Why Do Dogs Dig Holes in the Backyard?

We guess this is what must have happened with you – It was a nice Sunday afternoon. You were done with all the household chores and then finally decided to work on your garden. You spent half an hour looking for all the equipment and then the moment you step out, it’s like your garden has turned into the surface of the moon – craters everywhere. 

You turn around to look for the culprit and there’s your dog with their innocent and pleasing eyes trying to tell you “Don’t look at me like this. My ancestors have taught me to do this. Didn’t you read about it before getting me home?”

Well, obviously you didn’t. But here you are now and we have all the answers you’re looking for. Spoiler alert! Your dog may be trying to build a secret tunnel to escape your house. 

Here’s why dogs dig holes – ⁽¹⁾

All dogs have a natural prey drive. There’s a reason you see your dog chasing squirrels. It is possible that your dog may have heard or smelled some underground animals in your yard. Hence the exploration. 

Dogs, in their wild days, used to store their hunted prey underground for the days when food was scarce. This behavior has stayed with them even today. They tend to dig holes and safeguard their priced belongings underground from thieves and predators. 

We know that the temperature is a bit lower even a few feet underground. Well, even our dogs know that. On a hot sunny day, your dog may just end up digging a hole and relax in the cool soil. You’ll see Nordic breeds like Malamutes, Huskies, and Elkhounds engaging in something like this. 

Apparently, the soil underneath works both ways. During cold winters, a dog may try to create a dirt blanket of sorts to insulate themselves from the cold. 

In stressful situations, a dog may develop anxiety and start digging because they don’t know what else to do. Digging helps them exert all the pent-up energy in such situations. 

If you’re not going to play with them, they’ll find a solo sport for themselves. And digging ranks at the top of their list.  

You’ve seen birds sitting on their eggs to provide heat? Some female dogs tend to do the same during pregnancy by digging holes and nesting. You won’t see this behavior usually as now domestic dogs have the option to use blankets or pillows for doing the same. 

Dogs are curious creatures, especially when they are young. They would like to know what’s on the other side of the fence. And if they can’t jump over it, well, you may just witness the canine version of ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’  

Should I Let My Dog Dig Holes?

This depends on why your dog is digging in the first place. If it is just out of boredom or curiosity, there’s no harm in it. However, it would be better if your dog receives enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day so that they do not have all the excess energy to burn. 

Is It Healthy for Dogs to Dig Holes?

Digging can be a good way for dogs to get rid of boredom or anxiety. However, excessive digging can be a bad sign and the underlying reason for that needs to be determined. Most often it is because the dog is not getting enough physical and mental stimulation. 

Moreover, some dogs keep digging until their paws go raw and sore. This can be bad. They even get exposed to the harmful chemicals in the soil. 

In conclusion, engaging in digging once in a while may be harmless for your dog but it is recommended to find the reason behind it and address it. 

What Repels Dogs from Digging Holes?

Here’s how you can keep your dog from digging – ⁽²⁾

Do Dogs Dig Holes from Anxiety?

Yes, some dogs do dig holes when they feel anxious or stressed. This is their way to escape from the situation. It is important to find out the reason for anxiety in your dog. At times, it can be an underlying medical condition as well. If ignored, it can get serious. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Dogs are babies. They are curious and full of energy. They tend to engage in multiple behaviors, some of which can prove to be harmful to them. They can get injured or, in the worst cases, end up getting affected by a severe medical condition. You may not be able to save them from all situations but you can definitely save the majority of their treatment costs. 

With Spot Pet insurance, you can save up to 90% of the treatment costs and much more. Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.