If your dog is behaving oddly such as biting his bed when he is sleeping, there is a possibility that he is having a bad dream, feeling anxious, or he could be sick.
In this article, we will explore what are all the possible reasons behind this behavior.
He Is Suffering from a Bad Toothache
Dogs that bite their beds may be suffering from toothaches. It is common for dogs to suffer from dental problems, especially if they do not get regular dental care or as they age.
Toothache-stricken dogs are usually in pain and may bite their bedding to deal with their pain and discomfort.
Because of the pain in his teeth, your dog will try to bite the nearest thing that he can find during his sleep, which is going to be his bedding.
I would suggest that you bring your pet to see a vet as there may be something that he can do to help him.
The Dream He Had Frightened Him
Your dog is probably just having a bad night. It is possible that he dreams that he is being caught by his predators and is trying to escape by biting them.
While he may not even realize that he was dreaming, the dream will have felt real to him.
You see, dogs are always dreaming of some adventure while they are asleep. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your pet is dreaming of an encounter.
This is particularly true if your dog has ever been in a bad situation involving being chased and attacked by his predators. The memories of negative events in a dog’s life are often re-lived in dreams.
In case of fear or a bad dream, your dog may bite something to calm himself and bedding is certainly something that is within his reach.
It could also be the case that he dreams about an intruder in his territory, and he is trying to protect his space by chasing away the intruder. A dog that displays possessive aggression often exhibits this behavior.
Your dog might whine, cry, or growl if he feels threatened or anxious in a bad dream.
Obviously, your dog could also be dreaming more than this. Playing with you, getting a treat, entertaining himself with his toys, and so on, will also be part of his dreams.
For these pleasant dreams, you will see him waving his legs and making excited noises.
He Is Feeling Cold
If you ever find your dog lying on his sides, curling up and biting the bed, this is a sign that he is feeling cold. He is trying to keep himself warm through this action as it helps to make him feel better.
Signs that your dog is feeling cold:
- A shivering or shaking body.
- Having his tail tucked in with a hunched posture.
- An anxious or uncomfortable appearance.
- Reluctance to walk.
- In search of shelter.
- Raising his paw off the ground.
What should you do if your dog feels cold:
- Ensure that his sleeping area is warm and cozy. Keep your pup warm with a warm bed and thick blanket.
- Ensure that your dog is dressed in a sweater or jacket.
- Protect your dog’s paws with a dog boot.
His Sleeping Environment Makes Him Nervous
It is important to keep in mind that dogs are highly sensitive to any noise or light in the environment where they sleep.
A noisy environment may cause your dog to feel uncomfortable while sleeping. It makes him nervous to hear the surrounding sounds, so he bites his bed to calm himself down.
Consequently, if you see your dog chewing on his bed, it could indicate anxiety.
The New Bed Bothers Him
Has your dog only started biting at his bed after you got a new one for him?
In this case, he may be uncomfortable sleeping on a new bed. The unfamiliar scent from the new bed is making him feel nervous.
This behavior will probably go off as soon as he gets used to his new bed.
He Is Currently in the Teething Stage
The process of teething occurs naturally in puppies when they reach 3 weeks old.
By the age of 6 months old, all their permanent teeth will have erupted, and the deciduous teeth will have fallen out by then.
Teething puppies are in constant pain, and they will do anything to ease their discomfort.
To relieve the discomfort, your puppy will chew things that he can get his mouth on.
Therefore, it is normal for your puppy to chew on things such as toys, clothes, furniture, and even his bed to ease the pain of teething.
When your dog is teething, you should always monitor his teeth and gums. If you notice any bleeding in your dog’s mouth, contact your vet immediately.
Some common signs of teething include:
- Gums that are red and inflamed.
- Bad breath and drooling.
- A tendency to chew a lot.
Is there a way to soothe your dog’s teething pain?
Here are 4 tips for teething puppies:
- Frozen mini bagels are a tasty treat for your dog when he is suffering from teething discomfort.
- Cold carrots can ease discomfort, along with offering vitamins and minerals.
- Fruit that has been frozen, such as strawberries or banana bits.
- Make a rope out of a dishrag or towel, wet and freeze it.
A Dream About Hunger Leads to His Biting
Dogs are natural hunters, and they’re always looking for something to eat.
This means that if your dog is hungry, he may bite the bed or anything that he can easily get his mouth on when he dreams of his food in his sleep.
Suffering from Compulsive Behaviors (Fabric Chewing)
This could be a mimicking chewing behavior that your dog has picked up when he is still a puppy. Though he had already grown up, this behavior still stays with him.
Probably this has become a habit for him, and he needs to bite on his bed for him to sleep.