Why Does My Dog Burrow in My Bed or Blanket? The Instincts Behind the Cuteness

At Waggin’ Tails Pet Services, we know your dog’s quirky habits are part of what makes them family. But if you’ve ever found your pup digging, circling, or burrowing in your bed or under blankets, you might be wondering: Why do they do this? Is it normal? Should you be concerned? Let’s dig into the fascinating reasons behind this classic canine behavior-and how you can help your dog feel right at home.

The Roots of Burrowing: Instincts Run Deep

1. Denning Instincts
Long before dogs were our couch companions, their wild ancestors dug dens for safety, warmth, and raising pups. That urge to create a cozy, protected spot is still hardwired in your dog’s DNA. When your pup burrows into your bed or blanket, they’re channeling those ancient instincts-making a “den” where they feel safe and comfortable.

2. Seeking Comfort and Security
Beds and blankets are soft, warm, and full of your scent. Burrowing here is the ultimate comfort move for your dog. It’s their way of creating a secure space, especially if they’re feeling anxious, stressed, or just want to be close to you.

3. Stress Relief and Coping
Sometimes, dogs dig or burrow to cope with stress, changes in the household, or even boredom. If your dog’s burrowing seems frantic or obsessive, it might be their way of self-soothing when they’re overwhelmed or left alone.

4. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are smart, and they know what gets your attention! If you react when they burrow or dig, they may repeat the behavior just to interact with you, even if it’s just to see what you’ll do next.

5. Hiding Treasures
Ever found a toy or treat tucked under your pillow? Some dogs burrow or dig to “bury” their favorite things for safekeeping, a throwback to their wild ancestors’ survival strategies.

Is Burrowing a Problem?

Most of the time, burrowing is a normal, healthy behavior. But if your dog’s digging is damaging furniture, disrupting sleep, or seems driven by anxiety, it may be time to redirect their energy.

Waggin’ Tails Tips: How to Help Your Burrowing Pup

• Provide a Cozy Bed: Offer a soft, enclosed dog bed or blanket pile in a quiet spot. Some dogs love beds with high sides or even covered “cave” beds.

• Give Them a Job: If your dog is bored, increase playtime, walks, or interactive toys to burn off energy and satisfy their instincts.

• Create a Dig Zone: For dogs who love to dig, set up a designated spot (like a sandbox or dig pit) where they can indulge without wrecking your yard or home.

• Watch for Anxiety: If burrowing is frantic or obsessive, consider whether your dog might be stressed or anxious. Calming routines, more exercise, or a chat with your vet can help.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for using their bed or dig zone, and gently redirect them from off-limits spots.

Remember, if you have small dogs, ALWAYS check before you just plop down on the bed!!!

Odin is a big borrower, and I don’t know how many times I’ve found him where I didn’t know he was and saved him from getting hurt, or worse!

When to Seek Help

If your dog’s burrowing is sudden, extreme, or paired with other signs of anxiety (like whining, pacing, or destructive chewing), it’s worth consulting your vet or a professional trainer. Sometimes, underlying stress or health issues can drive compulsive behaviors.

Let Waggin’ Tails Lend a Paw

At Waggin’ Tails Pet Services, we’re here to help you understand and care for your pup-quirks and all. Whether you need daily walks, drop-in visits, or just some friendly advice, our team is dedicated to making life with your pet easier, happier, and a whole lot more fun.

Got a burrowing dog? Share your stories with us on social media- we love seeing your pets in action!

Waggin’ Tails Pet Services: Because every tail deserves to wag-blanket forts included!

Summer’s Here. Ticks to Fear

Summer in Northern Virginia means longer walks, lush parks, and more outdoor adventures with your pets-but it also means ticks are out in full force. These tiny pests aren’t just a nuisance; they can transmit serious diseases to both pets and people. Here’s how local pet parents can keep their furry family members safe all season long.

Why Ticks Are a Big Deal in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia’s mix of woodlands, grassy fields, and suburban yards creates the perfect habitat for ticks. The most common species here include:

• Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick): Known for spreading Lyme disease.

Deer Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)

• American Dog Tick: Carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

American dog Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)

• Lone Star Tick: Can transmit ehrlichiosis and cause allergic reactions.

Lone Star Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)

These ticks are active from spring through late fall, but summer is their peak season.

Tickborne Diseases That Threaten Pets and People

For Dogs and Cats:

• Lyme Disease: Causes joint pain, fever, and lethargy in dogs.

