Why Does My Dog Scratch and Dig Into My Bed?

Does your dog scratch at your bedding? Some people find this behavior adorable, while others want it to stop immediately! Either way, you might wonder why exactly dogs scratch and dig in your bed.

Dogs may scratch or dig in your bed because of instinct, to find a comfortable sleeping arrangement, or to find a cooler spot. They might be playing, looking for something under the covers, or even copying another dog.

Below, we’ll discuss eight reasons dogs scratch and dig in your bed and how you can stop them.

#1: Digging is Instinctual

Dogs dig instinctually. This is true for all dogs, but some breeds are more likely to dig, such as scenthounds.

They dig for comfort, often to find cooler ground to lay on outdoors. They dig to seek shelter, to find water, and to hunt prey. Digging can also lower a dog’s stress level.

#2: They’re Trying to Get Comfortable

If there are lumps in the blankets, your dog may try to smooth them out by digging. They might also try to create a lumpier place to lie by wrecking your bed when it’s made! They just want to move things where they like them for the best nap possible.

#3: They Feel Hot and Don’t Want Blankets

As we discussed above, dogs instinctually dig for cool earth outdoors. This may transfer to indoor behaviors as well. Your dog may try to remove blankets from the bed to make it cooler.

#4: Your Dog is Playing

Some dogs love to play by digging in bedding, especially if they get a reaction from you! There’s typically no harm in playing back by tossing a pillow their way or covering them with a blanket.

#5: They Feel Anxious and are Trying to Calm Down

Digging is an activity that can calm dogs when they feel anxious. However, your dog may also get more and more worked up while digging. If this happens, you may need to interrupt the behavior and find a calming activity such as a lick mat!

If your dog’s anxiety is persistent, talk to your veterinarian to find solutions.

#6: They’re Scent Marking (Don’t Worry, You Can’t Smell It!)

Dogs have scent glands in their paws that they can use to mark their territory. This isn’t smelly to humans like urine marking. It does let your dog and other dogs know where your dog lives and what belongs to them.

Scent marking is natural and not indicative of a behavioral or dominance problem. It simply makes dogs feel more secure when their home and their favorite things smell like them!

#7: They’re Copying Another Dog

If you have one dog who digs in your bed, your other dog might follow their lead. This is called mirroring and can be used by us to teach our dogs new things.

However, it can also go wrong if one dog displays unwanted behaviors and the other learns from them!

#8: Something’s Under the Blanket

Your dog may think there’s something under your bedding, or there might actually be a toy or treat left beneath the blanket. If digging in the bed is unusual for your dog, this is the first thing to check!

Solutions to Dogs Digging in the Bed

Allow the Behavior–It Doesn’t Hurt Anything!

Most times, you can allow your dog to dig in your bed without repercussions. I’ve done this with several large-breed dogs and never had an issue with them tearing bedding.

If your dog isn’t destroying anything, just making a mess, consider allowing the behavior.

Provide Alternative Spaces to Dig

A sandbox in the backyard filled with children’s play sand is a great solution–make sure it can be covered to prevent neighborhood cats from using it as a litter box!

You can also give your dog their own blankets to dig in and teach them to leave yours alone.

Please remember that expecting your dog not to dig at all isn’t a solution. When we bring pets into our homes, we must have realistic expectations and encourage natural behaviors.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Keeping your dog’s nails short is good for their health and will also lessen the risk of them tearing your bedding.

Purchase Quality Items that Will Endure the Digging

If your dog is destroying your bedding or their own, consider purchasing tougher items. Of course, this can be easier said than done on a budget or if you have a large, strong dog! It’s also okay to set boundaries and give them better places to dig.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Prystai/Shutterstock.com