Why Does My Dog Scratch The Carpet? How to Stop Scratching

It’s common to see dogs scratching a carpet. This usually isn’t something to worry about, as digging and scratching are natural behaviours for our canine companions.

Carpet scratching often isn’t a desirable behaviour though. Dogs have sharp toenails that can destroy carpet fibres and pull threads from rugs. Many dog owners also find carpet digging frustrating when trying to relax.

Additionally, excessive carpet scratching can signify something wrong with your dog. For example, bored or stressed dogs are more likely to scratch the carpet. Certain medical conditions can also make this behaviour more likely.

This article will go through the most common reasons why a dog scratches the carpet. We’ve also included tips for reducing scratching, although it can be hard to completely stop this natural dog behaviour.

Why Does My Dog Scratch The Carpet? 10 Common Reasons

1. Scratching to Prepare The Spot For Sleeping (Nesting)

Does your dog often dig and turn in circles before resting? If so, carpet scratching is probably your dog’s way of preparing a resting spot.

Wolves scratch and dig a patch of ground before they settle down. This makes the patch more comfortable to sleep on. It also scares away insects and other small animals hiding in the undergrowth.

While domestic dogs are certainly not wolves, some instincts remain – including this need to prepare a nesting spot.

Of course, scratching doesn’t have much effect on a carpet (other than ripping the fibres!) But your dog doesn’t know this.

2. Digging Up Spilt Food

Digging and scratching at a specific carpet spot could signify that your dog has found some old food. 

Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell and a scavenging instinct. So even a few old crumbs trapped in the carpet could be an attractive target.

Sometimes dogs also dig at patches of carpet that have a tasty scent. So, if you’ve spilt something in the past, the dog might dig to get at the food they think is under the carpet.

3. Dogs Scratch Carpets Due to Frustration or Boredom

A bored dog may seek entertainment in ways that seem strange to humans. This is known as displacement behaviour, where the dog performs a behaviour to distract from unpleasant feelings.

Carpet digging is a typical example of this type of behaviour. It can relieve boredom and release some of the built-up tension your dog is feeling. If repeated, it can also become habitual whenever the dog feels frustrated.

4. Scratching Because of Overexcitement

An overstimulated dog may try to find ways to release excess energy. Digging or scratching the carpet is often an attractive option, as it’s fun and is a physical activity.

Digging the carpet is more likely if the dog doesn’t have a toy to release his pent-up excitement. Providing a few alternative targets for digging can help reduce this behaviour.

Tip: Take care to choose chew toys that are appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and preferences. For example, puppies often need softer toys that they can get their mouth around. Big breeds might need tougher toys that can withstand strong jaws.

5. Dogs Scratch for Anxiety Relief

Anxiety is another potential reason for carpet scratching in dogs. By digging at the carpet, the dog can distract from anxious feelings and relieve tension.

You’ll need to uncover what’s triggering your dog’s anxiety to solve this issue. Here are a few examples:

• Does the carpet digging often happen when there are loud noises, such as storms or fireworks?
• Has there been a recent change in the environment? (such as a new family member or pet)
• Does carpet scratching typically happen when you have guests?
• Does carpet scratching usually happen at specific times of the day?

Along with carpet scratching, you should also watch for other symptoms of anxiety. These include pacing, panting, drooling, and destructive behaviors.

6. Some Dogs Scratch for Attention

If you give your dog attention when they carpet dig, there’s a risk of reinforcing the behaviour and making it more likely to happen in the future. This is because dogs quickly learn that certain behaviours get attention from their owners.

It’s important to understand that negative attention is still attention. For example, you should never punish your dog for digging at the carpet, as this can actually reinforce the behaviour. It also increases anxiety and damages your bond.

7. Scent Marking From The Paw Pads

Dogs can mark territory by leaving pheromones from glands in the paw pads. These pheromones are released during digging or scratching.

So, if your dog occasionally digs at the floor or carpet, they might be marking their territory. This doesn’t mean the dog is trying to be “dominant” in the household though – it’s just an instinct that’s aimed at other dogs.

8. Breed Traits May Make Carpet Scratching More Likely

Some dog breeds have a natural urge to dig, which may cause them to scratch carpet fibres. For example, this is common in dogs bred to hunt rodents, as they needed to dig to access underground burrows. Examples include terriers and dachshunds.

While most dogs aren’t used for hunting today, the instinct can still drive certain breeds to dig – even when they are indoors.

