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8 Best Door Protectors for Dog Scratches – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Dog with Tropical Lei looking out shabby scratched door

We would spend every second of the day with our companions if we could, but sometimes we need to leave them in a separate room or at home alone. Understandably, this can lead to unwanted behaviors such as barking, howling, or jumping up and scratching at the door. In a short time, the door can become an eyesore and require a costly repair or replacement.

Fortunately, some manufacturers in the pet industry have developed a solution: door protectors for dog scratches! If that sounds like the exact product you need, read on to learn about our top picks and reviews for door protectors.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Clawguard Original Door Shield Clawguard Original Door Shield
  • Durable
  • Double textured
  • Can be trimmed to size
  • Best Value
    Second place
    KDAOQN Door Protector KDAOQN Door Protector
  • Great value for money
  • Non-toxic vinyl sticker
  • Can be trimmed down
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Panther Armor 3-Pack Door Protector Panther Armor 3-Pack Door Protector
  • Durable
  • 3 in a pack
  • Can be applied to most doors
  • Chagol Custom Cut Door Protector Chagol Custom Cut Door Protector
  • Durable
  • Weatherproof
  • Easy to install
  • FTSTC Upgraded Door Scratch Protector FTSTC Upgraded Door Scratch Protector
  • Easy to apply
  • Durable vinyl
  • Strong adhesive
  • The 8 Best Door Protectors for Dog Scratches

    1. Clawguard Original Door Shield – Best Overall

    Clawguard Original Door Shield

    Material: 100% recycled polymer plastic
    Dimensions: 43” L x 18” W x 0.03” H

    Our best overall pick for the best door protectors goes to the Clawgaurd Original Door Shield because of its features and versatility. This door protector can fit onto any doorknob and can easily be trimmed to size. It is made from 100% recycled polymer plastic, which creates a durable barrier against sharp claws. The best part is that each side has a different texture, making it great for training. One side includes ridges so you and your dog can hear the scratching, and the opposite side is smooth for noise-free scratching. No hardware is needed to install this door protector, and it also includes a hook and loop fastener that’s easy to install, whether inside or outside.

    While this door protector is quick and easy to install, it’s easy for your dog to push around. If you have a dog that is determined to get through the door or scratch on it, you may need to add reinforcement.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Double textured
    • Can be trimmed to size
    • Easy and quick to install
    Cons
    • Easy for dogs to push around

    2. KDAOQN Door Protector – Best Value

    KDAOQN Door Protector

    Material: Vinyl
    Dimensions: 79” L x 8.3” W/ 200” L X 8.3” W

    The KDAOQN Door Protector is the best door protector for the money. It features an anti-scratch vinyl sticker that protects the surface of your door, as well as other scratch-prone areas. When your dog scratches up against it, the vinyl causes its paws to slip away, creating a scratch barrier and reducing the sharpening of its nails. You only have to clean the surface of your door, remove the backing off the sticker, and apply it to the area that needs protecting. The protective sticker comes in two sizes but can easily be trimmed down to suit your needs.

    One of the drawbacks of this protector is that you can end up with air bubbles or creases without careful application. However, air bubbles are a decent trade-off to nail scratches.

    Pros
    • Great value for money
    • Non-toxic vinyl sticker
    • Makes surface slippery
    • Can be trimmed down
    Cons
    • May have air bubbles or creases after application

    3. Panther Armor 3-Pack Door Protector – Premium Choice

    Panther Armor 3-Pack Door Protector

    Material: Plastic
    Dimensions: 40” L x 8.4” W

    The Panther Armor 3-pack Door Protector is a premium product that will go unnoticed while saving your door from dog scratches. It is residue-free and can be used on most door materials, such as wood, metal, or glass. It has excellent durability to resist the most insistent pet nails, and in addition to its durability, you get three in a pack.

    While these adhesive door protectors do well at preventing scratches, they are very sticky, so if you don’t stick it right the first time, expect it to peel away some door paint if you try to adjust it.

    Pros
    • 3 in a pack
    • Can’t be seen against the door
    • Can be applied to most doors
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Very sticky, so may peel away paint

    4. Chagol Custom Cut Door Protector

    Chagol Custom Cut Door Protector

    Material: Vinyl
    Dimensions: 16” L x 3” W x 3” H

    The Chagol Custom Cut Door Protector will protect your indoor or outdoor door from your dog’s nails and reduce the scratching sound by 70%! The industrial-grade vinyl is weatherproof and durable and includes an extra-thick static material to ensure it outlasts any weather conditions. It adheres securely to flat surfaces and can be removed easily without leaving a sticky mark. You can easily install it without using tools, nails, or screws.

    Some dog owners had some issues with the size of the door protector, so make sure to check the door and measure it. Other customers also said that while it sticks well, it may ruin the surface when you try to remove it. However, Chagol has a 100% guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the product.

    Pros
    • Reduces scratching sound by 70 %
    • Weatherproof
    • Durable
    • Easy to install
    • 100% guarantee if unsatisfied
    Cons
    • Disputes with the sizing
    • May damage the door when removed

    5. FTSTC Upgraded Door Scratch Protector

    FTSTC Upgraded Door Scratch Protector

    Material: Vinyl
    Dimensions: 118” L x 8.3” H

    The FTSTC Upgraded Door Scratch Protector is made from environmentally friendly, high-quality, durable vinyl to protect your door from the scratches of your dog’s nails. The vinyl also eliminates the sharpening of your dog’s claws, which decreases the sensation and makes a great training tool to stop scratching. It is a very strong adhesive that is easy to install and is convenient in that it saves you time and effort since it requires no tools.

