The Best Dog Scratch Protectors
Your dog is your best friend, and they feel the same way about you. When they're separated from you for an extended time, they may become bored or anxious and engage in destructive behavior like scratching doors. While there's no way to prevent this behavior, a dog scratch protector can keep your pup from ruining your doors, trim, and other household items. With all of that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best dog scratch protectors the market has to offer.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for a dog scratch protector: Is it made of durable, high-quality materials? Is it easy to clean and handle? Does it have an easy installation process? Our top pick was the protector from Panther Armor, which matches any decor and only takes a few minutes to set up. We also really liked the protector from In Hand, which stands up to aggressive scratching. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks and discover the right one for your home.
Panther Armor Dog Scratch Protector 3-Pack
Built to last
If your dog has a scratching habit you haven’t been able to get under control, these protectors from Panther Armor can help protect your doors. They don’t just protect your doors; they also teach your furry friend not to scratch them. The transparent door protector is suitable for all types of doors and can also be used to protect window sills. It fits over your door, so you won’t have to alter it in any way, and it only takes a few minutes to install.
Pros:
- Quick installation in only a few minutes
- Teaches dogs and other animals not to scratch doors
- Made of heavy-duty, transparent material
- Residue-free
Cons:
- It’s very shiny, so it may be visible from certain angles
In Hand Flexible Dog Scratch Protector
If you need a rugged door protector to stand up to your dog’s scratching, it’s hard to go wrong with this product from In Hand. It’s made of ultra-thin, industrial-grade vinyl, allowing it to withstand even the most determined scratcher. Since it’s lightweight, moving it from one door to another is easy. Plus, its clear design means it won’t stand out and fits in with any decor. The protector comes with 3M adhesives to keep them securely in place and fits on left, and right door handles.
Pros:
- 3M adhesives ensure the protector is securely attached to the door
- Easy to clean with a towel or damp cloth
- Suitable for all types of doors, including wood, glass, and metal
- Flexible and extremely durable
Cons:
- The adhesives may remove paint from surfaces
Claw Shield Tough Dog Scratch Protector
Tough as nails
Aggressive scratchers require aggressive measures, which is precisely what this Claw Shield door protector provides. The tough door protector uses industrial-grade PCV vinyl to keep your doors safe from even the most insistent scratchers. Since it’s transparent, it’s nearly impossible to see once it’s in place. Installation is quick and easy, and you can cut it to the size you need to fit your door. It’s so versatile it can even be applied to moldings, screen doors, and furniture to create an effective anti-scratch barrier.
Pros:
- Comes in large sheets that can be cut to size
- Made from highly durable, industrial-grade vinyl
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any instructions
Kebe Vinyl Dog Scratch Protector
Strong and reliable
When you need to protect a large door, this dog scratch protector from Kebe can help you get the job done. Its thick, industrial-grade vinyl is designed to withstand the most aggressive scratching and can be attached to most surfaces, including wood, glass, metal doors, and certain fabrics. You don’t need to use any special hardware to install it, simply cut it to the size you want and attach it where you want on the door. As a bonus, it can help train your dog to stop scratching because it eliminates the claw-sharpening sensation they experience when scratching.
Pros:
- Made with non-toxic, highly durable vinyl
- Easy to cut to size for a customized fit
- Helps train dogs not to scratch
- Can be used on door frames, car doors, windows, screens, and more
Cons:
- Can be difficult to apply it without producing bubbles or creases
Clawguard Ultimate Dog Scratch Protector
Stop the damage
There are no complicated or unclear instructions to follow to install this door protector from Clawguard, making installation quick and easy. All you have to do is hang it around a doorknob and use the included hook and loop fasteners if you need extra support. The protector has a smooth side that produces minimal sounds when your dog scratches and a textured side that makes an audible noise when scratched. The textured side is ideal for training; in contrast, you can use the smooth side when you need some peace and quiet.
Pros:
- Highly durable and holds up to aggressive scratchers
- Easy to cut with scissors to customize it to fit your door
- Transparent design makes it almost invisible
- Fits well over most door handles
Cons:
- Not the best choice for large dogs
Why does my dog scratch the door?
Your dog may scratch the door for many reasons, and identifying the underlying cause may help you solve the problem. When you leave your dog alone, they may suffer from separation anxiety. Scratching and digging at doors is how they try to reunite with you after you’ve left. Your dog may also scratch at the door if they need to go outside to relieve themselves. Vacuum cleaners, house guests, and thunder can also trigger door scratching in dogs.
How can I stop my dog from scratching at night?
Sometimes dogs scratch at their beds or other things at night, distracting their owners and keeping them up later than they’d like. If your furry friend has developed this habit, they may need more stimulation during the day. Taking them for a long walk in the afternoon or giving them toys to play with could help the problem and allow them to rest better at night.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.