Chihuahuas exhibit some quirky behaviors, one of which is burrowing. Rather than lying in their bed, they may burrow under a blanket. Some of them will walk around in circles before tunneling into place, whereas others will scratch or dig at the blanket.
Burrowing doesn’t mean your Chihuahua is trying to hide from you. Chihuahuas are highly affectionate, and they typically prefer to be near their owners. There are instances, however, in which they may disappear for hours on end. Regardless, if your Chihuahua is nowhere to be found, he may be burrowing.
Common Reasons Chihuahuas Burrow Under Blankets
Burrowing may seem like a spontaneous behavior, but there are typically reasons behind it. Here are some of the most common reasons Chihuahuas burrow under blankets.
#1) Comfort
Just as we humans sleep under blankets because it’s comfortable, so do Chihuahuas. Nothing beats the feeling of a blanket against the skin. Blankets are designed to be placed over the body. They are made of soft fabrics — wool, cotton, linen, fleece, microfiber, etc. — that are gentle on the skin.
If a Chihuahua wants to take a nap, he may seek out the comfort of a blanket. The blanket’s soft texture will make it easier for him to fall asleep. Some Chihuahuas may even fluff the blanket beforehand to create a spacious den-like area. But whether the blanket is fluffed or flat, it will provide the Chihuahua with a comfortable, dark resting space.
#2) Sense of Security
Burrowing under blankets creates a sense of security for Chihuahuas. With an average weight of just 4 to 6 pounds, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed on the planet. Their small size can leave them feeling vulnerable when exposed.
Chihuahuas may feel innately threatened by the much larger people, animals and objects around them. A person or another dog could accidentally step on them, or a tall piece of furniture could fall on them. Burrowing offers a solution.
Chihuahuas can create an enclosed environment by burrowing under a blanket. As they tunnel their way under the blanket, they’ll no longer be exposed. Chihuahuas won’t be able to see the people, animals and objects around them, so they’ll no longer feel threatened.
The sense of security created by burrowing is similar to that of staying in a crate. Featuring three walls, a door and a roof, crates are enclosed. They provide Chihuahuas with an isolated space by blocking out the Chihuahua’s surroundings. Because of the sense of security it creates, many Chihuahuas prefer staying in their crate when they aren’t burrowing.
#3) Warmth
Chihuahuas burrow under blankets to stay warm. During the winter, you may find your Chihuahua in front of a space heater or under a blanket.
The breed’s small size makes them susceptible to cold temperatures. Chihuahuas lose their body heat faster than larger breeds. They have a greater surface area to body mass ratio than larger breeds, meaning Chihuahuas have a lot of skin relative to their total body size. While a high surface area to body mass ratio allows Chihuahuas to quickly absorb heat, it also allows them to quickly lose heat.
Furthermore, most Chihuahuas only have a top coat, so they are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than dogs with both a top coat and a fluffy undercoat. By burrowing, Chihuahuas can conserve their body heat and regulate their internal temperature more effectively. Each blanket acts as a layer of insulation. They will trap the heat produced by the Chihuahua’s body, thereby creating a warm and cozy environment for him.
Here are some ways to keep your Chihuahua warm during the winter:
- Keep outdoor walking and playtime sessions short.
- Provide your Chihuahua with plenty of warm blankets.
- Place a space heater and the “low” heat setting in front of your Chihuahua’s bed (don’t leave it running unsupervised).
- Avoid shaving or trimming your Chihuahua’s coat.
- Dress your Chihuahua in a piece of warm apparel, such as a thick wool shirt or sweater.
#4) Instinct
There may be an instinctual factor that compels Chihuahuas to burrow under blankets. Most Chihuahuas today eat store-bought kibble — or homemade meals in some cases — provided by their owners. But like all breeds, they were originally forced to scavenge and hunt for food in the wild.
Chihuahuas originated from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. During the breed’s early years, feral Chihuahuas would eat whatever they could get their paws on. In addition to foraging for fruits and vegetables, they would hunt small animals in the Mexcian state of their namesake. They used their small size to their advantage by “flushing out” other small animals, such as mice and voles, from their underground tunnels. Like terriers, Chihuahuas would dig at the ground during their hunting excursions.
Feral Chihuahuas would also dig to protect against predators. From jaguars and pumas to wolves and black bears, Chihuahuas had many natural predators in the wild. Using their paws, they would dig dens in places that larger predators couldn’t reach.
Domesticated Chihuahuas no longer need to scavenge for food, nor do they need to protect against predators, but they still possess this same instinct as their ancestors. This may compel them to burrow. Burrowing involves a similar digging action. Rather than digging at the ground, though, Chihuahuas burrow by digging at blankets.
