Have you ever noticed your dog dragging blankets into a corner or burrowing under your covers? Dogs sometimes have quirky behaviors, which often makes them quite charming to humans. This behavior of building nests is not uncommon but can be intriguing. So, why do dogs make nests?

What is Nesting?

There are a lot of common dog behaviors and some of these are a mystery to dog owners. One of those mysterious behaviors is nesting. Nesting is the behavior where a dog may walk in small circles before sitting down to rest, dragging their bed to a new spot, or even burrowing into blankets before napping.

Grooming before sleeping may also be part of nesting, especially when paired with burrowing into blankets. This hails back to the time before dogs were domesticated and they had to scratch out beds of grass or dirt. It’s just another way dogs get comfortable in their sleeping area. While this behavior is typically normal and cute to watch, there are times when this could be a sign of a health issue.

Why Do Dogs Make Nests?

There may be a few reasons dogs make nests. Sometimes it’s just to create a comfy bed but other times it may be a sign of illness. Here are a few reasons why dogs make nests:

1. Nests Are Comfortable

Dogs like comfortable spots, proven by the fact that they often seek out your bed, couch, or a cozy dog bed for their many naps. While some dogs are seeking warmth, even a cold-loving Husky may burrow into a nest when they are ready to finally calm down and nap.

2. They Make Your Dog Feel Safe

Some dogs exhibit this behavior every day to build the best spot for napping. It may also be a way to create security. Dogs who feel secure can sleep more easily as they won’t feel like they need to be on guard. This is one of the most common reasons why they are nesting. However, if you notice other anxious behavior accompanied by nesting, it could be a sign your dog is stressed.

3. Your Dog Could Be in Pain

Dogs may also nest when they are in pain. If your dog seems to be napping or staying in a nest longer than usual, keep an eye out for other behavioral changes. Talk to your vet if you notice any signs your dog is in pain such as loss of appetite, restlessness, and more vocalization than normal.

4. Your Dog Could Be Pregnant

If you have an intact female, nesting may be a sign of pregnancy. Much like human mothers, there’s an instinct to create a safe and cozy area for their newborns. If there’s any chance your dog may be pregnant, get them checked at a vet as soon as you can.

Regular vet visits during pregnancy are a great way to care for a pregnant dog and can help your dog and puppies stay safe and healthy! If there doesn’t seem to be a logical chance your intact female is pregnant or they’ve been spayed, they may be experiencing a false pregnancy. If this is the case, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

5. They Could Be Experiencing a “False Pregnancy”

Dogs, like humans, can experience a “false pregnancy”. This is when the body thinks it’s pregnant and exhibits typical signs of pregnancy. Dogs may experience appetite loss, object collecting, and weight gain, which can be symptoms you shouldn’t ignore in your dog. However, in false pregnancies, behavior changes are more likely than physical changes.

The majority of female dogs who experience a false pregnancy typically are intact. However, it is still possible in spayed dogs. If a false pregnancy occurs, it happens within about 4 to 9 weeks after a female’s last heat cycle. The chance is higher if they encountered any male dog during this time. The dog may need to be treated with medication to end the false pregnancy.

There aren’t enough studies done on false pregnancies to have a full grasp on why they occur. However, some medical conditions may cause irregular heat cycles. It’s unlikely that nesting is a behavior of those underlying conditions but it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet if you have any concerns.

What to Do About Your Dog’s Nesting Habit

Unless you suspect a medical reason for the nesting behavior, like pregnancy, there’s probably no need to worry about nesting. If you’re concerned your dog will destroy your blankets, go ahead and purchase some bedding just for them. Make sure the bedding is something you won’t mind getting dragged around or even shredded. Your dog will probably appreciate having their bedding!

However, if the nesting behavior is new or seems much more compulsive, wait a few days and see if it continues or gets more compulsive. Sometimes a dog might feel a little anxious and nest but that feeling may pass. If the behavior does continue, schedule an appointment with your vet. They’ll be able to diagnose any underlying causes of this behavior and prescribe treatment to help your dog feel better.

These reasons might answer the question, “Why do dogs make nests?” Typically, nesting is a perfectly normal behavior in dogs. However, you know your dog best and if something feels off, schedule a time to see your vet. They can help alleviate any concerns and work on any treatment if necessary.