Blanket Bunching and Nesting Nerves: What Your Dog’s Blanket Rituals Reveal About Thermoregulation and Emotional Grounding

Have you ever noticed your dog nosing and pawing at their blanket before curling up for a nap? This adorable behavior is more than just a quirky bedtime routine—it’s a meaningful ritual that ties into instinctual behaviors. In this article, we explore what your dog's blanket bunching tells you about their physical comfort and emotional well-being.

Understanding Thermoregulation in Dogs

Dogs regulate body temperature differently from humans, often using their environment to help stay cool or warm. Blanket bunching is one way dogs adapt their comfort zone to find the right temperature.

• Dogs may push blankets aside when too warm or pile them to conserve heat.
• Breeds with short coats or lower fat stores may seek extra warmth through nesting.
• Puppies, senior dogs, and sick pets often have less efficient thermoregulation, increasing their nesting behaviors.

Emotional Grounding Through Nesting Behaviors

Nesting isn’t just practical—it's also emotionally soothing. Just as humans fluff pillows or pull up the covers for comfort, dogs manipulate their bedding to feel secure.

• Nesting mimics den-like safety from their wild ancestors’ habits.
• The act of nesting offers consistency, which helps reduce anxiety or stress.
• Dogs may burrow into bedding when there are loud noises or unfamiliar visitors.

Training Tips to Support Healthy Nesting

While nesting is natural, certain behaviors—like tearing bedding or obsessive digging—can signal underlying stress. Here's how to promote healthy practices:

• Provide soft, washable, chew-resistant blankets.
• Train positive associations with their sleeping area using treats and praise.
• Use calming scents or white noise in anxious settings.

Monitoring Health Through Behavior Clues

Shifts in sleeping or nesting patterns may indicate health issues such as discomfort, pain, or anxiety. Tracking changes in these routines offers insight into your dog’s well-being.

• Sudden increase in nesting may point to pain or chills.
• A drop in interest in nesting might signal emotional or physical distress.
• Observe your dog's activity and routine for red flags, especially in aging pets.

Track Well-Being with Queva Pets

Physical activity plays a crucial role in keeping your dog healthy—mentally and physically. Nesting is just one part of their daily routine, and staying active helps balance their energy and reduce anxiety.

Queva Pets’ smart tracking device supports health monitoring through:

• Activity tracking (walk, run, light, intense)
• GPS tracking for location peace of mind
• Health score insights based on your dog’s movement and behavior

Explore the Queva™ Tracker to stay in tune with your dog’s health