. If you don't notice physical signs (i.e. vomiting, whimpering, limping) then I would just attribute it to him liking that spot. If you really don't want him under there then you might just need to close it off completely. However, if he likes tight, enclosed spaces, then he might just find another spot.

Salukigirl - Thanks for your comments. I know my cat loves the "craziest" places to sleep, but this is just different. I'll have to watch her and see if it's just her new place or if I should take her to the vet. Good luck with the landlord!

Blessings!

BronzeOwl - Wow, I believe you know a great deal about dogs! All of your points are quite valid and I've thought about each of them. This is new behavior which is what concerns me. However, Michigan has had some of the warmest temperatures ever this summer, so heat is an issue. She does seem to come up on my bed during the evening hours. She loves to walk and will be quite playful if initiated. Her eating patterns are a bit off - taking treats, but not so eager to eat her food. I have done the "you get no treats until you eat your food" process and sometimes it works, sometimes not. She does not appear to be losing weight. She seems very content in her "space," but it is also her hiding spot during storms. I fear why she would choose that spot for comfort.

I'll be watching her, but I'll probably take her to the vet just to be sure. She is my best friend and I want her with me as long as her precious little body is happy and healthy. Thanks again for the input. By the way, I love your quote...it is so true!


Blessings!

Hi,

I don't know if this posted to you or not....just learning to post replies and I believe I've been doing it wrong. Sorry!

BronzeOwl - Wow, I believe you know a great deal about dogs! All of your points are quite valid and I've thought about each of them. This is new behavior which is what concerns me. However, Michigan has had some of the warmest temperatures ever this summer, so heat is an issue. She does seem to come up on my bed during the evening hours. She loves to walk and will be quite playful if initiated. Her eating patterns are a bit off - taking treats, but not so eager to eat her food. I have done the "you get no treats until you eat your food" process and sometimes it works, sometimes not. She does not appear to be losing weight. She seems very content in her "space," but it is also her hiding spot during storms. I fear why she would choose that spot for comfort.

I'll be watching her, but I'll probably take her to the vet just to be sure. She is my best friend and I want her with me as long as her precious little body is happy and healthy. Thanks again for the input. By the way, I love your quote...it is so true!


Blessings!