The Secret Language of Pets: Why Your Pet Chews, Scratches, or Digs—and What It Really Means

Understanding Common Pet Behaviors: Chewing, Scratching, and Digging

Pets communicate primarily through behavior. Chewing, scratching, and digging are some of the most common actions seen in dogs and cats. While often frustrating for pet owners, these behaviors serve important purposes. Understanding the root causes can help you respond effectively and promote a healthier relationship with your furry friend.

Why Do Pets Chew?

Chewing as a Natural Instinct

Chewing is an instinctive behavior that starts early in life. Puppies and kittens explore their environment through their mouths, much like human babies. Chewing helps develop jaw strength, soothes teething pain, and satisfies curiosity.

Physical Needs and Health

Chewing helps pets clean their teeth and exercise their jaws. Some breeds, like Border Collies and Terriers, have a higher drive to chew due to genetics and work-related origins. Dogs especially need safe chew toys to prevent dental disease and boredom.

Boredom and Anxiety

Pets that are left alone for long periods or lack mental stimulation often chew destructively. This behavior may indicate separation anxiety or stress. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, up to 20% of dogs show signs of separation-related behaviors, including excessive chewing.

Medical Issues

Sometimes, chewing can signal health problems. Allergies or dental pain may prompt excessive mouth licking or chewing. If your pet suddenly begins chewing obsessively, a vet checkup is advisable.

Why Do Pets Scratch?

Scratching for Communication

Scratching is a way pets mark their territory visually and chemically. Cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching leaves scent markers. This behavior serves both as a message to other animals and a means of expressing themselves.

Nail Maintenance and Stretching

Scratching keeps claws sharp and healthy. It also provides a good stretch for the back and limbs, benefiting overall muscle tone and flexibility.

Stress and Anxiety

Much like chewing, scratching can be a displacement activity—an outlet for stress or frustration. Cats experiencing environmental changes or lack of enrichment may increase scratching frequency.

Skin Conditions and Allergies

Excessive scratching might indicate skin irritations, fleas, allergies, or infections. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dermatology, over 10% of pets visiting clinics show skin-related discomfort manifesting as scratching or licking.

Why Do Pets Dig?

Ancestral and Natural Behavior

Digging stems from wild ancestors who dug to hunt, hide food, or create safe resting spots. Many dog breeds like Terriers and Dachshunds were bred for digging-related tasks, making the behavior deeply ingrained.

Temperature Regulation and Comfort

Pets often dig to create a cool or warm spot depending on weather. In hot climates, digging can expose cooler soil; in colder weather, it can help them nestle in warmer earth.

Boredom and Energy Release

Digging is an effective way for energetic pets to expend excess energy, especially if they lack physical activity or mental challenges.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

If pets discover digging results in attention—positive or negative—they may repeat the behavior to engage their owners.

Behavioral Insights: What Your Pet’s Actions Tell You

Chewing as a Sign of Emotional Needs

Chewing often signals a pet’s unmet emotional needs. For instance, a dog chewing on furniture may be expressing loneliness or a lack of physical exercise. Toys designed for chewing can redirect this energy positively.

Scratching as a Stress Indicator

Increased scratching may reflect anxiety or environmental stressors, such as new pets, loud noises, or changes in routine. Observing when and where scratching occurs can reveal triggers.

Digging as a Coping Mechanism

Digging can be a pet’s way to manage stress or boredom, but it can also indicate a natural drive to fulfill instinctual needs.

How to Manage and Redirect Chewing, Scratching, and Digging

Provide Appropriate Outlets

• Chewing: Offer durable chew toys, puzzle feeders, and regular dental care.
• Scratching: Invest in scratching posts or pads placed in preferred spots.
• Digging: Designate a digging zone or sandbox and reward pets for using it.

Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

Exercise is crucial. Dogs need daily walks, playtime, and training. Cats benefit from interactive toys, climbing trees, and hunting games.

Behavioral Training and Positive Reinforcement

Train pets to use acceptable outlets and reward desired behaviors. Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety and worsen behaviors.

When to Seek Professional Help

If destructive chewing, scratching, or digging persists despite intervention, it may be time to consult professionals.

Veterinary Check-Ups

Rule out medical causes such as allergies, infections, or dental problems.

Certified Animal Behaviorists

Behaviorists can design personalized behavior modification plans.

Case Studies and Expert Opinions

Case Study: Bella’s Chewing Anxiety

Bella, a Labrador mix, chewed furniture when left alone. After a behaviorist recommended puzzle toys and short separations, her chewing reduced significantly.

Expert Insight: Dr. Mark Stevens, Veterinarian

“Chewing, scratching, and digging are natural behaviors but can signal deeper needs or health issues. Owners should observe closely and seek help if behaviors intensify or change suddenly.”

The Role of Environment and Routine

Consistent Routine

Pets thrive on routine. Disruptions can trigger anxiety-related behaviors.

Environmental Enrichment

Rotate toys, create sensory zones, and ensure pets have access to outdoor time if safe.

Breed-Specific Tendencies

Some breeds have stronger chewing, scratching, or digging instincts.

• Chewers: Retrievers, Spaniels
• Scratching enthusiasts: Many cat breeds, especially Siamese
• Diggers: Terriers, Dachshunds

Knowing your pet’s breed tendencies helps tailor management strategies.

Psychological Factors Behind Chewing, Scratching, and Digging

Stress and Anxiety in Pets

Stress manifests differently in pets, but chewing, scratching, and digging are often coping mechanisms for anxiety. Changes such as moving to a new home, introduction of new family members, or loud noises like fireworks can trigger these behaviors.