9. Medical Conditions Can Cause a Dog to Scratch

Carpet scratching is often a natural behaviour for a dog, but it can also be a sign of a medical condition.

One example is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), often known as canine dementia. This condition can cause changes to a dog’s personality and lead to repetitive behaviours, including scratching.

Some dogs may also use carpet scratching to distract from the pain of arthritis or other medical conditions. For this reason, any significant behaviour change should be investigated by a vet.

10. Scratching Can Be Caused By Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a behavioural condition that causes a dog to feel intense distress when left alone.

As a result, the dog may become destructive when you leave. This can include frantically digging at carpets and rugs. The dog may also dig the edge of a room to try and escape.

Other signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Barking and howling
• Pacing
• Escape attempts
• Urinating or defecating
• Excessive Chewing

Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can be difficult to solve. If you suspect your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you should always contact a professional behaviourist. 

Why Do Dogs Scratch The Carpet In Specific Situations

Now we’ve gone through the most common reasons for a dog carpet scratching, here’s an overview of the most likely causes in specific situations.

Before Laying Down

Scratching the carpet before laying down is probably nesting behaviour. Scratching or digging is your dog’s attempt at making the patch of carpet safe and comfortable to sleep on.

Middle Of The Night

Carpet scratching in the middle of the night could be a nesting behaviour. Dogs often move to different locations at night, so your pet might need to prepare each spot for sleeping. In some cases, scratching in the middle of the night might signal that your dog is anxious about being left alone.

During Storms

If your dog only tends to scratch the carpet during storms, this is almost certainly a sign of anxiety or stress. The dog is attempting to relieve the negative feelings by performing a distracting behaviour.

After Eating

Dogs often clean themselves after eating. This might involve rolling around on the floor, pushing their face into the carpet, and digging at carpet fibres.

When Left Alone

A dog that scratches the carpet when left alone could be suffering from separation anxiety. You should discuss this behaviour with your vet and a qualified canine behaviourist. 

How to Stop Your Dog Scratching The Carpet

Digging is a natural behaviour, so it’s impossible to entirely stop your dog from scratching the carpet.

The good news is that there are many ways to reduce carpet scratching in dogs. Unfortunately, the best methods for your dog depend on the reason for digging, so you might need to experiment to find out what works.

Before we get to the steps, it’s important to note that you should never punish your dog for scratching the carpet.

The dog doesn’t know that carpet scratching is “wrong”, so the punishment will cause more stress and anxiety. Punishment and negative training techniques also damage your bond.

So, if your dog often scratches the carpet, here are some things to try:

• Provide a comfortable bed that matches your dog’s size and sleeping style. You may need to try several options to find one they like. The goal is to get your dog to dig at their bed before resting, rather than the carpet.
• Some dogs love to sleep on loose blankets or sheets. A bonus is that these protect the carpet when your dog “nests” on them.
• Always provide access to fun toys. These act as a focus for your dog’s play and attention, rather than the carpet. Rotate your dog toys so they remain interesting.
• Check that you’re providing enough exercise. A lack of exercise time can cause a dog to become frustrated, leading to behaviours such as carpet scratching and destructive chewing.
• Prevent boredom with mentally stimulating games and attention. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and indoor games are great for mental stimulation.
• Reduce or eliminate anxiety triggers for your pooch that might cause behaviors such as carpet scratching. You should also speak with a vet if your dog is showing signs of chronic anxiety or scratches the carpet a lot.
• Make sure the carpet is clean. Thoroughly clear up any food spills as soon as they happen, as dogs have an excellent sense of smell. Regular carpet and floor cleaning can also eliminate any scents that might remain.
• Avoid accidentally reinforcing carpet digging or scratching. For example, if you always call your dog over to stop him from scratching the carpet, he might learn this is a way to get attention.
• Reward your dog for desirable behaviours. Keep treats nearby at all times, so you can give your pet one when he performs a behaviour you want to reinforce.
• Contact a canine behaviourist if you’re unsure how to stop your dog’s carpet scratching. A vet checkup is also important to ensure that your dog is healthy.

Summary

Scratching and digging at carpets might seem strange, but it’s normal behaviour for dogs. Digging can be used by dogs to prepare a resting spot, mark their scent, and uncover potential food sources.

However, excessive carpet scratching can indicate your dog has a behavioural or medical issue. Examples include boredom, stress, and separation anxiety. In addition, dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction may be more likely to scratch the carpet.

Do you have any questions about why dogs scratch the carpet? Or would you like you ask a follow-up question about your dog? Please let us know in the comments section below.