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Why Does My Dog Scratch My Bed Sheets: Explained!

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and seen your dog scratching the bed?

You will likely spot strange behaviors if you have a dog in your house.

Scratching the bed is familiar to most of the breed.

Even though you have a trained pet, they will always start digging in the yard or scratch the bed. 

Your dog scratches its bed to mark its territory. It can also be from a hunting instinct. Not only that, nesting is another reason. We need to know from where your dog learned these kinds of behaviors. Again, your dog can be curious. Sometimes, the weather can also be a reason behind it.

Let’s not waste time because many pet parents are on your spot! Let’s go for the explanation of the facts.

Keep in mind that these behaviors are primarily instinctual.

How Did My Dog Learn This Behavior?

If you observe your dog, you will see them scratching the bed occasionally. It’s natural to be worried when you see these behaviors.

But let’s not jump to a conclusion without having the proper knowledge. We say it’s normal for your dog. But you might ask how it is normal and where this behavior came from.

Let’s hear it! Before dogs were pets, they used to roam around in the wild. Wildlife is not easy to survive. Dogs needed protection from heat, cold, and other animals.

Now, most dog breeds are pets. And they don’t need to protect themselves from these types of situations. But still, from an instinct, they start scratching the bed.

They do these to reflect on these behaviors and feel comfortable and safe. Let’s jump into the facts!

My Dog Scratching Bed: Facts Explained!

We mentioned above that the main factor behind this is instinct. But the big question of “Why” remains. 

We have gathered some facts to prove our point.

Fact 1: Marking the Dog’s Territory

Do you know your dog produces a unique scent from the bottom of its feet? It does. When a dog rubs their feet repeatedly on a specific place, it means they’re marking its territory. 

You might ask why my bed? Because the dog wants their smell on the bed sheet so that other dogs stay away from it.

We like a fresh bed sheet from the laundry. But dogs do not like that smell. 

Dogs want their scent to be dominant. That is the reason behind scratching your bed.

Your dog might urinate on your bed to mark its territory.

Fact 2: Your Dog is Curious 

Dogs tend to be curious about anything and everything. And they love to investigate something they find fishy.

Because of curiosity, dogs are trying to dig or scratch your bed. When you pull up a new bed sheet, they will try to learn more about it.

Your dog will always want to ensure that something is a threat. They will jump on your bed sheet to ensure their safety and start scratching.

The dogs are bred to find and hunt down pests or small insects. Some dogs are bred to be curious. Your little pal is protecting you from the monsters under your bed.

All jokes apart, let’s move on to the following fact.

Fact 3: Nesting for The Puppies

Does your dog have puppies? Or pregnant? Dogs have a maternal instinct to create a comfortable nest for their puppies before they arrive.

This nesting behavior is widespread among female dogs. But male dogs also do it sometimes to find comfort.

They also tend to lick the bedsheet and suck your blanket. This ensures them a protective environment. 

To avoid sucking the blanket, give the chewing toys; here we have recommended some:

product 1
product 2

Nesting will make the dog scratch the bed and make it comfortable. They will try to dig inside the bedsheet. You can avoid dogs sucking the blanket in this way.

To ensure the complete safety of the puppies, they do this. Keep in mind that if your dog is not pregnant or has no puppies, they are just finding comfort.

Fact 4: Protection From Hot or Cold Temperature

If you have very hot or freezing weather, your dog might not like it. 

If the dog is freezing, it will try to scratch the bed. Scratching will make the bed warmer for them. 

They will seem to protect themselves from the sun if you have hot weather. They will scratch the bed until they are comfortable.

Dogs sometimes scratch to get underneath the bed sheet or to sleep under covers.

Suppose you see your dog scratching the bed for shelter.

Fact 5: Hunting Instincts

This is one of the ancient behaviors. If your dog is known for hunting, you will see scratching the bed more often.

We know your bed has nothing, but your dog will still scratch from the natural hunting instinct.

But the question might arise, what can I do when my dog scratches the bed? Let’s hear it out.

What Can I Do When My Dog is Scratching My Bed?

Your dog is an adorable creature. They don’t know what they do most of the time. Sometimes some habits can be destructive. 

Let’s not make this a nightmare for you. Let’s take some measures so that you and the dog enjoy it.

Take care of your dog’s nails. Trim them every 3 to 4 weeks. This will make scratching the bed less destructive.

If your dog scratches the bed out of boredom, give it something to play with.

Finally, get a more durable and comfortable bed. It will be a good idea for both you and your dog. 

It will be a great decision if you invest in a dog bed.

FAQs 

Why does my dog stare at me?

Dogs will stare at you when they adore you. If your dog is staring at you, they are expressing affection. This is a vital role for dogs to bond.

Why does my dog put his paw on me?

Dogs put their paw on you to extend contact and reciprocate affection. It is a way of them saying, “I love you”.

Why is my dog lifting its leg when I pet it?

Petting your dog activates nerves under his skin that are connected to the spinal cord. It kicks or shakes a leg to get rid of the irritant. It is called the scratch reflex.