• Example: A study from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2018) found that nearly 30% of dogs exhibiting destructive chewing showed signs of separation anxiety.
• Recognizing early signs of anxiety can prevent escalation into destructive behavior.

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Pets left without adequate mental or physical activity will often find their own outlets—frequently chewing, scratching, or digging. These behaviors serve to relieve pent-up energy and provide entertainment.

• Enrichment activities such as food puzzles or interactive play are essential.
• Even short, frequent exercise sessions can drastically reduce unwanted behaviors.

Frustration and Attention-Seeking

Pets quickly learn that certain behaviors garner owner attention—even if it is negative. For example, digging in the garden may lead to scolding but also results in increased interaction.

• Redirecting attention to positive behaviors is more effective than punishment.
• Training sessions that reward calm behavior can reduce attention-seeking actions.

Interpreting Specific Behaviors: What Your Pet’s Actions Mean

Chewing on Shoes or Furniture

This usually signals boredom or separation anxiety. The familiar scent of shoes provides comfort, while destructible objects help expend energy.

• Providing chew toys infused with familiar scents can redirect chewing.

Scratching Furniture or Walls

When pets scratch inappropriate objects, it often reflects a need to mark territory or express stress.

• Multi-cat households see increased scratching due to social dynamics.
• Stress reduction through pheromone diffusers or increased playtime can alleviate this.

Digging in the Yard or Indoors

Digging inside the house is often a result of anxiety or a lack of outdoor access. Outdoor digging could be driven by instinct, boredom, or attempts to cool off.

• Creating a dedicated digging area encourages natural behavior without property damage.

Practical Prevention Strategies

Establishing a Routine

Regular feeding, exercise, and playtime schedules reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors.

• Predictability helps pets feel secure.

Safe and Appealing Alternatives

• Rotate chew toys regularly to maintain interest.
• Provide vertical scratching posts for cats in preferred locations.
• Build a sandbox for dogs who love to dig.

Environmental Adjustments

• Use bitter sprays on furniture or shoes to deter chewing.
• Employ protective coverings or furniture guards.
• Increase outdoor time and supervised play.

Impact of Chewing, Scratching, and Digging on the Owner-Pet Relationship

Building Understanding and Patience

Understanding the reasons behind these behaviors fosters empathy rather than frustration.

• Positive reinforcement and patience improve training outcomes.
• Owners who engage regularly with pets see fewer behavioral issues.

Bonding Through Training and Play

Using behavior redirection and enrichment activities enhances communication and trust.

• Games that incorporate training cues can be enjoyable and productive.

Conclusion

Understanding why your pet chews, scratches, or digs is crucial for fostering a healthy and happy relationship. These behaviors are natural forms of communication and instinctive expressions shaped by evolutionary needs, emotional states, and environmental factors. Far from being mere annoyances, they are windows into your pet’s physical and psychological wellbeing. When you decode these behaviors accurately, you can address their root causes rather than just treating symptoms, leading to more effective and lasting solutions.

From the natural instinct to explore and mark territory to coping mechanisms for anxiety or boredom, each action your pet takes reveals a piece of their inner world. Providing appropriate outlets such as chew toys, scratching posts, and digging zones not only preserves your belongings but fulfills your pet’s essential needs. Moreover, enriching their environment and maintaining a consistent routine greatly reduces stress-induced behaviors.

Consulting veterinarians or animal behaviorists is invaluable when these behaviors escalate or accompany signs of discomfort or illness. These professionals can identify underlying medical conditions or design personalized behavior modification plans. Finally, embracing patience, empathy, and positive reinforcement strengthens the human-animal bond, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

By learning to interpret your pet’s chewing, scratching, and digging, you transform daily interactions into meaningful communication, enhancing their quality of life and yours.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Why do pets chew things they shouldn’t?

A: Pets chew due to instincts, boredom, anxiety, or dental discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys and mental stimulation can reduce unwanted chewing.

Q2: How can I stop my cat from scratching furniture?

A: Offer scratching posts near favored spots, use deterrent sprays on furniture, and reward your cat for using the posts.

Q3: Is digging a sign of a behavioral problem?

A: Not always; digging is a natural behavior but can become problematic if caused by boredom, anxiety, or lack of outdoor access.

Q4: Can chewing indicate health issues?

A: Yes, dental pain, allergies, or skin irritations may cause excessive chewing. A vet check is recommended if behavior suddenly changes.

Q5: How often should I exercise my dog to reduce destructive chewing or digging?

A: Daily physical exercise combined with mental enrichment activities is ideal to reduce these behaviors.

Q6: Are certain breeds more prone to scratching or digging?

A: Yes, breeds like Terriers are natural diggers, and many cat breeds have strong scratching instincts.

Q7: How do I know if scratching is due to allergies?

A: Excessive scratching often accompanies redness, hair loss, or skin sores. A vet can diagnose allergies through tests.

Q8: Can punishment help stop these behaviors?

A: Punishment often increases anxiety and worsens behaviors; positive reinforcement is more effective.

Q9: What are good alternatives to prevent unwanted chewing?

A: Durable chew toys, puzzle feeders, and regular dental care are excellent alternatives.

Q10: When should I consult a behaviorist for my pet?

A: If destructive chewing, scratching, or digging persist despite interventions or are accompanied by anxiety or health issues, seek professional help.