• Ehrlichiosis: Leads to fever, weight loss, and bleeding disorders.

• Anaplasmosis: Similar symptoms to Lyme, including joint pain and fever.

• Cytauxzoonosis (cats): A rare but deadly disease in cats, more common in the South but possible in our area.

For Humans:

• Lyme Disease: The most common tickborne illness in our region.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Can be severe if not treated promptly.

• Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis: Also pose risks to people.

Top Tick Prevention Tips for Northern Virginia Pet Owners

1. Use Vet-Recommended Preventatives
Talk to your veterinarian about monthly oral or topical tick preventatives for dogs and cats. These products are your best line of defense.

2. Perform Daily Tick Checks
After every walk, thoroughly check your pet-especially around the ears, neck, armpits, between toes, and under the tail. Ticks like to hide in warm, protected spots.

3. Keep Your Yard Tick-Safe

• Mow grass regularly and trim back shrubs.

• Remove leaf litter and brush piles.

• Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.

4. Stick to the Path
When hiking or walking, keep pets on trails and avoid tall grasses or dense brush where ticks are most common.

5. Dress for Success
If you’re venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

6. Know How to Remove a Tick
If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out. Clean the area with antiseptic and save the tick in a sealed container in case your vet needs to identify it. Here’s a great video on tick removal.

We have this tool in our walk kits for removing ticks if dogs pick one up on a walk. We’ve found it really easy to use and effective.

7. Monitor for Symptoms
Watch for signs of tickborne illness in your pets: fever, loss of appetite, limping, or unusual lethargy. Contact your vet if you notice anything off.

Local Risks: What Northern Virginia Pet Parents Should Know

• High-Risk Areas: Wooded parks, the Appalachian Trail, and even suburban yards near natural areas can harbor ticks.

• Year-Round Threat: While summer is peak season, mild winters mean ticks can be active almost any time.

• Community Spread: Dogs can bring ticks into the home, putting people and indoor pets at risk.

Waggin’ Tails’ Commitment to Pet Safety

At Waggin’ Tails, our team is trained to spot ticks and other hazards during every walk or yard visit. We use pet-safe cleaning protocols and can report any tick findings directly to you. If you need help with mid-day checks, yard cleanups, or just want an extra set of eyes on your pet’s health, we’re here for you-serving Loudoun, Frederick, Clarke, and surrounding counties.

Enjoy the summer safely! With a few simple steps, you and your pets can make the most of the season-tick-free.

For more local pet care tips and to book a walk or yard cleanup, visit WagginTails.net.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Prevention, and Solutions for Northern Virginia Pet Parents Returning to the Office

As the DC metro area continues its return to in-person work in 2025, many of our furry friends are facing a challenging adjustment. After years of having their humans work from home, dogs across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC are experiencing a phenomenon that veterinarians and behaviorists have been anticipating: separation anxiety. At Waggin' Tails Pet Services, we're seeing firsthand how this transition is affecting both pets and their owners throughout Loudoun, Frederick, and Clarke Counties.

What Exactly Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a serious condition that occurs when dogs become extremely distressed in their owner's absence. Unlike simple boredom or occasional mischief, separation anxiety is the canine equivalent of a panic attack. Research suggests that 8 out of 10 dogs find it difficult to cope when left alone, though half don't show obvious signs that pet parents might notice.

Spotting the Signs: Is Your Dog Struggling?

Your dog's distress signals might be more subtle than you think. Common symptoms of separation anxiety include:

• Destructive behavior: Chewing furniture, scratching at doors or windows, especially near exits

• Excessive vocalization: Persistent barking, howling, or whining that starts soon after you leave

• Inappropriate elimination: House-trained dogs suddenly having accidents inside

• Physical symptoms: Trembling, excessive panting, drooling, or salivation

• Escape attempts: Trying to break out of crates or rooms, sometimes causing self-injury

• Changes in appetite: Refusing to eat meals or treats when alone

• Extreme greeting behavior: Over-the-top excitement when you return home

Many Northern Virginia pet parents are surprised to learn that signs of anxiety often begin before they even leave. Watch for pacing, clingy behavior, or visible distress as you prepare to depart-these are often the first indicators of separation issues.

