Does it bother you when your dog scratches your bed or furniture? The desire for scratching beds in dogs is quite common. For the first time, it could look adorable, but constantly happening could make you worried. It could make you irritated and damage your furniture and beds.
If your dog is drawn to scratching or digging, it could be their natural instinct. They may want to get cozy and have a secure place, or their territorial behavior makes digging or scratching necessary. Also, their motherly behavior can enhance their scratching behavior more than normal.
If your dog’s scratching behavior worries you, you can trim its nails regularly, which can also keep it healthy. When your dog gets an anxiety attack, pet it or massage its back; that will help it relax slowly. Following these tips will save your materials from damage and prevent your dogs from getting hurt. Some exercises can help reduce their scratching behavior.
In this blog, we will learn about dog’s scratching behavior in depth. Keep reading to get a bigger picture of their unusual scratching behavior.
Top 6 Common Reasons Dogs Scratch the Bed
Dogs scratch for several reasons. Even if their scratching behavior is normal, it might worry you if your dog behaves out of character. If you sense some behavioral problems within your dogs, it could be these reasons. Dogs may want to scratch beds or furniture for a few reasons.
Let’s keep diving and learn about their behavior and why they do this.
1. Instinctual Behavior
Dog scratching behavior comes from their ancestors. Their ancestors used to dig or scratch at the piles of leaves, dirt, and pine needles. They did this to save from hunters and to survive in warm or cool seasons. That behavior still remains in the wild and domestic dogs.
Wild dogs scratch and dig at the ground, leaves, and other staff to find a secure place, or sometimes they do this without a valid reason. Moreover, sometimes pet dogs follow this behavior to make their own spot or to get comfortable, or it could just be their natural instinct without any reason.
2. Comfort and Security
Though dogs scratch beds out of instinctual behavior, they mostly get comfortable doing this. They try to settle their spot by scratching. They try to snuggle up in their own territory. That gives the satisfaction of one’s own spot.
Sometimes, they follow this behavior for weather demands. They try to find a cooler or warmer spot on beds. Your dog might be feeling insecure in a new environment. That could also be the reason for dogs scratching behavior. Also, the sound of scratching gives them the satisfaction that makes them do this.
3. Territorial Behavior
Even if it is their instinct or a desire for comfort, dogs scratch beds. However, dogs sometimes want to mark their spots or leave their scents on beds, which could also explain their scratching behavior. You would be surprised to know that dogs have glands in their paws that leave a particular scent on the bed or the spaces they scratch.
You would notice that during their nap time, they come to the exact spot to rest or nap. They might not want to share this spot with others. That territorial behavior may also make them think of scratching beds.
4. Anxiety and Stress
Though it shows their ancestor behavior makes them scratch staff or where they sit or lie down. It also can be a way of relieving stress or anxiety. Research says that A dog’s separation anxiety is confirmed as an anxiety disorder that appears when a dog is left on their own at home or when they are separated from their owners.
If your dog shows scratching behavior out of character, they might be stressed or sensed some irregularity in the environment. That leaves them stressed over and makes them scratch beds.
If your dog’s scratching is sudden and stressful quite often, that could be aggressive sometimes. Also, if your dog only scratches when you’re not around, they might be bored or anxious about not seeing you. That also leaves them thinking more about you. During that time, they scratch more often. So, notice the change in their behavior and calm them down.
5. Playful Behavior
If you are a pet owner, you will notice that your dog wants to get attention or find something interesting to play with, which also makes them scratch beds. That is another common reason they fluff up in bed. To show their excitement sometimes dogs eat socks or our clothes.
Dogs are more playful than other creatures. They enjoy spending time doing playful activities. In the house, their playful behavior surfaces; they scratch the beds to show their curiosity.
6. Maternal Instinct
During pregnancy, your dog might feel the need to nest, which also makes them scratch beds quite often. It’s a motherly instinct to behave in such a way. They may want to offer a warm and safe spot for their newborn puppies. Their hormonal changes exceed their scratching behavior during pregnancy.
How to Keep Your Dog From Scratching Your Bed?
Keeping your dog safe from unwanted harm is a kind of responsibility to you as a pet parent. That also requires when their scratching behavior goes beyond your hand. It might worry you; why must they behave this way?
Here are some easy solutions that you can easily follow to reduce your dog’s scratching behavior from their system.
Trim Your Dog’s Nail
Scratching and digging their natural behavior. But your bed could be damaged if they have long and sharp nails. Also, while in the process, they may get hurt. However, trimming their nails regularly can save them from damaging beds or furniture and prevent your dog from getting hurt.
If your dog’s nails are sharp after trimming them, try gently filing them to prevent them from becoming rough and sharp.
Provide More Durable Bed
Having peace of mind doesn’t only matter to humans; dogs scratch beds because they can’t seem to find comfort in their beds. That could also be to the point they scratch their beds. So, provide them with comfortable beds to get cozy.
You can try out some chew-proof and dig-resistant dog beds that are available in the market. Providing some comfortable orthopedic or memory foam dog beds will improve their sleep and reduce their scratching problems.
Give Them Other Ways to Play
Dogs may find joy in tweaking beds because doing this behavior constantly can make them tired and cause them to lack energy. So, if your dog does this quite often, try to divert their attention to other things.
Practice some outdoor activities such as puzzle toys, gun dog training, nose work games, etc. You can take your dog on a walk, run or swim. Engaging with other activities will reduce their scratching or digging behavior.
Calm Your Dog
Sometimes, biting and scratching habits appear due to anxiety, fear, and stimulation. Try to pet their back in this condition.
Dogs seek love, care and attention. Make sure they are seen and heard by you. Ensure their security if they are in a new place so that they relax. Try some exercises to reduce their anxiety.
Why Do Dogs Dig in Blankets Before Lying Down?
Another reason dogs dig in blankets before going to sleep in an attempt to get a good sleep. Scratching blankets makes them get cozy in their sleeping spot.
Does the Type of Dog Bed Affect Digging Behaviour?
Yes, sometimes, a dog’s scratching behavior depends on its bed type. Some dogs scratch less if their bed is comfortable, but if it is not comfortable to sit or lie down, they might want to scratch or dig their bed out of irritation.
Conclusion
Though it is their natural instinct to scratch materials, sometimes, there could be many reasons why their scratching behavior appears. It could be the reason for their comfort, which relies on their scratching behavior. Though doing things constantly might give you a headache.
To reduce digging, you could engage in indoor and outdoor activities or take your dog on a walk, run, or swim. It will help them keep busy with other activities, and their mental health will be in shape. They relax from their fear, anxiety and overstimulation.
If their scratching behavior is excessive, consult your vet. They will provide you with some training to resolve their problem. Also, don’t scold them for damaging your items.