#5) Anxiety Relief
Anxiety may compel Chihuahuas to burrow under blankets. According to a Finnish study of 13,700 dogs, 72.5% of all dogs exhibit anxiety. If your Chihuahua suffers from anxiety, you may find him burrowing during fireworks. The sound of fireworks blasting off on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve can cause anxiety in Chihuahuas. It can trigger your Chihuahua’s fight-or-flight response, resulting in high levels of stress hormones.
Thunderstorms can cause similar bouts of anxiety. When the weather turns south, your Chihuahua may tunnel under a blanket for relief. Even baths can cause anxiety in Chihuahuas. Some Chihuahuas are afraid of baths. When they hear the faucet running in the bathroom, they’ll hide under a blanket.
Burrowing may ease Chihuahuas’ anxiety. They’ll feel warm and secure under a blanket. At the same time, the blanket will apply gentle pressure to their bodies, mimicking the feeling of cuddling with their littermates during puppyhood, further relaxing them during stressful events.
There’s a special type of dog shirt that applies similar pressure to a dog’s body when worn. Known as the ThunderShirt, it’s designed to calm dogs similar to swaddling an infant. You can adjust the Thundershirt so that it applies gentle, consistent pressure throughout your Chihuahua’s body. Thunderworks, the company behind the popular calming shirt, says the Thundershirt ranked as the most effective anxiety solution among veterinarians in a 2011 survey.
#6) Showing Affection
Some Chihuahuas lick their owners in the face to show affection, whereas others burrow next to their owners. As companion dogs, Chihuahuas want to be close to their owners. Many of them are clingy. Clingy Chihuahuas stay attached to their owners at the hip, following them wherever they go. Even if your Chihuahua isn’t clingy, however, he may still want to burrow in your bed.
When given the option of lying in his bed alone or lying next to you in your bed, your Chihuahua will probably choose the latter. He may jump up on your bed, followed by burrowing his way under the covers.
Like when cuddling with his littermates, your Chihuahua will feel more relaxed and secure lying next to you in your bed. It’s also a way for your Chihuahua to express affection. Your Chihuahua is telling you that he loves and trusts you when he burrows in your bed.
If you’re his primary caretaker, you may be the person with whom your Chihuahua will share a bed. Chihuahuas will often bond with multiple people, such as family members and pet sitters, but they typically have a “favorite” person. They’ll develop a stronger bond with this person, preferring to be near this person than everyone else.
#7) Peace and Quiet
Chihuahuas burrow under blankets for peace and quiet. It allows them to escape the chaos. When their home environment becomes loud, disordered or otherwise chaotic, they may burrow as a means of escape.
Any form of chaos may compel Chihuahuas to burrow for peace and quiet. If you have a bunch of friends over for dinner, your Chihuahua may seek the sanctuary of a blanket. Alternatively, he may burrow if you are renovating your home’s interior. Burrowing will transport your Chihuahua into his world so that he doesn’t have to experience the chaos firsthand.
#8) Claiming Territory
Chihuahuas burrow under blankets to claim their territory. Chihuahuas have scent glands in their paws. Known as eccrine glands, they allow Chihuahuas to mark their territory by scratching.
Chihuahuas secrete sweat out of their eccrine glands. It’s a supplementary cooling mechanism in all dogs. When dogs begin to overheat, they’ll pant to cool off. They’ll also secrete sweat, thereby releasing heat from their body. And because this sweat comes from their paw pads, it will act as a moisturizer, preventing the Chihuahua’s paw pads from drying out and cracking.
Aside from lowering their body temperature and moisturizing their paw pads, sweating allows Chihuahuas to claim their territory, which may result in burrowing behavior. As they press their paw pads against a blanket, they’ll leave behind trace amounts of sweat. Other dogs can smell this fluid. If another dog wants to avoid confrontation, he may avoid places marked with a Chihuahua’s scent.
#8) Pregnancy Hormones
Pregnancy hormones can cause Chihuahuas to burrow under blankets. Dams go through hormonal changes when pregnant. Their bodies will rapidly produce progesterone, prolactin and estrogen. As these hormones flood their bodies, they may behave differently. One common behavior in pregnant dams is burrowing.
Pregnant dams burrow as a form of nesting. With high levels of pregnancy hormones, they will instinctively prepare for birth. About one week prior to birth, they will look for a safe place to give birth. A pregnant dam may choose a quiet corner in an unoccupied room or closet, or she may choose the space under a blanket.
Even if your Chihuahua isn’t pregnant, she may have pregnancy hormones that compel her to burrow. Female Chihuahuas may undergo hormonal changes that mimic some of the symptoms of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. A condition known as pseudopregnancy, it involves high levels of prolactin and low levels of progesterone. With pseudopregnancy, your Chihuahua will exhibit symptoms of pregnancy, such as searching for a place to give birth and gaining weight, without being pregnant.
