Why Does My Dog Cover Her Food – PetDogsLife
A lot of dog owners may have noticed their furry friend covers their food. But don’t know the reason. There are a few reasons why dogs might cover their food.
One reason is that they’re trying to protect their food from being stolen by other animals. Another reason is that they might think the act of covering their food will make it taste better.
Moreover, it is natural for dogs to guard their food. For more information on why does my dog cover her food, Read the article!
Why Does My Dog Cover Her Food – Sample Guide
Many dogs are territorial when it comes to their food and they don’t want to share it with anyone, even other animals in the house. If there are cats or other small animals in the home, your dog may think they’re going to steal her food so she’ll cover it up with her paw to keep an eye on it.
There are some reasons which include:
1. Protection
The most common reason dogs cover their food is for protection. Your dog may be afraid that another animal will steal her food or that her food will become contaminated.
2. Dominance
Another reason dogs may cover their food is to assert their dominance over other animals in the house. If your dog is the alpha of the pack, she may feel the need to protect her food from being taken by another dog.
3. Submission
On the other hand, some dogs do this as a sign of submission. If your dog is submissive to other animals in the house, she may feel the need to protect her food from them.
4. Anxiety
Dogs may also cover their food out of anxiety. If your dog is anxious or stressed, she may feel the need to protect her food from being taken away. Moreover, she may be afraid that her food will be taken away if she doesn’t eat it all.
5. Possessiveness
Another common reason dogs cover their food is possessiveness. Dogs are naturally possessive creatures, and they may feel the need to protect their food from being taken by another animal
6. Taste
Some dogs may cover their food because they simply don’t like the taste of it. If your dog is covering her food, try switching to a different type of food or adding some flavour to it.
7. Boredom
Finally, some dogs do this out of boredom. If your dog is bored, she may cover her food to create a game or to pass the time.
If your dog is covering her food, it’s important to figure out why. Once you know the reason, you can take steps to address the behaviour.
Should I Worry If My Dog Covers Her Food?
If your dog is covering her food, you may be wondering if you should be concerned. In most cases, there’s no need to worry. However, if your dog is doing this excessively or if she’s showing other signs of anxiety, it’s essential to talk to your vet.
Your vet will be able to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the behaviour. They may also be able to prescribe medication or recommend behaviour modification techniques.
Tips for Preventing Your Dog from Covering Her Food
There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from covering her food.
1. Use A Puzzle Feeder
One way to prevent your dog from covering her food is to use a puzzle feeder. Puzzle feeders are designed to keep dogs entertained and engaged while they eat. It will also slow down their eating, which can help prevent them from overheating.
2. Add Flavor To Her Food
If your dog is covering her food because she doesn’t like the taste, try adding some flavour to it. You can add some wet food or gravy to her dry food. By doing this, you’ll make her food more palatable and she’ll be less likely to cover it.
3. Keep Her Environment Calm
If your dog is anxious or stressed, try to keep her environment calm. This means avoiding loud noises and keeping the house quiet. You should also avoid having other animals around while she’s eating. By doing this, you’ll help her feel more relaxed and she’ll be less likely to cover her food.
4. Give Her Attention
If your dog is bored, try giving her some attention. This means playing with her or taking her for a walk before she eats. By doing this, you’ll help her release some of her energy and she won’t be as likely to cover her food out of boredom.
5. Ignore The Behavior
Finally, if your dog is covering her food out of boredom, the best thing you can do is to ignore the behaviour. Dogs are attention seekers, and they may cover their food to get your attention. If you ignore the behaviour, she’ll eventually stop doing it.
Conclusion
Hope this article helped you understand the reasons why does my dog cover her food. If you are still having trouble, consult with a professional trainer. They will be able to help you correct the behaviour and teach your dog what is expected of them. Thank you for reading!