While it may be adorable seeing them bury their nose in blankets while they sleep, it may be due to different reasons. This situation can be remedied by providing a feeding area that will give your dog a sense of security during meal times. If she doesn't, she'll stretch out, and I'll just take them off. Smell is an important sense that dogs rely on. Why Do Dogs Bury Their Nose When They Sleep? In addition to being an instructor in animal behavior, Ive also worked as a technical writer for over ten years and have taught dozens of dog trainers from beginners who have never trained or rehabbed a dog in their lives to people with decades of experience. It was necessary to bury food to keep it safe from other predators. I've also noticed that I pull the covers up over my mouth too when I'm cold. She explains that dogs will only eat when they feel their territory is safe. Why do dogs push blankets with their nose? How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Extreme Temperatures and Weather-Related Injuries, The Most Dangerous Dog Sports and Potential Injuries, How to Choose the Best Commercial Dog Food for Your Pet, How to Transition Your Dog to a New Diet Safely. Your dog may be cold if they are burying their nose when they sleep. This may also be a way they huddle together to conserve their heat, which is a survival instinct for most dogs. See if there are any changes you can make to turn the house dog-friendly. Aside from cold and respiratory infections, dogs may also bury their nose due to allergies. Dogs will also bury their heads in you as a way of seeking protection and security if they are scared or worried. One position which you may notice your dog do when sleeping is to burrow their nose when sleeping. Ensure the blanket is lightweight and washable. Pollen, dust, and mold are all common allergens that can affect dogs. Why do dogs bury their nose in blankets? Yes, dog breeds such as Dachshunds, Terriers, Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahuas, Basset Hound, and Beagles will burrow more than other dog breeds. If your dog loves to burrow his nose in blankets and pillows before sleeping, you should be aware and watch them, in case they are unable to pull the blankets off. Why Do Dogs Bury Their Nose When They Sleep? We went over seven reasons dogs bury their heads, but how do you know which of the seven reasons applies to your dog? There are several reasons a dog can develop separation anxiety, from genetics to a traumatic event like a tornado, re-homing, or death in the family. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Dogs are interesting creatures and often have behaviors that we cant quite understand. The act of burying bones is a type of "food caching," that is, storing available food supplies for the purpose of later access. You will also be taking away his way of communicating with you. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Make your home a safe haven for the dog as well. Blanket chewing is a common behavior and can be stopped by providing appropriate alternatives for your dog to chew on. If youre concerned about your dog burying their nose and want to put a stop to the behavior, there are a few things you can do. If youre concerned that your dog is burying their nose due to a medical condition, the best thing you can do is take them to the vet for a check-up. According to some pet experts, dogs are "denning" animals: It is a dog's instinct to sleep or relax in a small and protected space to feel warm and safe. Small-prey hunters, like terriers and Dachshunds, tend to show their heritage of flushing out small animals from their tunnels by burrowing in blankets. [& Why Rain May Be Dangerous], How to Know Why YOUR Dog is Burying Their Head. Small-prey hunters, like terriers and Dachshunds, tend to show their heritage of flushing out small animals from their tunnels by burrowing in blankets. Have you ever noticed how adorable your dog looks when they are sleeping? The reason that dogs want to be a part of every place you reside or interact with is the same reason that dogs shove their faces into every cushion on the couch. So there is nothing to worry about if your dog is covering things. This instinct may continue later in life when they get hungry. Some dogs will try to relate to your emotions. 2. While many burrowers dig down under the covers because it is their nature, others do it because they are afraid or anxious. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Not sure why exactly, but my sister's dog loves to tuck her nose under a human's hand, especially if there a lot of people around, and I know a few dogs that will do the nose tuck. I have trained dogs ranging from standard poodles to golden retrievers to border collies and now the passion of my life is working with aggressive dogs with behavioral issues in order to help them be more confident, calm and easygoing dogs who are well-behaved in their own homes. For instance, after meeting a new dog or person, an aroused and excited dog may mount another dog, his owner or a nearby object, like a dog bed or a toy. Short-haired dog breeds (such as pugs and boxers) have a tendency to get cold quickly. As long as your pup seems to be having fun and stops when they're told this behavior is fairly harmless. Protection against predators is a very strong natural instinct. One way to stop your dog from burying their nose is to make sure their sleeping area is clean and comfortable. For the most part, dogs do a good job at regulating their own temperature and know when they need to escape the heat, so letting them decide when they need more or less warmth can help your animal stay safe. They typically nudge the bowl away with their nose or try to cover it with imaginary dirt. Has your dog ever buried their nose into your side? Being wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket