Top ten reasons for your pet to hide under the bed

The carpet-sucking monster

Most cats and dogs hate vacuum cleaners because they make a loud noise and pets don’t understand the need for domestic chores.

Someone says ‘bath’!

You can minimise your dog’s fear of the bath by only giving a bath when it needs one, grooming beforehand to comb out any tangles, avoiding getting water in the eyes and ears, and talking in a low, calm voice throughout the bath.

Owner hasn’t found the accidental puddle in the kitchen yet

Reasons for weeing indoors include marking territory, illness or not enough opportunities to go outside. Scolding is not recommended for training a leaky pet, but if it’s happening a lot, consult your vet.

Fireworks

Keep your pet indoors on Bonfire night (and any other fireworks nights) and reassure them with snack treats and your most soothing voice.

Dogs are den animals and like to feel cosy

If you have big, draughty rooms your dog may just be more comfortable in a smaller space.

Someone says ‘vet’!

You said it once and the next thing your poor pet knew it was on a stranger’s table being injected, shaved, neutered or drugged. Say ‘V-E-T’ instead.

Someone shouted

Too much discipline and not enough affection can make pets shy away. Save the loud voice for when it really matters and balance it with rewards for good behaviour.

You left some food under the bed

A sensitive nose will sniff out the packet of biscuits that you’ve forgotten!

Never been under the bed before…

Young animals are curious and will often explore every nook and cranny of their home.

Not feeling very well

Sometimes pets prefer to suffer alone, so if yours is hiding away get them checked by the vet to make sure there isn’t a medical reason.