What dog bed for my cold, burrowing miniature dachshund puppy?

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. She may be hiding due to pain. If she injured her back or something else she may be cowering from discomfort. I would recommend monitoring her for the next 2-3 days, allow her to rest and not play hard. If she continues to cower and hide, then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at her to help better determine what could be going on. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Silly Yogi! :) This is actually very common - many puppies and also adult dogs like to sleep under things, as it makes them feel more secure. One of my dogs actually likes to sleep with his head under the couch and his body sticking out; he's 9 years old now, and has always done this. As long as Yogi is acting normal otherwise, this shouldn't be any cause for concern.

If your dog is whining or "digging" at bedding, it may be that she is attempting to nest with her favorite toys. Dogs that are unspayed may be showing signs at the beginning of a heat cycle (displaying nesting behavior to get things ready for puppies), however spayed dogs may also have this behavior just as a comforting factor. Digging helps create a nice soft bed, and bringing a toy means having something to cuddle! It may also be that your dog is feeling a little distressed or bored, especially if the behavior happens when you are doing something else (such as focused on another task, or out of the home). If this is the case, providing a nice place for your dog to rest (such as a big bed or a kennel) may help. Providing toys that also distract such as ones filled with treats or puzzles can also help with anxiety. Leaving behind a shirt or object that smells like you in the bed may also help to comfort your dog if she is anxious. If you are concerned about your dog's behavior and do not think it is related to anxiety or normal doggie behavior, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your local vet. Your vet can perform a complete examination and rule out any signs of illness or pain to make sure everything is OK.

It sounds like she could have a problem with her back. Intervertebral disc disease is very common in the dachshund breed and she may have a disc that is starting to herniate. She needs to be examined by a vet to evaluate her back and determine the best treatment plan. Your vet may need to take an x-ray of her back. Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, and pain medications are used to treat this condition, as well as strict rest. No jumping, running, or playing for 3-6 weeks. Please call your vet and have her seen as soon as possible. Hope she feels better soon!

Congrats on your new hedgehog, and thanks for using PetCoach! As hedgehogs love burrowing, if you aren't providing a deep layer of bedding for her to burrow in, a small enclosure would be the next most ideal. There are many commercially available huts, sleep shacks, and bags that ST.Hedgie would love, and it will really depend on your needs and her likes. Some hedgehogs prefer the plastic, dome-type huts, and some prefer soft sacks. Cleaning will be easiest with plastic, but she may prefer a fabric house, so be prepared to appropriately clean the house of her choosing on a regular basis. Here are some options: Soft, hanging hut: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-sleepers-hideaways/multipet-pineapple-house-small-animal-hideaway-in-yellow Plastic castle hut: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-sleepers-hideaways/you-and-me-small-animal-hideaway Grassy hut: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-sleepers-hideaways/peters-woven-grass-hide-a-way-hut-for-rabbits Good luck, and I hope you have great fun with ST.Hedgie!

Digging in bed is a natural instinct and not a sign of misbehavior. In the wild, dogs have the instinct to hide in comfortable, protected areas when they sleep. You could try to redirect the behavior when you see her digging in her bed or try to find an indestructible dog bed that she can't put holes in it when she digs. Maybe also put blankets over her bed that she is allowed to dig in to satisfy her natural instinct of digging.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What a cute name for your new puppy! If Groot is tired it is not uncommon to go sleep and he feels comfortable and safe under the bed. He isn’t mad at you, just sleepy which is normal for a puppy his age. He will play longer as he gets older. Putting him in the crate after he sleeps is perfect! This is teaching him his crate is his den and a safe place to be. It sounds like you are doing a great job! Kisses to Groot!