Zoe's safe spot!
Zoe is my skittish dog. She is afraid of her shadow and even the slightest upset sends her terrified under the bed. I feel horrible about this. If I ever raise my voice, yell, even laugh too loud – off she goes to hide. I also think she hides when she doesn’t feel well since she does seems to have some stomach issues. But more often than not, she hides under the bed for no apparent reason. Turns out, there are several reasons why dogs like to hide under the bed.
Avoidance – It is difficult to estimate how many words a family pet can recognize. It is quite possible that a dog may associate unsavory events with specific words. Telling a dog it is going to get a bath or that it’s time to go see the vet may make the staunchest of canines duck under the bed.
Contentment – Dogs are den animals, and are very comfortable in small spaces where they can burrow to feel safe and content.
Fear – Loud yelling, music, doors slamming, fireworks and the sound of a vaccuum cleaner may all contribute to a dog seeking safety under a bed.
Illness – It is quite common for a dog to hide under a bed when it is not feeling well, preferring to suffer alone. The animal should be taken in for veterinary care if the hiding behavior persists.
Phobias – Lightening and thunder can be particularly agonizing and stressful for dogs. Some dogs pace nervously, others bark at the rumbling and lightening flashes, and others seek shelter under the bed.
Bella’s an under the bed type too… though she can’t squeeze under our current bed, so we obliged her need for a den by draping an afghan over the bench at the end of our bed. We call it her cave, and she loves to snooze in there.