Table des matières
- Why do dogs scratch the floor?
- Scratching because they are stressed
- Medical reasons for scratching
- Environmental causes of scratching
- What to do if your dog is scratching the floor too much?
- How to stop your dog from scratching the floor?
Why do dogs scratch the floor? Dogs are some of the most loyal and loving animals. They are also some of the most playful pets, too! However, dogs can be frustrating for their owners when they scratch the floor.
Many people think that this is just a habit that comes from an unkempt home. However, there are actually many reasons why dogs might be scratching on your floors.
Your dog may be scratching the floor, furniture, or even you! They may do it to get attention, out of boredom, or even because they’re stressed.
In order to provide your pet with the best care possible, you’ll need to spend some time at home figuring out what is causing your pet’s behavior.
For some dogs, it may be a habit for them to do when they feel happy or content, or when they are frustrated.
If your dog is scratching the floor a lot and it’s not related to any of these reasons, then it may be a sign that something in their environment needs changing.
The following article will explore some of the most common reasons why dogs scratch the floor so you can learn what to do about it!
Why do dogs scratch the floor?
There are two main reasons why a dog may be scratching the floor.
1. A message
Your dog is trying to tell you something! Dogs communicate with a range of vocal and non-vocal signals.
When your dog scratches, they are likely to be trying to convey a message.
For example, they may be telling you that they need to go out for a wee, or that they have a stomach ache.
2. A reaction
Perhaps your dog scratches the floor because he is just unhappy. Dogs are typically not very expressive in their emotions, but they will often show their feelings through their body language.
For example, they may show pain by arching their backs, or just lay down on the floor.
Scratching because they are stressed
There are actually many ways that a dog can be stressed in a home environment.
Losing a favorite toy, a long commute on the road, or even visiting a friend and not getting enough attention can be stressful for a dog.
Dogs often scratch when they are experiencing stress and these signs include ear pinning, head licking, snarling, and yawning.
These behaviors don’t necessarily indicate that your dog is stressed. They are more likely to indicate the dog is uncomfortable with what is happening in the home environment.
When it comes to checking out the causes for the behavior, it’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian for their expertise.
If you notice your dog scratching a lot when it’s uncomfortable, take them to the veterinarian and have your dog examined.
Medical reasons for scratching
For dogs that suffer from any kind of medical issues, it is important to take notice if their behavior changes.
Some of the most common conditions that dogs are diagnosed with include:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (Bos-C) – which is a condition that affects a dog’s respiratory system. BCAOS is a common cause for dogs who scratch the floor or furniture.
Daschlers disease – a condition that causes the sphincter of Oddi to tighten in the dog’s throat, making it hard for the dog to breath.
Cushing disease – also known as hyperthyroidism, it is a condition that causes the levels of thyroid hormones to become abnormal. The more thyroid hormones your dog has in their blood, the more hyperactive the dog can become.
Environmental causes of scratching
Changes in the space the dog is in
Changes in your home environment could be causing your dog to scratch on your floor. Your dog could be uncomfortable in one area of the house, and therefore scratch the floor in that area to relieve the pressure.
In order to solve this, you’ll need to spend some time putting your home to the dogs liking before they start to scratch. You’ll also need to make sure that the spots they are clawing the most are being dealt with.
Are you having problems keeping your floors tidy? It may be because you’re short on time, so it’s important to schedule time for cleaning and organizing your home to avoid this habit getting out of hand.
What to do if your dog is scratching the floor too much?
While many owners may assume that their dogs scratch the floor because they like the sensation, it could be that their dogs are really stressed out and may need more mental stimulation.
If you notice that your dog is scratching the floor, just by the litter box, on your furniture or even you, then you should talk to your vet.
Many dogs do get frustrated and bored. They may also feel lonely or confused, even if they have a dog buddy to play with. Loneliness and confusion can lead to frustration and excess scratching.
If you notice that your dog is scratching, contact your vet and discuss what the best treatment options are.
How to stop your dog from scratching the floor?
If you’re trying to stop your dog from scratching the floor, here’s what you can do:
If you find your dog scratching the floor, you may want to help them learn not to do this behavior.
In order to do this, you should try to break their bad habit in small, easy steps.
This will allow your pet to understand what behavior is expected from them and build a positive association between these behaviors and home.
Remove your dog’s toys, beds, and all other types of things that they tend to chew on. If your dog is a chew-aholic, they may be feeling more frustrated that they’re not getting to chew on their favorite toy.
This behavior can be a sign that you need to take things away to reduce the chances of a negative association with them.
If you believe that there is something wrong with your dog, then you should try and speak to your vet about what the issue might be.
