We know how much you love your pets and how important they are to you. When your pet hides under the bed, it can be a cause for concern. You may wonder if your pet is sick, upset, or getting into trouble when they hide under there. So, how can you keep your animal away from the bed?
Animals hide under beds for a variety of reasons including fear, injury, privacy, and more. You can stop your pet from hiding underneath the bed by placing storage containers or other household objects in the location. Training your pets and closing the door are other potential solutions.
If your animal is getting into trouble underneath the bed or hiding often, it may indicate deeper issues. Fortunately, there are simple solutions you can enact to fight these situations. Read on for everything you need to know on how to keep your pets out from underneath the bed.
How To Keep Your Animals From Hiding Under The Bed
There are a few different options to keep pets from hiding under the bed, depending on what type of animal you have and the furniture/space you have. Some of the easiest ways to keep your animals from hiding under the bed include:
- Blocking off access with storage containers, books, or other household items
- Purchase a bed with built-in storage
- Close your bedroom door
Why Do My Animals Hide Under The Bed?
There may be a few reasons why your animal is hiding under the bed. Dogs hide under beds when they’re frightened, injured, need privacy, or when they get into trouble they shouldn’t have and want to hide it.
Cats, on the other hand, hide under beds because they like dark spaces, and it calms their nerves.
Fear & Anxiety
Animals hide under beds for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, fear and anxiety might be the reason your pet is hiding under the bed. New situations, new people, and loud noises can stress animals out, causing them to seek privacy.
Injury & Sickness
Dogs and other animals seek shelter when injured. Animals do this to avoid predators, relax, and heal. Your pet may be hiding under the bed due to injury.
An injury could be something as little as a splinter in a paw or full-blown sickness. Be sure to take your pet to the vet if the situation doesn’t improve.
They Made a Mistake
Animals understand when they’re in trouble or when they’ve made a mistake. For example, if your dog got into the trash while you were away from home, you might find him under the bed when you return.
To avoid these situations, be sure to block off access underneath your bed.
What’s The Best Way To Keep Pets From Hiding Under The Bed?
You might be concerned about your animal if they’re frequently hiding under the bed. This is understandable because your pets are part of your family.
Not to mention, some animals can get into even more trouble underneath the bed. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions that help prevent your animal from hiding under the bed.
Use Storage Containers
The best way to stop your dog, cat, or other pet from hiding under the bed is by simply blocking it off. One way to accomplish this is by using appropriately sized storage containers (on Amazon).
With less room to wiggle and maneuver around, your pet is less likely to hide under your bed. Be sure to place heavy objects in your storage containers so your pet can’t push them out of the way.
Try Using Household Items
Another way you can block off the area under your bed is by using books and other household objects.
Stacks of books, cardboard boxes, and other heavy objects serve the same purpose as storage containers. The upside to this solution is that it can be entirely free.
Consider Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation is another way you can block off access under your bed. This simple DIY project can work wonders for some individuals.
Be sure to measure the space under your bed before purchasing so you have accurate measurements.
Consider a Bed With Built In Storage
Alternatively, you can purchase a bed with built-in storage (on Amazon). This solution solves the problem immediately by removing the area completely.
Murphy beds (on Amazon) also serve the same purpose. It’s important to note that this solution is the most expensive option, so tread lightly by considering the other options first.
Close Your Bedroom Door
Another simple way to block off access to your bed is by closing the door completely. If you have a bigger animal or clever pet, you can try using baby locks to make it more challenging. Alternatively, if your bedroom doesn’t have a door, you can use animal gates to block off access.
Train Your Pet
Finally, you can always train your pet. Treats, toys, and affection are all potential motivators for your animal. Find out what makes your animals tick and work with them.
Training your pet is a long-term solution, so this may not be the best option for those needing immediate results.
Why Is My Pet Suddenly Hiding Under The Bed?
You might be concerned if your dog, cat, or other animal is suddenly hiding under the bed. Feeling worried is completely understandable, as hiding can be an indicator of deeper issues. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case.
They’re Sick or Injured
If your animal is suddenly hiding under the bed, it might be an indication that they’re sick. Dogs hide under beds or find privacy when they’re not feeling well. Animals hide when they’re sick to avoid predators, find shelter, and heal. If your pet is hiding all of a sudden, you may want to consider taking them to the vet.
They Need Privacy
Animals are a lot like people – they have emotions and needs. Sometimes your pets need a little privacy. Small areas tucked away from people provide your animal with this needed privacy.
Your dog, cat, or other pet may be seeking some alone time and resort to hiding under the bed. Hiding under the bed may not always be an indication of a deeper problem.
Your Pet Might Be Scared or Anxious
Animals can also hide under beds when suffering from fear and anxiety. New situations, loud noises, and new people may spark anxiety within your pet. Other situations that can stress your animals include:
- Moving to a new location
- Young children
- Other animals
- Fireworks, loud music, thunder, and other loud sounds
Give your pet time and space to calm down. You can check on them and reassure them that everything is okay. That being said, your pet might just need some extra time to warm up to the situation.
Your Pet Made a Mistake
As mentioned earlier, your animal might hide under the bed when they’ve made a mistake. Animals know this by paying attention to their emotions, behavior, and actions.
If you react poorly when they make a mistake, they may be more fearful and stressed out. These negative emotions can drive them to hide under the bed or in other cramped places when they’ve made a mistake.
What Should I Do If My Pet Is Hiding Under The Bed?
If your pet is hiding under the bed, it may be an indicator of deeper issues. Some of the reasons your animal is hiding under the bed include:
- Fear and anxiety
- Injury and sickness
- Privacy
- They’ve made a mistake
Fortunately, sometimes our animals just need space and privacy. If your animal is hiding under the bed, give them time to calm down, regain trust, and warm up.
If the problem persists, consider taking them to the veterinarian or blocking off access to the underside of your bed.