Why is my dog ​​scratching his basket?

You've just washed the bed , given him a brand new cushion… and yet, your dog starts scratching, digging, turning, and then starting all over again as if he's searching for some invisible treasure. This is very common behavior, especially in small dogs who love to cuddle. Most of the time, it's nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it's a helpful signal: something isn't right for him (temperature, smell, material, pain, stress, parasites).

In this article, we'll keep it simple: understand the most frequent reasons, identify the signs that should alert you, and then choose concrete solutions so your dog can find a comfortable and reassuring sleeping spot again 🩵

Scratching the basket: normal behavior… most of the time

Before looking for a problem, it's important to know that scratching one's bed is often a mix of instinct and habit. Many dogs reproduce behaviors inherited from their ancestors: preparing a sleeping area, packing down bedding, creating a "nest." Even at home, with a soft bed, a dog's brain can retain this reflex.

The key is frequency and context. If your dog scratches for 10 seconds and then lies down calmly: nothing to worry about. If, on the other hand, he scratches for a long time, seems agitated, gets up often, pants, whines, or refuses to stay in his bed: it's time to investigate.

The 10 most common causes (and what they mean)

1) He “prepares his nest” (instinct)

The classic scenario: a quick scratch, a few turns, then sleep. Your dog is simply trying to adjust the shape of the bed to its body. Some dogs also like to push a blanket aside to create a hollow to support their back.

What you can do:

• Add a small fleece blanket that's easy to reposition.
• Choose a basket with raised edges so that it can be secured.

2) The basket is uncomfortable (material, stitching, padding)

A dog bed can look soft and comfortable… and yet be uncomfortable for your dog: chafing seams, fabric that snags fur, a cushion that's too flat, foam that compresses, a base that's too hard. Small dogs, being lightweight, quickly feel pressure points.

Typical signs:

• He scratches for a long time and can't seem to settle.
• He changes his position (sofa, rug, bed) after a few minutes.
• He lies down and gets up several times.

Solutions:

• Test a different surface for 2-3 nights (folded blanket, different pillow) to compare.
• Add a thicker cushion or insulating layer under the basket if the ground is cold.
• Check the inside by hand: seams, closures, labels, rigid parts.

3) He is too hot… or too cold

Yes, dogs may scratch to regulate their temperature. When they are hot, they sometimes try to remove the fabric or reach a cooler area. When they are cold, they may instead try to gather the material to keep themselves warm.

Useful clues:

• Too hot: he sprawls out, pants, leaves the basket, looks for the tiles.
• Too cold: he curls up into a ball, shivers, and tries to stick himself against an edge.

Simple adjustments:

• Move the basket away from a radiator or draft.
• Offer two options: a more open basket and a more enveloping one (or a blanket).
• In winter, choose a bed that insulates from the floor (not directly on the tiles).

4) A smell bothers him (laundry detergent, perfume, cleaning product)

After a wash, some dogs no longer like their bed. The scents of laundry detergent, fabric softener, or certain sprays can be harsh on their sense of smell. Scratching may be a way for them to try to rearrange or lessen the odor.

Solutions:

• Rinse longer and avoid fabric softener.
• Allow to air dry for several hours.
• Slip a piece of fabric with your scent (a clean, worn t-shirt) under the table to reassure him.

5) Stress, excitement, need for calming down

Scratching can be a self-soothing activity, a bit like pacing in humans. Changes in routine, the arrival of a baby, moving house, noises in the building, loneliness… An anxious dog may scratch more, especially when settling down.

What often helps:

• A stable evening ritual (short outing, water, calm, then basket).
• Light enrichment at the end of the day (licking mat, appropriate chewing).
• A more protected sleeping area (against a wall, away from the passage).

6) He gets bored (and the basket becomes a “game”)

Some dogs, especially young or very energetic ones, scratch because it keeps them occupied. They may also scratch to get your attention (even if you say "stop").

Concrete suggestions:

• Increase mental expenditure (short learning sessions of 3-5 minutes).
• Offer a short and safe chewing session at a fixed time.
• Ignore the "attention-seeking" scratching and reward calmness.

7) He tries to hide an object (hiding instinct)

Some dogs dig to "bury" a toy, a treat, or even a stolen item. If you find treasures in the basket, you have your answer.

To do:

• Avoid leaving treats in the basket.
• Provide a dedicated play area, separate from the sleeping area.

8) Parasites or itching (fleas, irritated skin, allergies)

Sometimes, the bed isn't the problem: it's the skin. A dog that scratches a lot, bites itself, rubs itself on the floor, or loses fur may have parasites or an irritation (food allergy, environmental allergy, dry skin). In this case, it may also scratch its bed because it's restless and uncomfortable.

Warning signs:

• General body scraping (not just the basket).
• Redness, scabs, dandruff, unusual odor.
• Licking of the paws or rubbing of the muzzle.

If you suspect parasites, treat the animal and the environment (basket, fabrics, floor) and ask your veterinarian for advice on a suitable solution.

9) Pain or physical discomfort (joints, back, stomach)

A dog in pain may have difficulty finding a comfortable position. It scratches, turns, gets up, sighs, searching for "the" position that doesn't hurt. In small dogs, certain types of pain (back, kneecap, hips) can make it difficult for them to fall asleep.

When to think about it:

• Your dog grimaces or whines when it lies down.
• He avoids stairs or jumps less than before.
• He is stiff when he wakes up or after a nap.

