Why Dogs Scratch Their Beds Before Sleeping (And How to Prevent Damage)

Differences between humans and animals are not just about speech. Our pets are more complex than we imagine and have quirks and their own ways of communicating that we are often not able to understand. Some of his attitudes leave us quite surprised and one of them almost everyone has seen at least once.

Most likely your dog has already scratched the bed or the place where he lays down before going to sleep. But why does it? Check out the explanation and also see the bonus with some recommendations on how to avoid major problems related to this habit.

O awesome.club researched different sources and wants you to understand what drives our animals to this type of behavior.

Animals can be very jealous of objects and people. Just as they like to mark territory through their own needs (especially pee), they behave in a peculiar way when they want to rest. The undersides of dogs’ paws release a unique scent that intensifies when they scratch where they go to sleep. In this way, our friends make it clear that this is where they will rest.

Some dogs cannot use all their energy during the day. When this happens, they need some other activity to get tired and sleep better. Another reason is that they seek to level out the temperature so that they feel warmer where it is cold, or get a more pleasant “climate” where it is very hot. With their paws, dogs eliminate ‘excess temperature’ through perspiration.

Another reason why dogs scratch in some places has to do with instinct. When animals were not domesticated, they were always looking for a safe place from predators. A dog’s instincts are very important for them to adapt to a new place.

Dogs have different ways of getting attention. Chasing their own tail, barking or taking toys to their owners are some of the strategies they use to get people to notice them. Scratching is also a craze that could be related to this type of behavior. This is because, when scratching a place in the house, he usually turns around to check if someone is looking at him. When this happens, he thinks he will be able to play with his owner. In short: dogs are always very attentive to people because affection, for them, is fundamental. Games that involve physical contact can affect the dimensions of our attachment to them.

When they are puppies, dogs need many hours of sleep and tranquility. On the other hand, it is important that they feel comfortable and sleep because, in this way, they manage to develop their learning and understanding capacity. Dogs that are allowed in the house always have an eye on the couch and bed, and often love to mess up the blankets.

This is very normal and happens because they are preparing the environment for a little sleep. Reorganizing where they sleep is as important to them as it is to us. The softer the place, the more comfortable he will feel and the better he will sleep.

Yes, scratching the bed can be a fun activity for your dog. Since they expend energy when they do this, activity is a way for them to relax. That is, when a dog scratches his bed, he might just be wanting to play. For them, playing is always something positive and is a way to develop motor skills. At the same time, it is a way to build more positive relationships with people.

Having nails that are too long can be very uncomfortable for your dog because he cannot support his paws in the right way. In addition, the nail can damage the inner tissue and become infected. That’s why they sometimes bite their paws or scratch objects. Deep down, they want to file their nails a little so that walking is more comfortable.

Luckily, there are some ways to protect your dog and your belongings. Next, we present some recommendations to prevent him from getting hurt and damaging objects.

If your pet sleeps outside, try to get a kennel so it has a bed. It’s important that she stays in an airy place, so she doesn’t get too hot. In cold weather, don’t forget to give him a blanket; If your dog doesn’t have a bed, maybe it’s time to get one. That way it won’t scratch the floor and rugs. If the behavior persists, put out an old towel or some pillows for him.

If your dog misbehaves and breaks everything inside your house, maybe you should consider hiring a trainer or taking him to a dog school, where he will be educated so that he learns to behave correctly. That way, he will learn to understand you better and the relationship will be much more pleasant.

Try to get your pet dog to burn off energy through outdoor activities, such as walks in the park. Even if you have little free time, it’s important to dedicate a few minutes of your day to your partner. These activities help the dog’s mental development and are very positive for its health. On the other hand, it is essential that he maintains contact with other dogs and people.

Again, we recommend trimming your dog’s nails frequently so he doesn’t hurt himself, others, and an ingrown toenail. If you don’t feel safe doing this, talk to a vet. If you do this at home, choose a time when he is calm and be careful with the boundaries to cut them. The ideal is to cut after the bath because, at that moment, the nails are softer.

What is your opinion of the behavior we describe? Does your dog usually do this? Share your experience in the comments.