A chewed corner of the bed, foam on the floor, a torn cover when you get back from work: it is a classic. Before you buy another bed, find out why your dog goes for theirs. The solution almost always depends on the cause.
Scratching before lying down, a normal habit
Many dogs scratch their bed and turn around before lying down. They are arranging their bed, like plumping a pillow. This behaviour is normal and needs no correction. Over time, it wears the fabric, especially if the claws are long. Well-kept claws and a fabric that resists rubbing are generally enough. If your dog scratches for a very long time, to the point of digging into the fabric, check whether they are too hot or whether the bed is big enough.
The causes of the damage
The teething puppy
When their adult teeth come through, a puppy chews everything they find. The edge of the bed is at their level. Offer them suitable chew toys, and swap them for the bed as soon as they start to nibble it.
Boredom
A dog who lacks outings, scent work and games finds ways to keep busy alone. The bed is one of the easy targets. More physical and mental activity often solves the problem. Our guide to keeping your dog busy indoors gives simple ideas.
Stress from being alone
If the damage only happens when you are out, often soon after you leave, think of distress linked to loneliness. Other signs point the same way: barking or whimpering, scratches on the door, drooling. Filming your departures with a phone will show you when it starts. Our guide to leaving your dog alone without stress explains how to get them used to it gradually.
A bed that does not suit them
A bed that is too small, too hot or placed on a busy route can push a dog to keep "redoing" it. Check the size and the position first.
Physical discomfort
A dog who suddenly starts to lick, nibble or scratch a lot, at their bed or at themselves, may have itching, pain or a dental problem. A sudden change in behaviour always deserves a vet's opinion.
What to do, in practice
- Avoid punishing after the event. The dog does not connect your anger with something done an hour ago. Punishment adds stress, and often more damage.
- Interrupt and offer something else. If you see them nibbling the bed, call them calmly and give them a chew toy. Praise them when they take it.
- Reward calm on the bed. A treat when they lie down quietly teaches them that this spot is for resting.
- Remove the bed while you are out if the damage is serious, while you deal with the cause. Leave them an old blanket instead.
- Watch the foam and the fabric. A dog who swallows them risks a digestive blockage. If they have eaten some and they vomit, refuse food or seem low, call your vet.
With a puppy, prevent it
- Leave them two or three chew toys of different textures at all times, and rotate them.
- During short absences, settle them in a safe space, with water, where they have only their chew toys.
- During the teething period, an old blanket or a simple cushion may be enough. The lovely bed comes afterwards.
- Reward them every time they choose a toy over a forbidden object.
Choosing a bed that lasts
No bed stands up to a dog that chews it with determination: you must first deal with the cause. Once the behaviour is sorted, a few details make a bed last.
- A dense upholstery fabric: it stands up well to the rubbing of claws. The corduroy of our Nino beds and the Carré mattress is tested to 35,000 Martindale cycles, the bouclé of the Nino beds to 45,000 cycles. This wear test by rubbing measures resistance to abrasion, not to teeth.
- A removable zipped cover: it washes at 30 °C and protects the foam inside.
- A zip that is hard to reach: look at where the zip is. Placed underneath or well covered, it attracts teeth less.
You will find these beds in our dog beds and cushions.
In short
- Scratching before lying down is normal; chewing and tearing have a cause to find.
- Puppy, boredom, loneliness, discomfort or pain: watch when and how the damage happens.
- Avoid punishing after the event; offer a chew toy and reward calm.
- Foam or fabric swallowed, vomiting: call the vet.
- A dense fabric and a washable cover make a bed last, once the cause is sorted.