Having a beautiful and well-kept home can be tricky when pets are involved.  You may have noticed your puppy’s pawing at the carpet. This can be frustrating, especially if you like keeping your space spotless and intact. 

Knowing why your dog scratches the carpet can help you better understand your pet’s needs. Let’s dig (pun intended) into the 12 most common reasons why your dog is scratching the carpet and some useful tips to help curb the habit. 

12 Reasons Why Your Dog is Scratching the Carpet

Understanding your dog’s body language and what prompts certain behaviors can help you eliminate unwanted habits. Here’s a list of 12 possible explanations behind your puppy’s carpet-digging behavior!

1. Your Dog is Bored

The most common reason your dog can’t keep its paws off your carpet is boredom. When your dog isn’t sufficiently stimulated physically and mentally, it indulges in several destructive behaviors. Scratching the carpet may indicate that your puppy needs more time, outdoor play, and interactive toys to stay occupied and off your carpet!

2. Your Dog Wants Your Undivided Attention

When your puppy wants attention, it acts defiantly to elicit your response. Scratching the carpet is one way it gets its desired attention. Your canine friend has learned that misbehaving can get your attention because you unintentionally reinforce this behavior by quickly diverting your focus to your puppy whenever it behaves in certain ways. 

If you think attention-seeking is a reason behind your dog scratching the carpet, try ignoring it to eliminate this habit. It would also help to spend more time with your dog so it doesn’t get frustrated due to a lack of attention. 

3. It’s Simply Instinctual

Depending on your dog’s breed, it may simply be digging up the floor or the rug out of instinct. Some dogs, such as the Carin Terrier, had been bred to help with rodent infestations and would dig the ground to hunt them. This instinct sometimes kicks in, compelling your dog to scratch the surface. Keeping your dog active throughout the day can help fight the urge to scratch your carpet.

Dogs tend to dig to hide things. If your dog scratches the carpet when it receives a new toy, it may be trying to hide it.

Dog breeds that exhibit an instinctual digging behavior are: 

• Jack Russel terriers
• Rat terriers
• Dachshunds
• Scottish terriers
• Huskies
• Basset hounds
• Beagles
• Border collies
• Cairn terriers

4. It’s Just Trying to be More Comfortable

Some dogs scratch and dig the spot they plan to sleep in to make it more comfortable. Canines seek comfort and want to feel safe and snuggled. This is why you often see your dog scratching the carpet or blankets before settling in for a nap.

Scratching and moving in circles is your dog’s way of making a particular spot more comfortable. Investing in a soft dog bed and some blankets can help your puppy feel snuggled and comfy.

5. It is Feeling Anxious 

If your puppy is prone to anxiety, whether it is due to separation or loud noises, then you might witness your pup frantically scratching the carpet. Offer relief to your dog with plush toys that help with separation anxiety, and spend as much time with your pet as possible, 

If loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks trigger anxiety in your pup, keeping your windows shut and your house soundproof are effective options. You can also try redirecting your pet’s attention with toys and treats.

Note: Keep the treats limited, especially if your dog’s breed is prone to obesity and other health concerns.  

6. It’s Trying to Trim Its Nails

Longer nails can be uncomfortable to the point of being painful for your canine. Dogs often scratch carpets and other surfaces in an attempt to file their nails. You can remedy this behavior by trimming your dog’s claws regularly. 

7. It Has Too Much Pent-up Energy 

Keeping your dog stimulated and providing plenty of opportunities for active physical play is crucial, especially if you have an active breed on your hands. 

Signs that your dog needs to release excess energy are:

• Digging the carpet
• Excessive barking
• Constant pacing
• Aggressive chewing

Make sure you include considerable physical activity in your dog’s daily routine. A 30-minute walk and playing tug-o-war or fetch are great examples of enhancing your puppy’s physical activity. 

8. It Smells Something Interesting 

Your canine has a powerful sense of smell. Your dog might smell something interesting if the carpet digging is paired with constant sniffing. Mostly, this happens when your dog has accidentally peed on the rug, and the odor has yet to fade away even after being cleaned. 

There can be several other fascinating smells for your dog on the carpet, compelling it to scratch and fully release the scents in the air. You can get rid of the odors by using enzymatic cleaners.

9. There is an Underlying Health Concern

Your dog’s health is your priority as a pet parent. It is important to consider the health concerns prompting your dog to scratch the rug. We have shared some possible ailments that can be causing this behavior, such as:

• Injury, like splinters
• Insect bites
• Allergy or itching caused by irritants 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or Canine compulsive disorder (CCD)

Most of these issues can be handled by examining your dog’s paws to check for injury. However, neurological complications like OCD require intervention by veterinarians and dog behavior specialists. Consult with a vet if your dog is repetitively digging the carpet or doing any of the following acts:

• Constant licking
• Constantly sucking toys
• Pacing
• Spinning or chasing its tail
• Freezing and staring 
• Snapping at invisible objects or flies
• Excessively consuming water or dirt

10. It’s a Crumb Eating Vacuum 

No matter how finicky you are about keeping your home spotless, a few crumbs always escape and make their way onto the carpet, especially if you have kids! Your dog’s excellent olfactory skills and vision make them extra sensitive to the tiniest food particles lingering on your carpet, making them want to scratch it for a taste. 

11. It is Very Excited 

Most dogs start scratching the carpet when excited, especially as they age. You can train them to limit this habit. Whenever your dog shows signs of excitement, like wagging its tail or extreme playfulness while digging the rug, you can redirect its emotions using a toy as well as train your dog to stop at command. 

12. It’s Controlling its Body Temperature 

One common reason your dog indulges in this behavior is to regulate the temperature of the spot it’s about to settle in. Breeds like Malamutes, Huskies, and Elkhounds dig the ground to reach cooler soil when it’s hot. 

The same instincts kick in even when domesticated, prompting them to scratch the rug. Canines also do this in colder temperatures to create some heat by scratching. 

You can remedy this by keeping the air-conditioning on in the summer and offering warm blankets or sweaters in the winter. 

If you know the cause of the problem, it becomes easier to find the solution. We have shared a few tips below to stop your dog from scratching the carpet.

Tips to Stop Your Dog from Scratching the Rug

Knowing what is causing your dog to behave in undesirable ways can help you fix the issue. All you need to work on is understanding the reason behind your dog’s body language in each situation to apply the appropriate solution. The following tips will prevent your dog from scratching the rug and keep your carpet safe!

• Get interactive and durable toys for your dog to keep it occupied.
• Train your dog to stop scratching the rug using positive reinforcement and a “stop” or “leave” command.
• Keep your canine comfortable with snuggly blankets or a soft dog bed. You can also keep the room cooler with air conditioning in warmer temperatures. 
• Thoroughly clean your carpets to minimize digging due to smells or food crumbs. 
• Provide plenty of opportunities for exercise so your dog doesn’t get frustrated and release pent-up energy. 
• Learn to ignore it if your dog is only doing it for attention. 
• Seek professional help. This behavior is usually harmless, but if there is no reason to push your dog to scratch the rug, there may be an underlying health issue. Getting appropriate treatment, especially for OCD, will offer relief to both you and your furry friend.