Why Does My Dog Scratch At The Bed?

If you’ve ever watched your dog circle, paw, and then scratch at his dog bed or even your bed before settling down, you might wonder what’s really going on. While it can look quirky or even destructive, your dog’s behavior is actually quite natural. Dogs scratch at the bed for reasons ranging from instinct and comfort to anxiety and habit.

By understanding why dogs scratch at either your of his bed in the first place, it can help you decide whether this is normal nesting behavior or something you should address.

A Natural Instinct: Nesting and Denning Behavior

One of the main reasons dogs scratch at the bed is because of their natural nesting instincts. Wild dogs and wolves often dig and paw at the ground to create a comfortable and safe place to rest. Your dog may not be outside in the dirt, but the same instinct kicks in when they prepare their sleeping spot. Scratching helps them “fluff up” the area, even if it’s just your sheets or their dog bed.

It's not that different than our fluffing up our pillows, pulling up the blankets so they are just right and getting into bed!

Marking Their Territory

Another reason dogs scratch at the bed is scent marking. Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and by scratching, they leave behind their unique smell. This signals to other animals (or even just themselves) that the bed is their territory. If your dog scratches frequently before lying down, it may simply be their way of claiming ownership of their cozy spot. They want that exact spot and don’t want your other dog or cat to take it!

Boredom

If your dog is regularly scratching his bed or digging into it, he simply could be bored. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before he or she is ready for bed. A tired dog is a happy, less destructive dog.

Comfort and Temperature Regulation

Scratching at the bed helps some dogs get more comfortable. In the wild, digging or pawing could move leaves or dirt to create a softer, cooler, or warmer surface. Indoors, dogs may scratch at blankets, pillows, or bedding to find just the right position. If your pup seems restless, it may be their way of trying to create the perfect sleeping setup. And just the right temperature.

Investigating What’s in or Around The Bed

Scratching or digging inside a bed can also be a way for your dog to investigate something that sparks his interest, whether it’s a delicious smell or a fascinating sound. This can be particularly applicable in a sofa cushion where there really might be some hidden food! Or a toy that they might have left behind.

Anxiety or Excess Energy

Not all scratching is purely instinctive. Dogs may also scratch at the bed when they’re anxious, stressed, or have extra energy to burn. This can be especially true if they scratch excessively without settling down. If you notice your dog scratching the bed more when you leave the house or during stressful situations, it may be linked to separation anxiety or nervous energy.

Habit and Learned Behavior

Like many dog quirks, scratching at the bed can also become a learned habit. If your dog finds the motion soothing or if it consistently helps your dog relax, he or she might do it automatically before every nap or bedtime. Over time, this behavior can become part of their night time routine, much like circling before lying down.

Should You Stop Your Dog from Scratching the Bed?

In most cases, your dog’s scratching at the bed is completely normal and harmless. However, if your dog’s behavior is damaging your furniture, tearing up sheets, or seems to be linked to anxiety, you may want to redirect it.

You can add more blankets to your dog’s bed or even your bed to offer softer textures. You can even try one very heavy, large blanket on the bed. And invest in a high quality bed that is supportive and durable. If your dog is attacking the sofa, try to make your bed more appealing and re-train your dog to use the dog bed.

You can try out a designated dog bed that is utilized for scratching and nesting to see if this can help. You can also trim their nails regularly to prevent damage. If anxiety seems to be the trigger, calming routines, enrichment activities, and exercise may reduce excessive scratching.

When to Be Concerned

While scratching at the bed is usually harmless, excessive or obsessive scratching could point to a problem. If your dog seems restless, anxious, or has suddenly started this behavior more intensely, it may be worth checking with your vet. Conditions like skin irritation, allergies, or anxiety disorders can sometimes cause dogs to paw and scratch more than usual.

Final Thoughts: Why Dogs Scratch at the Bed

From nesting instincts to marking territory, scratching at the bed is a deeply ingrained canine behavior. Most of the time, it’s just your dog’s way of getting cozy, claiming their space, or winding down. However, if the scratching seems obsessive or destructive, it may be worth addressing through training, anxiety management, or a comfortable dog bed of their own.

So, the next time you see your pup digging into the covers, you’ll know they’re not being mischievous, they’re just, well, being a dog.