Why do dogs scratch the ground?

One of the most common habits that we can notice among dogs is that of scratch the ground, either at home or on the street, using both the front and back legs. This curious custom owes its explanation to different reasons, which may be related to your most primal instincts or be the symptom of an obsession.

It is very common for dogs to scratch the ground after relieving themselves. It is popularly believed that they do so with the intention of covering the excrement, a custom that comes from their ancestors. However, this is a false myth, because the reality is that its true objective is "Mark" the area, create signals so that other dogs know that it has been there and obtain information through smell.

There is a theory that states that in this way they not only leave a trace through the feces, but also spreading the scent of your sweat glands, found on the foot pads. In this way, other dogs can associate the waste with its scent. Although this belief does not have scientific support.

Another common reason is the need to file nails. Sometimes not walking enough causes them to grow too large, since they hardly have contact with the ground. So they decide to quickly and constantly scratch whatever hard surface they can find in their path. As we know, this problem can be solved with a simple visit to the veterinarian or a canine beauty shop.

Lack of exercise can also lead to this practice, which on this occasion the dog carries out to waste stored energy. In this aspect we must be careful, since over time you can develop an obsession that is very harmful to your mental and physical health.

When they dig in the sand or dirt, they may do so for two reasons: because they have found something or because their instinct encourages them to create a kind of "bed", habit that comes from their ancestors.