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Does your female dog mount pillows? Is this normal canine behavior? If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place!
It can be concerning when your dog acts in this way. You may not know what to do next! That’s OK! We’ve put together some information about why female dogs mount pillows and other things. Let’s get started!
Why Do Female Dogs Mount Pillows?
Here are some of the most common reasons that a female dog may mount pillows:
- Stress & anxiety: a female dog may hump a pillow (or other things) if she’s feeling stressed and anxious. This may happen in dogs that have separation anxiety, feel anxious about a change in their home (such as a new person moving in or a new baby coming home), and more.
- Dominance: some female dogs may show they are dominant by humping pillows and other things. Why? No one’s really sure on this one!
- Health conditions: a female dog may also start mounting pillows if she’s suffering from a medical condition. Issues such as UTIs (urinary tract infections), skin allergies, flea bites, and more can cause a dog’s private area to become painful, itchy, and inflamed. The dog may be trying to relieve her discomfort by mounting pillows.
- Being playful: a female dog who is in a very playful mood may also hump pillows! Again, no one’s sure why, except that the pillow is readily available!
- Seeking attention: female dogs who feel ignored and neglected may act out by mounting pillows. After all, even negative attention is some attention.
- Relieving excitement: dogs that are excited may also hump pillows or other things around the house. This is a way to relieve stress, much in the same way a dog may mount pillows when she’s stressed.
Should I Stop my Female Dog from Humping Pillows?
It’s best to stop this behavior when your female dog starts doing it. It may seem funny, but the behavior can become compulsive, and then it’s no longer humorous. Spaying your female dog may also help stop her mounting pillows; however, it’s possible she may still mount pillows after she’s recovered from the surgery.
If your dog won’t stop mounting pillows, it’s time to head to the vet. Your fur baby may be suffering with an underlying condition that can be treated. When she’s feeling better, your canine companion may stop mounting the pillows.
It’s possible the vet may not find anything wrong with your dog. That’s a good thing! However, they may recommend working with a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist to get your female dog to stop mounting pillows.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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