Why Return-to-Office Is Particularly Challenging

The pandemic created a perfect storm for separation anxiety. According to local veterinarians in the DMV area, many pets adopted during pandemic lockdowns have never experienced extended time alone. Even longtime pets have grown accustomed to constant companionship.

"Many pet owners in the DMV are noticing behaviors of 'separation anxiety' as most people begin returning to work in person after spending nearly a year and a half working from home with their furry friends right by their side," reports local media.

Local specialists like Dr. Amy Pike of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Northern Virginia note that separation anxiety can affect various pets but is most common in dogs.

Prevention: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

If you're planning your return to office, being proactive is key. Here are strategies recommended by veterinary behaviorists:

1. Practice Gradual Departures

Start with brief absences, even just stepping out for a few minutes, and gradually increase duration. As one local expert advised, "Leave your house in small increments and just work your way up to the full 8-hour day. You could even go for a walk around the block and come home, or go out for twenty minutes, run your errands, and come home, and slowly build them up to getting used to being home alone".

2. Create a Comfort Zone

Designate a safe, comfortable space where your dog feels secure when alone. This could be a crate (if properly trained), a specific room, or a cozy corner with their favorite bed and toys.

3. Pre-Departure Exercise

Tire them out both physically and mentally before leaving. As recommended by certified separation anxiety trainer Tracy Krulik from our area, "Take your dog on a sniffari. Let your dog's nose lead the way... Thirty minutes of sniffing like that is going to make your dog snoozier and more relaxed than two miles of walking is ever going to do".

4. Departure Distractions

Offer food, puzzle toys, or long-lasting treats when you leave. This creates positive associations with your departure and gives your dog something engaging to focus on.

5. Keep Departures Low-Key

Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning; dramatic goodbyes and greetings can heighten anxiety. Maintain a calm, matter-of-fact attitude about comings and goings.

Solutions for Dogs Already Experiencing Separation Anxiety

If your dog is already showing signs of separation anxiety as you've returned to the office, don't worry!! There are effective approaches to help them adjust:

Behavior Modification

The most successful treatment for canine separation anxiety involves systematic desensitization and counterconditioning. This process gradually teaches your dog that being alone is safe and can even be enjoyable. Start with extremely short separations that don't trigger anxiety, then very slowly increase duration as your dog remains comfortable.

Professional Support

For moderate to severe cases, consulting with a veterinary behaviorist or certified separation anxiety trainer is highly recommended. In the Northern Virginia area, we're fortunate to have several specialists who can provide customized treatment plans.

Medication Considerations

For some dogs, temporary medication may help reduce anxiety levels while behavioral training takes effect. FDA-approved options like clomipramine (Clomicalm®) and fluoxetine (Prozac®) have shown effectiveness when used appropriately under veterinary guidance. Talk with your vet to ensure this option is appropriate for your dog.

How Waggin' Tails RTO Solutions Can Help

At Waggin' Tails, we've developed specific Return to Office (RTO) plans to support Northern Virginia pet parents and their furry friends through this transition. Our RTO services include:

Mid-Day Dog Walking

Our consistent, GPS-tracked dog walking services provide crucial mid-day relief for dogs now spending workdays alone. Even a 30-minute break with one of our professional walkers can make a tremendous difference in your dog's day, providing exercise, mental stimulation, and a bathroom break when needed most.

Drop-In Visits

For dogs with milder anxiety or those who primarily need bathroom breaks and brief companionship, our 15-60 minute drop-in visits are the perfect solution. Our pet care specialists will ensure your dog gets attention, fresh water, and necessary care while you're at the office.

Enrichment Activities

We can incorporate specialized enrichment activities during our visits to keep your dog mentally stimulated and positively engaged, helping to reduce anxiety throughout the day.

Visit waggintails.net/rto to learn more about our customized Return to Office solutions for pets throughout Loudoun, Frederick, and Clarke Counties.

Building a Sustainable Routine

Remember that consistency is key when helping your dog adjust to new routines. Dogs thrive on predictability, so establishing a reliable schedule for walks, meals, and alone time will help them feel more secure. Many of our Northern Virginia clients find that combining at-home training techniques with professional support services creates the most successful transition.

Whether your return to office is full-time or hybrid, your furry friend doesn't have to suffer through the adjustment alone. With the right preparation, patience, and support, most dogs can learn to feel comfortable and content even when their favorite humans are away at work.

Ready to create a personalized plan for your pet's return-to-office transition? Contact us today to discuss how we can help make this change positive for both you and your canine companion.