during the cold winter nights sounds blissful right? One of the most obvious reasons could be that they're trying to stay warm. Most often, there is no need to be concerned if your dog buries their nose when they sleep. During colder months, add an extra blanket to your dogs bed and make sure their house is well-insulated to help keep them warm. Wren likes to go under the covers too, but she if she's still cold, she put her snoofer under a blanket too. Dogs bury their heads into things when theyre being playful, feeling affectionate, expressing empathy, marking their territory, or sleeping cozily. Small-prey hunters, like terriers and Dachshunds, tend to show their heritage of flushing out small animals from their tunnels by burrowing in blankets. Dogs tend to do this when it is warm. The reason for this is all of the same manifestations for burrowing into cushions, blankets, and more just on a much more significant scale. The only other thing I can think of is its been hot so Ive had the ac or a fan running constantly and half her body is haves from the surgery- could she be cold? Protection against predators is a very strong natural instinct. First, dogs, even when domesticated, still run on instinct. A visit to the vets clinic can be helpful. This includes leaping into the couch and burying their faces! Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for pet related concerns. Lets face it: as much as you try to keep the house yours when you have a dog, every part of the home becomes theirs too. They provide security. Whatever it is, this behavior stands as a testament to your pups lovable nature and still remains a mystery. Protection from Light & Noise 6. Dogs will often naturally bury their nose in an attempt to warm up their airways and make breathing easier. For example, if your dog hides the remote in the evenings just when you are getting ready to unwind, this could mean that he has been waiting for you to come home and play fetch in the backyard. It's in their nature to bury food. Dogs bury their nose for a variety of reasons, most of which are normal and not cause for concern. Bigger dog breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamute are also famous for their digging behavior. Give them toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Timid, quiet dogs that scare easy and can be easily dominated by other dogs are more likely to cover things than a more confident and outgoing dog. The only thing you can dois relax and let your dog guide you. Once youve determined that your dog is scared, the next step is to figure out what is causing the fear and address the issue. From a health perspective, hidden food items if not found, will stain your furniture and clothes, or worse, they could mold, attract vermin and pose a health risk to you. Dogs also burrow as a way to recharge after a day of stressors (you know, how you like to bury under the covers after a bad day at work). Veterinarian and author, Myrna Milani, says this behavior is called caching. Dogs tend to do this due to inheritance, where their ancestors would shield their noses from the cold. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup to make sure theyre in top health. The warm, secure feeling created by the pillow helps your pup remain calm, so they can get a good nights sleep. Home - Training & Behavior - Why Do Dogs Bury Their Nose in Blankets? This position is not typical in older dogs and may be due to arthritis and other illnesses and not because they are not comfortable in their situation. Hi, Im Amanda. The position allows your dog to get up easily and quickly. As a response, they may bury their head (and sometimes body) into their owner or a blanket in an attempt to warm their body temperature. Is your pet being left alone for long stretches of time? An animal buried under a pile of fur can be harder to spot or smell. In a multi-dog household, dogs who feel like there's competition for food and other resources, like toys, might resort to hiding their stuff to keep it safe. Whether it be under the blanket, your arm, or the bed sheets, there are several reasons dogs bury their heads. Dogs tend to do this due to inheritance, where their ancestors would shield their noses from the cold. Since dogs cant fluently speak English (yet), they have to find other reasons to communicate with us. Dogs have evolved to use licking as a way to show affection and groom their packmates. If you've ruled out stress, anxiety, and compulsion your dog might just be burying things because they think its a fun game. Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! If anxiety is the reason behind your dogs burrowing, you need to deal with the cause. So, it is common for dogs to bury their nose under your blanket. Try to understand why the dog does not feel comfortable in its own house. This means they love attention and affection from their owners, and this helps them fall asleep. Burying their head in the pillow may create a snug and warm area that provides a sense of security. If your dog enjoys burying their nose in blankets, let them do so. Well, one of the most obvious reasons could be that they are trying to stay warm. Does Rain Hurt Dogs Ears? When a dog is burying their head into you, it may be marking you as their territory to show other animals your affiliation to them. According to some pet experts, dogs are denning animals: It is a dogs instinct to sleep or relax in a small and protected space to feel warm and safe. You can also find certified dog trainers or behaviorists. There are various reasons as to why they may behave this way. Check out this video of a little Dachshund digging his way to a comfortable sleeping position: Every night when I turn out the light to go to sleep, I hear the rustling sound of Lenny, my terrier-mix rescue dog, burrowing in the blankets.