Dogs scratch their beds to make them comfortable, a leftover nesting instinct, and to mark them with scent.
Reasons
- Nesting instinct: wild dogs scratched the ground to make a comfortable, safe spot.
- Comfort: fluffing the bedding.
- Scent marking: glands in paws leave scent.
- Temperature control: digging to cool or warm up.
- Hunting for hidden items.
- Boredom or anxiety.
Is it normal
Yes, usually harmless.
If it’s too much
Provide a firm bed, exercise, toys and mental stimulation.
Medical
Excessive scratching might signal anxiety or itchy skin.
Protect
Keep nails trimmed.
Pregnancy
Dogs nest before giving birth.
Nesting instinct
Dogs inherited the behavior of scratching at the ground from wild ancestors, who dug and rearranged leaves and dirt to make a comfortable place to rest.
Temperature control
Scratching lets a dog make a cooler spot in hot weather or a warmer nest in cold weather. Scratching bedding can fluff it and shape it.
Scent marking
Dogs have scent glands in the paws. Scratching leaves a scent that marks the bed as theirs.
Comfort and anxiety
Bedding scratching before sleeping is normal. Overdoing it can show stress, boredom or an anxiety issue. Dogs with separation anxiety may dig more.
Pregnancy
A pregnant female may scratch and arrange bedding to prepare for puppies, and other nesting behavior can include gathering blankets and clinging close to the owner. Ask the vet for advice if you think your dog is pregnant.
Medical causes
Skin allergies, fleas, pain in the paws or joints and arthritis can lead a dog to scratch or rearrange its bedding repeatedly.
What to do
- Provide a bed with thick, durable material.
- Offer more exercise and mental stimulation with puzzle toys.
- Trim the dog’s nails regularly to prevent damage.
- Give a designated digging area outdoors for dogs that love to dig.
Protection
A bed with a tough cover and a washable liner protects against torn fabric. Remove any stuffing bits a dog may swallow.
When to worry
Obsessive digging, damaged paws or sleeplessness warrant a visit to a vet.
Instinct, scent and comfort
Dogs scratch and dig at their beds as a leftover denning instinct from wild ancestors, who dug hollows to make safe resting places, cool in summer and warm in winter. Paw pads contain scent glands that release a unique smell as the dog scratches, marking the bed as theirs. Circling and scratching also help the dog flatten the surface and check for insects. Pregnant dogs may scratch intensely as they prepare a nest in the days before whelping, which occurs about 63 days after conception.
When it is a problem
Scratching can wear down nails or tear bedding. Trim nails regularly, offer a sturdy bed and provide chew items for dogs that scratch because of boredom. Anxiety, such as separation anxiety, can increase repetitive digging. If scratching is paired with excessive licking, restlessness or skin redness, check for allergies, fleas or pain. A sudden change in behavior in an older dog can reflect cognitive dysfunction, which affects about 14 percent of dogs over 8 years, per veterinary estimates. A vet visit is useful if the habit is new, constant or comes with other symptoms.
Based on data from the American Kennel Club and the American Veterinary Medical Association