    The installation process of this vinyl door protector may cause creases or bubbles, and the length may be too short for very large dogs. However, if you are unhappy with the product, FTSTC will happily refund or replace your product.

    Pros
    • Durable vinyl
    • Helps train your dog not to scratch at the door
    • Strong adhesive
    • Easy to apply
    Cons
    • May cause bubbles or creases when installing
    • May be too short for large dogs

    6. Claw Shield Scratch Protector

    Claw Shield Scratch Protector

    Material: Plastic, Polyvinyl Chloride
    Dimensions: 8” L x 60” W

    The Claw Shield Scratch Protector is simple to install and a quick solution for dog scratch protection, whether your dog is anxious or excited. It uses adhesive pads, so you don’t need to unpack your toolbox or waste your weekend assembling it, and it’s made of high-quality, industrial-strength PVC. The material protects your dog’s paws from splinters while protecting your door from nails. You can easily wipe it down to remove slobber or paw marks.

    While this adhesive door protector does the job, some users noted that the film turned yellow after some time. Others noted that if your dog is persistent enough, the Claw Shield can easily be destroyed.

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • No tools needed
    • High-quality, industrial PVC
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Plastic turns yellow over time
    • Easily destroyed by persistent dogs

    7. Deck the Door Décor Dog Scratch Door Protection Plate

    Deck the Door Décor Dog Scratch Door Protection Plate

    Material: Aluminium
    Dimensions: Various sizes

    The Deck the Door Décor Dog Scratch Door Protection Plate lives up to its name by adding style to your door while protecting it from dog scratches. It’s made with aluminum instead of plastic and makes the perfect protector for a persistent dog. It is made safe for your pet since it is designed with rounded corners and beveled edges, so you don’t need to worry every time you hear your dog scratching.

    You can install this sophisticated door protector in one minute without any tools and have it customized with your pet’s name since the maker offers engraving too! While aluminum is superior to plastic, this product is also designed with an adhesive back. Some users reported that the stickiness didn’t last long and fell off the door quickly. Furthermore, even though they have sizes to choose from, you may still need to purchase more than one of these to get the coverage you need.

    Pros
    • Made with aluminum
    • Various sizes available
    • Different colors available
    • Can be engraved
    Cons
    • Doesn’t stick long
    • May need to purchase more than one

    8. Laminet Original Deluxe Dog Scratch Shield

    Laminet Original Deluxe Dog Scratch Shield

    Material: Plastic
    Dimensions: Various sizes available

    The Laminet Original Deluxe Dog Scratch Shield is made to be extra thick and durable for optimum protection. It is made with strong, clear plastic that is flexible, shatterproof, and easy to trim, so you can customize it for a perfect fit. It comes with eight pairs of hook and loop coins, so you can easily and securely attach it to your door without stressing over very sticky adhesives that almost always end in air bubbles or creases.

    There are various options for sizes, so it’s best to go bigger and trim down. While the plastic sheet is strong and sturdy, some users have reported that the screws are flimsy and may break easily, so you may need reinforcements with this one.

    Pros
    • Extra thick and durable
    • Flexible and shatterproof
    • Can be trimmed
    • Various sizes available
    Cons
    • The screws may be weak

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    Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Door Protector for Dog Scratches

    It may seem straightforward for some—you find a door protector, stick it on, and there you go. However, there is a little more to consider before purchasing the first one you find, and our buyer’s guide is here to help. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a door protector.


    Your Dogs Size

    Dogs vary in size from miniature breeds to giant breeds, and the height a miniature breed can jump will differ greatly from a large breed and will likely cause a lot less damage to your door. Larger dogs are also a lot heavier. For a larger dog, you will need to look for a more durable protector, as the thick nails, large paws, and heavy muscle tone will easily tear through something lightweight and thin. A smaller dog that can’t jump high will only require a small area of protection.


    Materials 

    Some door protectors are made specifically for certain materials, such as glass or wood. Also, you have to be cautious when using door protectors with an adhesive that may not be suitable for painted doors or may leave a sticky residue on glass surfaces.

    door entrance with cute jack russell dog inside
    Image Credit: eva_blanco, Shutterstock

    Size

    Door protectors come in different sizes and customizable sizes you can trim. Some may just be a strip that will suit a small dog, and others cover most parts of the door. You can buy them in rolls that you can cut to size to fit your door frame and to cover specific areas. Consider what size you need to determine which is the best one to purchase.


    Noise

    Some door protectors come with a textured surface which makes a loud noise when scratched. These are usually used for training because the sound annoys your dog. However, the sound can annoy you, too, especially if you are home and trying to study or work.

    brown dachshund dog looking at the door
    Image Credit: marialevkina, Shutterstock

    Cost

    Consider your budget and how much the cost outweighs the cost of the damage that you will need to repair. Most of the time, it is more feasible to spend the money on prevention.

    Overall, you will need to consider the maintenance and durability of the door protector, how it will affect your door, and consider training your dog to help prevent scratching on the door.

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    Conclusion

    We hope these reviews helped acquaint you with the various options available and that our buyer’s guide helped you so you know exactly what to look for. To recap our top picks, our best overall choice is the Clawgaurd Original Door Shield because of its features and versatility. Our best choice for the money is the KDAOQN Door Protector since it provides protection that is easy to apply and affordable, and our premium choice is the Panther Armor 3-pack Door Protector. Any of these options should ease frustration and save you hundreds of dollars on door repairs!

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    Featured Image Credit: Vineyard Perspective, Shutterstock

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