Why Does My Dog Lay in The Bathroom Alone?

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You shell out a hundred bucks for the finest dog bed, and where does your canine decide to rest? Solo in the bathroom. That’s precisely why you’ve come here searching for solutions.

Your concern may stem from the idea that your valued canine should not be on the bathroom floor. This is because a variety of hazardous items could be present in your bathroom, including bars of soap and scissors.

In this article, we’ll help you to understand your dog’s behavior and provide solutions to help them stay safe.

Here are the seven surprising reasons why your dog might be laying on the bathroom floor.

1. Cold Bathroom Floor

The most common reason why dogs escape to the bathroom is because of the cool floor. If they get too hot, the bathroom or even bathtub can be the perfect place for them to cool off. This is especially true for large dog breeds or dogs with thick fur, such as huskies.

Dogs don’t have sweat glands like humans do. The ceramic tile or hardwood flooring provide relief from the heat of other rooms.

Solutions:

  • Get them a cooling mat or move their bed closer to the air conditioner.
  • Provide them with plenty of water and shade.

2. Loud Noises

Their ears are far more sensitive than human ears, so it makes sense they that are more easily startled by sudden loud noise.

There are plenty of everyday sounds that can startle our dogs including thunderstorms, fireworks, the vacuum cleaner, or even the hair dryer.

Some dogs are even afraid of high-pitched sounds like children yelling or whistling while playing.

Solutions:

3. Dog Bed is Uncomfortable

Too small: Dog beds should be large enough for your dog to stretch out.

Uncomfortable: If the bed is old and worn, it might not be providing the support your dog needs.

Too hot, too cold: The bed should fit the dog breed. If you have a short haired dog, they might need a warm bed and a blanket. On the flip side, breeds with thick fur need elevated beds that keep them cool.

Solution:

4. They Want a Safe Place

In the wild, dogs love to sleep in caves or dens. Your pet may sleep in the bathtub or shower because it is a cool, dark, and enclosed place to relax.

Dogs follow their instincts, so it isn’t a big deal if you find your dog holed up in the bathroom. It is smaller than most rooms in the house, making it ideal for dogs who don’t feel safe elsewhere.

If your dog’s bed is in a stressful, high traffic area of your home, they are going to seek out a quiet place where they can sleep uninterrupted. This is especially true if you have other pets, like a cat or other dogs.

Solutions:

  • Put their bed in a quiet spot in another room in the house, like a closet.
  • Provide them with a suitable-sized crate and put a blanket over it.

5. They are Nervous or Anxious

If you have recently changed your routine or added something new to the house, this can trigger anxiety in your dog.

If there is a new person or pet in the house, many dogs will escape to the bathroom. Try to introduce them slowly, so they have time to acclimate.

If your schedule has changed from starting a new job, that can make your dog feel separation anxiety. Check out these easy tips to deal with separation anxiety in dogs.

Try adding something new to their schedule that they can look forward to, such as a walk before you go to work. You can also hire a dog walker or dog sitter to keep your dog company while you are away.

Solutions:

  • Give your dog a consistent schedule.
  • Hire a dog sitter.
  • Introduce any new things slowly.

6. The Bathroom Smells Like You

Dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans do. If they suffer from separation anxiety, then it is totally normal for them to self-soothe by lying on the bathroom floor.

Your dog likely associates your comforting scent with happy memories of playing fetch or going on walks together.

“They have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, versus only about 6 million for us.” explains Dr. Michael T. Nappier, DVM, DABVP, of the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Click here to read 8 dog nose facts you probably didn’t know.

Solution:

  • Offer them one of your worn t-shirts instead.
  • Clean the bathroom with a strong citrus scented cleaner.

7. You are Encouraging The Behavior

Are you guilty of giving your pet attention or a treat before you use the bathroom? It may seem harmless, but it is encouraging your dog to spend time in the bathroom.

Your dog might see your trip to the porcelain palace as the time when they get your undivided attention. If you give them attention before you take a shower or use the bathroom, it gives them positive reinforcement that the bathroom = spending time with you.

Solutions:

  • Don’t give your dog a ton of attention when you leave the bathroom.
  • Try to cut off your dog’s access to the bathroom by keeping the door closed.

FAQs

Should I worry about my dog lying on the bathroom floor?

The only reason you should worry is if you notice your dog has a sudden change of behavior. If your dog has always been a social creature, and they are secluding themselves, it is time to investigate.

This is one of the signs of serious health issue. They may be seeking a safe place to isolate themselves because they are not feeling well.

Your dog may be isolating himself because of a mental or physical condition, the reason of which could include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Other Illness
  • Pain
  • Age.

~ Darlene Stott, WagWalking.com

Why do dogs guard you in the bathroom?

When it comes down to it, dogs have a natural instinct to guard their pack, which includes us humans. Dogs are pack animals at heart, and part of that instincts is to make sure its family is safe no matter where they may be.

They also have an innate desire to protect and defend, a trait that dates back thousands of years ago, before they were domesticated. After all, what better way for them to show their loyalty than by guarding you in the bathroom?

Is it normal for dogs to follow you to the bathroom?

It’s actually quite common for dogs to follow their owners into the bathroom. But why do dogs have this habit? Turns out, they just love to spend time with us!

Velcro dogs are inseparable from their favorite humans. If your pup is constantly by your side whether you are cooking, cleaning, watching TV, or sleeping, then you might have a velcro dog.

If there’s any chance of getting some extra love and attention from their favorite human, they’ll be there, and that includes when you are going to the bathroom!

Is it OK to let your dog in the bathroom?

While it is perfectly fine to let your dog follow you into the bathroom, there are many things you don’t want them to get into on their own. It’s important to make sure that any products used in the space are pet-friendly.

You will need to dog proof the bathroom if your pets are going to be spending time with you in the bathroom. Building positive associations is beneficial if your dog is anxious about the bathroom during bath time.

Offer lots of affection and even a tasty treat in reward for calm behavior.

In Conclusion

If your dog is sleeping in the bathroom floor, they are telling with you that they need their bed or bed to be moved.

The best course of action is to redirect the unwanted behavior by giving your dog a better place to sleep where they feel comfortable and safe.

If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment below!

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