#9) Hiding Toys or Treats
Chihuahuas burrow under blankets to hide toys or treats. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas are possessive. They aren’t fond of sharing their possessions with other dogs. When they get a treat or toy, they may hide it to keep it safe.
You may find treats and toys in your bed. Burying is an instinctual behavior known as caching. In the wild, Chihuahuas and other dogs would bury their leftover food to prevent other animals from stealing it. This same instinct may compel modern-day dogs to burrow. With a toy or treat in their mouth, Chihuahuas may work their way under a blanket to find a hiding spot.
#10) Habit
Chihuahuas burrow under blankets out of habit. Just like we humans are creatures of habit, so are Chihuahuas. After performing the same activities day after day, they will continue to perform those activities without thinking about it.
Part of your Chihuahua’s daily routine may be burrowing. He may become accustomed to burrowing at 3:00 p.m., for instance. When the clock strikes 3:00 p.m., your Chihuahua may automatically burrow under a blanket for a midday nap. He may also become accustomed to unburrowing himself at a specific time later in the afternoon.
#11) Illness or Injury
Illness or injury may cause Chihuahuas to burrow under blankets. Dogs are masters at hiding pain. It’s a trait that improves the chances of survival in the wild.
Pain is a sign of weakness in the wild. If a dog is limping or yelping, predators may view him as an easy target. Therefore, dogs have evolved to hide their pain. Rather than yelping, your Chihuahua may simply burrow under a blanket if he’s sick or injured.
If you believe your Chihuahua is suffering from an illness or injury, take him to the veterinarian immediately. Only a licensed veterinarian can provide a proper diagnosis.
Is Burrowing Safe? What You Should Know
In most cases, burrowing is completely harmless. It may even benefit your Chihuahua by keeping him warm on a cold winter day or easing his anxiety. But you should still take some precautions to ensure your Chihuahua is safe while he burrows.
If he burrows in your bed, you may want to encourage your Chihuahua to burrow from the top of the blanket. He will likely struggle to get underneath the blanket from the bottom (the foot of your bed). Even if he’s successful, the blanket may get twisted around your Chihuahua to the point where it traps him.
Make sure your Chihuahua can easily escape from under the blanket. He may get hot or thirsty, in which case he will attempt to surface from his blanket-covered nest. To ensure your Chihuahua can escape, create a path for him. After he has burrowed, lift the blanket slightly to create a clear path from the top of the blanket all the way to his nest.
Most Chihuahuas can escape from under a blanket on their own, but senior and arthritic Chihuahuas may need a helping hand. They are slower and less dextrous than their counterparts. If your Chihuahua is old or has arthritis, you may need to lift the blanket completely off him when he’s ready to surface.
If your Chihuahua is an avid burrower, you stay on top of nail grooming. Chihuahuas with long nails may snag them in blankets. Aside from shredding up your blankets, this may cause discomfort or pain for your Chihuahua. You can prevent your Chihuahua from snagging his nails by trimming them at least once a month.
How to Choose a Burrowing-Friendly Blanket
Whether your Chihuahua burrows in your bed or his own bed, you should choose the right blanket for him. Some blankets are better suited for burrowing than others.
Don’t allow your Chihuahua to burrow under weighted blankets. With an average weight of 10 to 20 pounds, they are too heavy for small dogs. He may struggle to breathe under the weight of a heavy blanket. Weighted blankets are denser than normal, lightweight blankets, so they restrict airflow. The poor airflow under a weighted blanket can make it difficult for your Chihuahua to breathe and place your Chihuahua at risk for overheating.
Avoid choosing a knitted or crocheted blanket. They are more likely to cause nail snags than other types of blankets. While there are nuances between knitted and crocheted blankets, they both feature interlocking loops. Your Chihuahua may snag a nail on one of these loops, resulting in injury.
Heated blankets should also be off-limits to your Chihuahua. They may look like ordinary all-fabric blankets, but heated blankets have wires running through them. When plugged into a wall outlet, electricity will flow through these wires while subsequently generating heat. If your Chihuahua burrows under a heated blanket, he may accidentally the wires. The heated blanket may then pose an electrical hazard to both you and your Chihuahua.
Choose a blanket made of an organic fabric. Organic fabrics are more breathable than synthetic fabrics, and they are less likely to cause skin allergies. A lightweight blanket made of cotton or linen is perfect for a Chihuahua. You can even opt for a thicker wool blanket during the winter months.
In Conclusion
Chihuahuas love to burrow under blankets. Some of the most common reasons for burrowing include comfort, a sense of security, warmth, anxiety relief, claiming territory and hiding treats or toys. As long as your Chihuahua isn’t sick or injured, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just remember to follow the safety tips listed above.
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-is-my-dog-hiding-things
https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/canine/why-does-my-dog-dig
Does your Chihuahua love to burrow? Let us know in the comments section below!
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