Why Do Dogs Scratch The Floor

Wondering why do dogs scratch the floor in the house? There are a few explanations why and each one is different, obviously. Keep in mind that this is not ideal behavior and you shouldn’t encourage it. Below we are going to reveal the main and the most common reasons and also what you should do about each one.

Main Reasons Why Your Dog Scratch The Floor

Boredom

Why do dogs scratch the floor? The most common explanation is the simplest one. He is bored and he needs some action. Using his paws to scratch the floor is ideal and he feels happy. This is more common among dogs who don’t have a lot of physical activity during the day and who need some action in their life. Keep in mind that even if he has a lot of toys to play with, a dog may scratch the floor. 

Your dog wants to relax

Dogs have lived in the wild for centuries. They would usually dig a small den or scratch the ground in order to shield themselves. Your dog may do this for the same reason. In the wild, a dog will scratch the ground to lie down on a cooler surface or to warm up in the winter. It does work well and even humans have been using this tactic for a long period of time. The bottom line here is that your dog has these instincts and he is doing this due to them. 

He is scared

Dogs who are scared will scratch the floor. This is used for several reasons. First of all, a dog will reveal its presence by scratching the floor. Then he will feel much better and he will want to take over control and do something about fear. Remember that fear can be caused by another dog or a person. There might be no obvious reasons why a dog is scared. This reason is much more common among younger dogs who will do this all the time when scared.

Marking territory

Here are a few interesting things. Dogs can sweat from the pads on their paws. This works well and helps them mark the territory when they scratch the ground. Dogs will use this method to mark the territory and warn other dogs and people. Another dog will smell the scent and know that this is not his territory. 

Another reason why a dog will scratch the floor is to leave a visible spot that will warn other dogs. The purpose is the same as in the first case scenario and has the same role. When a dog sees the marking he will know that he is on the territory of your pet. 

Wolves have been doing this for the same reasons but they have one reason more. They will scratch the spot to make a boundary and tell other wolves that this is their land. 

How You Can Make Your Dog Stop Scratching The Floor?

Many dog owners will want to stop their dogs from scratching the floor. It doesn’t look nice and eventually, your dog will damage the floor so you will have to repair it. 

The main thing you need to know here is that you shouldn’t stop the dog when he starts to scratch the floor. Instead, you need to use prevention. You will have to make sure that your dog is not too cold or too warm. Adjusting the temperature may work well. Then you will also have to look at the signs. If a dog gets too uncomfortable and upset he may start scratching the floor. Then you need to react and you need to determine why he is upset. This can be another dog, fear, a person, or something else. 

The goal is to make your dog happier and more comfortable so he can stop scratching the floor and stop this behavior. Just stopping him as he isscratching the floor won’t help you two. Some dog owners find this appealing behavior and they don’t want to make their dog stop. If you are one of them, usually this will not cause severe issues and you can allow your pet to scratch the floor on a regular basis.

In a nutshell, you can do a few more things.

Providing your dog with more physical activity during the day is a nice and smart way to help your pet. He will use the energy he has and he will not scratch the floor or do something similar. Instead, he will rest and he will enjoy more. Physical activity is mandatory for all dogs and it is essential for all dogs and all breeds of all ages. Keep in mind that different dog breeds need different types of physical activity. Some need more advanced and longer while others need causal walking only.

You will also want to take the dog to a vet. There may be an issue of some kind that makes your pet feel scared or frightened. In that case scenario, you will have to find the cause of that problem and solve it. It can be a pain of some kind and the dog will feel scared due to it. Most dogs will try to avoid showing any signs of pain but eventually, they may have to start doing something and show that pain. In addition, if there is some health condition present your pet will also show a lack of energy, loss of appetite, and more. A vet will determine the cause and issue a proper treatment.

FAQs for “Why Do Dogs Scratch The Floor”

Why does my dog scratch the floor before lying down?

It’s often an instinctive behavior inherited from their wild ancestors who would scratch the ground to create a comfortable nest or to uncover cooler soil in hot weather.

Is floor scratching a sign of anxiety in dogs?

While floor scratching can be a normal dog behavior, excessive or obsessive scratching could be a sign of anxiety or other behavioral problems.

How can I discourage my dog from scratching the floor?

You can discourage this behavior by providing alternative outlets for your dog’s energy like regular exercise and mental stimulation. If the behavior continues or becomes obsessive, you might want to seek professional help from a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.

My dog is scratching the floor excessively, should I be worried?

Excessive scratching could potentially damage your floors. Moreover, it could indicate underlying issues like anxiety or health problems. Consult with a veterinarian if you notice any drastic changes in your dog’s behavior.

Can floor scratching be harmful to my dog’s nails or paws?

If done excessively, yes, it could potentially harm your dog’s paws or nails. If you notice any redness, bleeding, or sensitivity in your dog’s paws, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

The Final Word 

Why do dogs scratch the floor? As you were able to see there are a lot of reasons why and not all are simple and easy to understand. The goal is to find why your dog has been doing this and to address the problem. It can be something harmless and simple that will literally need a few minutes to correct. On the other hand, it can be something severe and very complicated.