If these signs appear, it's best to consult a doctor: pain isn't a "fuss." A simple adjustment to your sleeping position might help, but it's essential to understand the cause.

10) The basket is poorly placed (noise, foot traffic, light, draft)

The best bed in the world, in the wrong place, can become a bed of endless scratching. If the bed is in a hallway, near the door, facing a cold window, or under a source of noise, your dog may be on edge.

Good location:

• A quiet place, without constant traffic.
• A corner where he can see the room without being at the center of the action.
• A floor that is neither icy nor burning hot, without drafts.

How to know which cause is correct? (simple method)

Rather than changing everything at once, proceed like a little detective: one change at a time, over 48 to 72 hours, and observe.

Step 1: Note the context

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does your dog scratch especially after you've washed the basket?
• Is it worse in the evening, after a hectic day, or when you are away?
• Does he scratch and then sleep soundly, or does he never settle down?
• Are there also any itching sensations on the body?

Step 2: Test the comfort

For two nights, place a folded blanket or a different cushion in the same spot. If the scratching decreases significantly, the basket or its filling is probably the problem.

Step 3: Test the location

Move the basket 1 to 2 meters to a quieter corner. If your dog settles down more quickly, you're onto something.

Step 4: Check the skin and coat

Gently inspect the base of the tail, belly, armpits, and behind the ears. If you see small black spots, redness, or if your dog is also scratching elsewhere, a dermatological cause should be considered.

Practical solutions to reduce scratching (without overthinking it)

Make the basket more “acceptable”

Simple actions that often work:

• Add a soft cover that you can easily change.
• Use a thicker cushion if the bottom is flat.
• Remove labels, awkward closures, rigid elements.
• Choose a basket with raised edges if your dog likes to snuggle up.

Create a bedtime ritual

Dogs thrive on predictability. A mini-ritual can reduce restlessness: last walk, water, softer lighting, a calm voice, then bed. If your dog calms down when you gently praise him as he lies down, that's a good sign: he associates his bed with calmness.

Manage the temperature

For small dogs sensitive to the cold, heat is often a concern. But be careful: too much heat can also cause restlessness. Try offering both an "open" option and a "cozy" option.

Examples:

• A basket with a cushion and a small blanket next to it.
• A basket in a corner, but not right next to the radiator.
• In winter: a down jacket or clothing suitable for outdoors, but not necessarily for sleeping indoors.

If the scratching is related to stress

If you suspect stress, first look for the cause (noise, loneliness, change). Then, prioritize approaches that truly soothe: chewing, licking, a stable routine, a protected sleeping area.

To avoid:

• Scolding him adds tension.
• Moving it abruptly: it may associate the basket with a bad experience.

If your dog destroys its bed by scratching

When scratching turns into destruction (torn foam, torn fabric), the main risk is ingestion. In this case, take safety precautions: remove the damaged bed and offer a more robust bedding option while you figure out what's happening.

Simple measures:

• Cut off access to the basket if you cannot supervise, and offer a safe sleeping area.
• Increase mental activity during the day (short but regular).
• Consult a veterinarian or trainer if anxiety is suspected.

When should you consult a veterinarian?

Check if any of these points are present, especially if it's new:

• Your dog is no longer sleeping, seems agitated, pants or whimpers.
• You observe significant itching, redness, hair loss, scabs.
• Your dog is showing signs of pain (stiffness, limping, difficulty lying down).
• The behavior is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
• Scratching becomes compulsive or destructive.

A veterinarian can rule out any medical cause (parasites, pain, skin problems) and advise you on the next steps. This is especially important for small dogs: they sometimes compensate for a long time before clearly showing that they are in pain.

Preventing scratching: good daily habits

Cleaning: Keep it simple

A clean bed, yes. Too much perfume, no. Use a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and avoid fabric softener. If your dog has sensitive skin, let the bed air out after washing.

Choose a basket suitable for small dogs

Chihuahuas and other small dogs often prefer snug beds with raised edges and a thick enough base to prevent them from feeling the floor. A slightly smaller bed is often more reassuring than a very large one: the dog feels contained, like in a nest.

Bringing positivity back into the basket

If your dog avoids his bed or associates it with constraint, recreate a positive association: a treat given next to it (not necessarily inside), a caress when he settles in, and above all, do not send him there as a punishment.

Mini checklist: bedtime basket

To avoid making things complicated, perform this mini check when the scratching seems excessive:

• Is the surface comfortable (no annoying seams, no hard parts)?
• Is the basket too hot or too cold?
• Has the basket just been washed with a highly perfumed product?
• Is the area quiet and free from drafts?
• Does your dog also scratch elsewhere (skin, ears, paws)?

In summary

In most cases, scratching in your dog's bed is normal behavior: your dog is preparing its nest. When it's more intense, the most frequent causes are discomfort, temperature, a strong odor, stress, boredom, or itching. By proceeding step by step (one test at a time), you'll often quickly find what's bothering him.

Most importantly: if you see signs of pain, significant itching, or a sudden change in behavior, it's best to consult a vet. A dog that sleeps well is a dog that recovers, feels safe… and rewards you every day 🩵

Going further

If your dog scratches his bed especially when it is cold, or if he has trouble settling down in the evening, it may be helpful to optimize his sleeping area (comfort, insulation from the floor, calm environment) and reinforce soothing routines (chewing, licking, bedtime ritual).

A bed where your dog quickly settles down is often the result of small, well-adjusted details. And when those details are right, scratching becomes what it usually is: a little ritual before bedtime 🩵