If you’ve ever watched your dog circle, paw, and vigorously scratch at their bed before lying down, you’re not alone. Many dog owners across the U.S. wonder why their beloved companion can suddenly go from calm and relaxed to frantically scratching at their bed. When considering why dogs scratch their beds, is it natural behavior or instinct? Is there something wrong with their bed, or are they trying to fluff it up?
In this article, we take a look at why dogs scratch their beds and how, in most cases, it’s a completely normal dog behavior. It can signal discomfort, anxiety, or an underlying issue, so let’s see how you can decide whether it's a harmless habit or something worth addressing.
One of the biggest reasons dogs scratch their beds is that it’s a natural behavior and instinctive. In the wild, wolves must create safe and comfortable sleeping spots. They can paw at grass, leaves, dirt, or snow to clear away debris, flatten tall grass, check for insects or snakes, or create a shallow den for warmth.
Even though your dog now sleeps on a plush dog cushion in a climate-controlled home, those instincts remain and scratching and circling help satisfy a natural nesting drive. This behavior is especially common at night when dogs are preparing for a longer rest. If your dog scratches their bed briefly and then settles down peacefully, it’s usually nothing to worry about!
Your dog can also be scratching at their bed to try to get comfortable. Scratching, pawing, or digging at bedding can help redistribute stuffing inside the bed, make a preferred indentation, adjust blankets to the right position, or cool down or warm up the surface. Just like how we plump up our pillows and nestle our heads into them to get comfortable for sleep!
Dogs are surprisingly particular about temperature! Wolves in the wild dig into dirt to help them cool off in warm weather or dig a den for warmth in colder conditions. So scratching at their bed may be your dog’s way of seeking a cooler spot, exposing a different layer of fabric, or adjusting bedding for warmth. If you notice excessive scratching during hot months, your dog might be too warm. In colder seasons, they may be trying to create a cozy warm nest.
Dogs have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch or dig at their bed, they may be marking it with their scent. To say that this is their own bed. This territorial behavior isn't generally aggressive or problematic, but it can be a problem if you have a new pet join you, such as when you get a new puppy. Or if you rearrange your home, move home, move your dog’s bed, or have guests visiting regularly who might bring their dog.
Sometimes bed scratching isn’t just about comfort; it’s about emotional response. If a dog is experiencing anxiety, they may scratch excessively to self-soothe, and the scratching is often accompanied by pacing, whining, destructive chewing, or restlessness.
This is similar to people fidgeting to relieve stress. Common causes of scratching due to stress include separation anxiety, loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, routine changes, new pets, or moving homes.
In high-energy breeds, scratching can simply be an outlet for excess energy. To avoid this, you should make sure your dog has had enough mental and physical enrichment throughout the day, or they might be tempted to redirect their energy toward their bed.
In some cases, scratching the bed is connected to physical irritation like allergens, fleas, or skin conditions. This might be the case if they are licking or chewing their paws, scratching their ears or body, and have red or irritated skin. Dogs with joint pain or arthritis, especially older dogs, may scratch before lying down because they’re trying to find a position that relieves pressure. If you suspect your dog is scratching due to discomfort, you should consult your veterinarian.
Most of the time, a dog scratching their bed is harmless; if they scratch and relax, then it could just be part of their bedtime routine. However, you may want to investigate further if your dog is unable to settle, the scratching becomes sudden and intense, if it is accompanied by signs of distress, or if they damage floors or furniture. If you take a video of the behavior, it can help your veterinarian to work out what the problem is.
You can intervene gently if the bed is being destroyed, the scratching is extremely loud, or your dog is distressed. If scratching is frequent, your dog’s bed may not be meeting their needs. Orthopedic foam is a good option for senior dogs, you can use cooling gel beds for hot climates, and raised cots help with airflow. Also consider durable, scratch-resistant materials and larger sizing for better stretching. A bed that supports your dog’s body properly can reduce excessive nesting behavior.
Something you can do to help is to redirect your dog's energy to a favorite toy. To prevent excessive scratching, you can try upgrading to a sturdier bed, adding a washable blanket for digging, increasing exercise during the day, and providing calming aids if anxiety is suspected. Always use positive reinforcement training techniques to train your dog how to behave appropriately with their bedding.
For most dogs, scratching their bed is a perfectly normal blend of natural behavior, getting themselves comfortable for bed, and if your dog settles comfortably afterward, a few minutes and shows no signs of distress, there’s usually no cause for concern.
Providing plenty of physical and mental enrichment for your dog throughout the day can help your dog quickly settle down at night. If your dog’s behavior suddenly changes, if the scratching becomes excessive or frantic, or if there are other symptoms you are concerned about, then seek advice from your veterinarian.
In most cases, you can let your dog happily scratch at their bed to get it comfortable for a well-earned nap.
13 December, 2022