Why Do Dogs Bury Bones in the Backyard?

We get why you’re asking this question. Your dog would have received a delicious bone as a treat. He gives it a good sniff, his tail wagging furiously, and then, instead of settling down to gnaw on it, he runs off to the garden. With a quick glance around to make sure no one's watching, he starts digging, buries the bone and then returns as if nothing has happened.  

And that look on their face as if they’ve either committed a crime or hidden one of the most valuable things in the world, makes many people ask this question. We’ve got the answer for you. 

Spoiler alert! There is no ancient secret in the bone that your dog is trying to bury.  

Dogs burying bones is a simple act of saving for a rainy day. Remember ‘The ant and the grasshopper?’ Well, some dogs seem to have learned very well from the story. This behavior in dogs comes from their ancestry. 

Dogs tend to keep all their valuable treasures safe.  Earlier, when dogs used to roam in the wild, food was no less than a treasure for them. They spent a lot of time and energy in finding and hunting prey. The family enjoyed the meal then but saved some for the difficult times. When the food was scarce, the best killers and their families had food to eat while the others were left hungry. During such times, they relied on their stored food for survival. ⁽¹⁾

And if we think humans are the only ones who understand science and nature, we should re-think. Dogs figured out food preservation quite early. Not just that, they also figured out that the content of the earth also helped to marinate the meat and hence enhance its taste. 

This may not be the only reason for your dog to bury bones though. Some other reasons include – ⁽¹⁾

Dogs tend to protect their valuables from thieves and predators. If you have more than one dog in the house, the burying usually happens because of the competition between them. 

Boredom can also have your dog digging in your yard and burying stuff. It’s their way of saying “If you’re not going to play with me, I’ll play alone. But you better not complain about your yard then.”

Dogs experiencing stress or anxiety, especially separation anxiety, tend to engage into such behaviors. 

Some breeds that have a hunting background and were used to chase prey into underground burrows, have a higher tendency to dig and bury.

Should I Let My Dog Bury Bones?

Your dog may also bury a bone at times because why not? There may not be a possible explanation for your dog’s behavior every time. It is just their way of passing time and engaging in something interesting according to them. And there is no harm in it. So, let your dog dig deep.

Having said that, excessive digging and burying can become a problem. Some dogs tend to keep digging till their paws become sore. Their paws can also be exposed to certain chemicals in the soil which can be harmful. ⁽¹⁾

If your dog engages in such behavior frequently and excessively, you must consult a vet or a behavioral specialist. 

Which Dog Breeds Bury Bones?

Breeds that have hunting backgrounds and especially the ones who used to hunt small game by digging in their burrows tend to dig and bury bones and other food or non-food items. They include Miniature Schnauzers, Terriers, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Bloodhounds. ⁽²⁾

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Buried Bones?

No, it is not safe for your dog to eat buried bones. A rotting, decomposing bone can create multiple gastrointestinal issues for your dog like vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can also lead to more serious health problems like salmonella. ⁽³⁾

And now that we are on this topic, don’t feed cooked bones as well to your dog ever. They can splinter in their digestive tracts and cause obstruction or perforation. Getting them some dental chews is always a better option. 

Why is My Dog Hiding Her Bone?

Your dog is hiding her bone because she doesn’t trust other dogs (if any) or probably even you with it and wants to safeguard it. 

We know what you’re thinking. Your dog doesn’t need to save any food for the future. You’re always going to be there to feed her whenever she’s hungry. But as they say – Old habits die hard. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Burying bones is an innocent act but can come with multiple risks as mentioned above. Some of them may even cause severe problems in your dog’s body. If you do not want a dent in your savings because of all the treatment costs, pet health insurance will help you save up to 90% of them. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!