5 Signs Your Dog Needs More Walks

You already know walks are great for your dog—but how do you know if they’re getting enough? Here are 5 tell-tale signs your pup is craving more leash time.

1. Zoomies Gone Wild – If your dog is sprinting around the house like a furry tornado, they’re likely under-exercised.

2. Destructive Behavior – Chewing, digging, and tearing things up? That’s pent-up energy needing an outlet.

3. Restlessness at Night – Just like humans, dogs sleep better after they’ve been physically active.

4. Pulling at the Leash – A dog that drags you out the door is probably desperate for adventure.

5. Weight Gain – Not just about food—lack of daily movement plays a huge role.

A consistent walking routine keeps your dog healthier, calmer, and happier.

Don’t have the time?

That’s where we come in—Waggin’ Tails offers professional dog walking designed around your schedule and your pup’s needs.

Why Pet Waste Removal Is More Than Just a Convenience

Pet waste removal may seem like a luxury, but it’s essential for health and the environment. From protecting your family to keeping your yard clean year-round, hiring a professional scooper is one of the smartest home services you can invest in. Not to mention, we give you back the most important thing you can have… Time.

The average dog owner will spend almost 40 hours annually, pickup up dog poop! 40 HOURS!!!!!

What can you do with an entire work week given back to you?

Then there are the other considerations…

• Health & Safety: Pet waste carries harmful pathogens like Parvovirus, roundworms, and E. coli that can pose a risk to pets and humans. Our team uses kennel-grade disinfectants after every cleanup to prevent cross-contamination​.

• Yard Aesthetics: Clean yards are more inviting for guests, family, and your pets.

• Environmental Impact: Proper waste disposal removes contaminants from storm drains and local waterways.

Conclusion:
Our motto? Clean Yards. Happy Dogs. Happier Humans. At Waggin’ Tails, we take pride in the dirty work so you can enjoy a cleaner, safer, happier home.

How Often Should You Schedule Poop Scooping Services?

Wondering how frequently your yard needs scooping?

Whether you have one playful pup or a pack of pooches, we break down the best service frequency for your household.

• Weekly Service (Most Popular): This service is ideal for 1-2 dogs and keeps yards consistently clean and fresh.

• Bi-Weekly Service: A budget-friendly choice for homes with limited backyard use.

• Twice-a-Week Service: Great for larger households, daycares, or active yards with 3+ dogs.

• Monthly Service: Works for minimal use yards, but be prepared for heavier cleanups.

Bonus Tip: If cost is a concern, we offer frequency discounts to keep you as a client while easing your budget​.

Our suggestion?? Start with once a week. If you need more, we can always add a service when you need it.

Your yard, your way. Choose the cleanup schedule that fits your lifestyle, and let Waggin’ Tails do the rest.

Inside the Life of a Poop Scooper: Tools, Trucks, and Tail-Wags

If only the dogs would do it for us! Unfortunately, they don’t. Which I suppose is why we exist!! So, we won’t complain too much.

Since we do exist, what does a day in the life of a professional scooper look like? Here’s how we keep things clean, efficient, and—yes—even fun.

• The Right Tools: We use a Corona cultivator rake and a Quickie lobby dustpan—durable, efficient, and easy on the wrists​.

• Disinfect Like a Pro: Our team disinfects tools and shoes after every yard to keep pets safe from harmful bacteria​.

• Route Optimization: We cluster yards by zone to reduce drive time and boost productivity​.

• Safety First: From hazardous weather policies to friendly dog protocols, we take every precaution seriously​.

It’s not just about scooping—it's about delivering top-notch service with care, precision, and a wagging tail attitude.

What to Expect During Your First Poop Scoop Appointment

New to professional pet waste removal? Here’s exactly what happens from your first quote to your freshly scooped yard.

• Step 1: The Quote Call – We ask three quick questions: Your address, number of dogs, and last cleanup date​.

• Step 2: Initial Cleanup – This one takes longer and is priced based on time or condition of the yard.

• Step 3: Choose Your Frequency – Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—we’ll set you up on a schedule that works.

• Step 4: Notifications & Billing – You’ll get a 60-minute “on-the-way” text and a gate-close photo after each visit​.

We make things simple, safe, and stress-free—from the first call to your clean yard. Welcome to Waggin’ Tails, where clean yards equal happy paws!