Why Do Dogs Scratch Beds?

Have you ever wondered why dogs scratch beds? We all love our four-legged furry friends and we do our best to understand them at least half as much as they adore us, but there are certain things we can’t always explain.

One of those things is the reason for scratching and clawing their beds or your favorite sofa.

Wonder no more, the answers are all here.

Why Do Dogs Scratch Beds?

They want to be comfortable, too

Our pups love their comfort as much as we do, and this is one of the reasons for their scratching their beds.

You can even draw a parallel between their scratching and your fluffing your pillows or cushions, since the purpose is the same – you want everything to be just to your liking when you lie down, and so does your pet.

This may have roots in their past when they moved pointy rocks or sticks for comfort from the place where they wanted to sleep.

So, if you notice your dog is scratching his bed more than usual, maybe you could get them several thick and soft rags to make their naps more pleasurable.

The pawfect solution for temperature regulation

This is also primal.

While they lived in the wild, dogs were often too cold or too hot and they used to find a perfect solution to their problem, one that has probably remained somewhere in the back of their brains until this day.

They most likely clawed their way through the snow or ice when it was freezing in order to reach the warmer layers of dirt underneath.

Similar to this, when it was too hot, they would scratch away the hottest, upper layers of the ground to get to the cooler ones.

So, make sure the fabric they sleep on is thick and strong, so as not to get shredded easily by their scratching.

Plus, you can now get dog beds in Australia with extra strong and removable covers for your and your puppy’s convenience.

A hiding place

Presumably, this is another reason for all that digging and scratching.

It’s not impossible that your dog wants to dig a hole to hide in.

This was once, perhaps, a suitable way to stay off the predators’ radars and sleep more peacefully.

And while they were in a small, snug hole, it had to be much easier to isolate their body heat and keep themselves warm during the cold months.

Therefore, it’s essential that you make sure that the bed your pet sleeps in is of the right size for your pup.

If they’re one of the smaller breeds, you don’t have to buy them huge beds since it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be happier in a big bed.

Marking their territory

It is natural for all dogs to mark their territory and their belongings, which is the reason they urinate on so many things while you walk them.

They have certain glands on their paws which leave a scent that distinguishes them from other dogs.

Scratching and clawing are an effective way to get that scent on their beds and claim them.

This is especially important to them if you have more than one pet and each of them has to have their own territory inside your home.

So, if you have several dogs, and they don’t enjoy sharing, be sure to buy them separate beds.

Nesting

If your dog is a pregnant female, she will be scratching her bed more frequently and intensely.

This is normal. It’s instinctive and hormonal, maternal behavior.

This is her way of making a nest for her future puppies in order to keep them cozy and safe as soon as they arrive.

In this case, it’s important to provide your dog with a nesting box full of soft cloths or even sponges and teach her that she can nest there.

If your dog is scratching at their bed, there is nothing to worry about.

Most dogs scratch beds and it’s one of their habits that we learn to love or at least accept.

As long as they’re trained to sleep in their own beds and not claw at your furniture, floors, or walls, you can be carefree and keep on loving your pet and spending quality time with them.