Car scratches are inevitable if you have a pet dog. Despite being our best friends, dogs can cause significant damage to a car’s finish.
These playful, adorable animals are blessed with a set of sharp toenails that, if they make contact with your car door, can leave deep scratches behind.
There are many reasons why a dog can scratch your car door. They could be excited to see you and can’t wait for you to get out of the car.
Or, you may have left their favorite toy or snack in the car, and they could be barking towards it. Irrespective of why a dog may scratch your car door, this is a habit that you should discourage as soon as possible.
Through proper training, you can teach your dog not to scratch the car door or any other component of your car.
What are the Effects of Dog Scratches on Car Doors?
Before we can list some of the ways you can fix dog scratches on your car door, we must evaluate the impact this has on your vehicle.
We all know that scratches can’t be prevented not unless you never drive your car and leave it covered in your parking all day and night long. Even though scratches are normal, those from a dog can have adverse side effects.
A dog has four toenails on each paw. Their nails are quite strong, and that’s why the scratches they leave on surfaces tend to be deep.
A dog’s nails are oval, and this allows them to tear into surfaces. If a dog, for whatever purpose, scratches your car, it will cut through the clear coat.
Depending on the size and aggressiveness of the dog, the scratch can be deeper and bigger.
If the clear coat is scratched, there is a 50% chance that the paint is also scratched. You should be able to determine the extent of the scratch just by looking at it.
A dog’s scratch on the car door will first affect the aesthetics of the vehicle. The paint job won’t look sleek or neat.
If the scratch isn’t repaired and it happens to have removed the paint, the metal beneath is exposed to air and moisture. This is a recipe for corrosion. And do we have to explain how dangerous this is for your car?
Therefore, if your dog scratches your car, you must fix this right away. And to avoid a similar scenario in the future, train your dog on how to stop this habit. We are going to advise you on all these things. Let us start with fixing dog scratches on the car door.
What is the Best Way of Repairing Scratches on a Car Door?
If you spot some dog scratches on your car door, do not panic, and do not hate your pet for doing this.
Though intelligent creatures, dogs can at times do the silliest things, including scratching your car door. The ideal solution for such a problem is using a cutting compound.
A cutting compound is a go-to product for most detailers when repairing scratches. This is a substance that contains abrasive particles which get into scratches and cover them.
You can find a cutting compound at your nearest auto store or in the car care section. It should be next to the polishes.
Removing dog scratches on a car door using a cutting compound is a relatively simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide;
• You will need to clean the area thoroughly. This may make the scratch more visible but do not worry about that.
• Ensure that the surface about to be polished with a cutting compound is free of debris, dirt, or oil deposits.
• Grab your cutting compound, dub it on a piece of cloth, and rub it on the scratches. Rub it gently in circular motions until the compound is absorbed into the scratches. Do this for about two minutes. If it’s a light scratch, you need not do this for long.
• Remove excess cutting compound and inspect if the scratches are gone. In case they haven’t, apply more cutting compound and rub it in.
• When you are satisfied that the scratches are gone, apply sealant or wax. Your car should look as good as new.
✔ Powerful Defect Removal – Quickly eliminates scratches, heavy swirls, acid rain etching, and sanding marks down to 1200 grit.
✔ Ultra-Fast Cutting Action – Delivers professional-level results in less time with Meguiar’s exclusive micro-abrasive technology.
✔ Smooth, High-Gloss Finish – Leaves a refined surface ready for polishing—perfect for prep before waxing or coating.
✔ Clear Coat Safe – Designed for use on all glossy paint types, including modern clear coat finishes.
✔ Versatile Application – Can be used by hand, DA polisher, or rotary buffer—safe for body shops and detailing professionals.
Should I Apply Fresh Paint on a Scratched Car Door?
Even though it is an effective method of getting rid of scratches, we wouldn’t recommend rushing to apply fresh paint. This form of paint correction is quite time-consuming.
It needs a lot of material and labor. Applying a rubbing or cutting compound is often enough to eliminate dog scratches on the car door. The latter is a quick and easy process that won’t take up much of your time.
We recommend applying fresh paint if there are plenty of dog scratches on the door, to the point that it looks hideous.
You should also repaint your car door if, other than the scratches, the paint is worn out. In case you opt for this method, here are tips on how you can repaint your car door;
• Start by sanding the car paint scratches.
• If the scratches are still visible, apply filler or compound and then sand it once more.
• Clean off the residue and inspect the area. If the scratches are still there, apply more compound and then sand till the surface is smooth.
• Spray primer followed by two layers of paint and three layers of clear coat.
• To achieve a more appealing finish, sand the freshly painted car door. Once the paint cures, wax it.
Other Ways to Remove Dog Scratches on Car Door
Buffing is the best method of removing dog scratches from car doors.
We have also seen that applying fresh paint can also offer pleasant results, but it’s hectic. If you do more research, you will find other methods recommended by car owners or detailing enthusiasts.
Some work exceptionally well, and others we wouldn’t advise you to use them. Here is a list of popular methods that can be used to remove dog scratches. In each, we will advise you whether to use it or not.
1. Scratch Remover Kits
After buffing with cutting compound and painting, scratch remover kits are the next best thing you can use to get rid of dog scratch marks on your door.
These kits are designed to fill in scratches and restore paint jobs. There are many scratch removers in the market. Ensure that you research thoroughly.
Please do the same when shopping for cutting compounds as well. Popular scratch remover kits include 3M, Chemical Guys, and Meguiars.
✔ Fix Minor Scratches Like a Pro – This all-in-one kit removes light scratches, scuffs, and surface defects by working through a proven 3-step system: sanding, compounding, and polishing.
✔ Clear Coat Safe & Effective – Designed specifically for automotive clear coats, it helps restore shine and remove fine marks from common trouble areas like door handles, trunk edges, and panel scuffs.
✔ Everything You Need – Kit includes a disc pad holder, 3000-grit abrasive, rubbing compound, scratch remover, and polishing pads. Just add your household drill and a microfiber towel.
✔ Cost-Effective DIY Fix – Skip the body shop and restore your vehicle’s finish at home—ideal for removing car wash brush marks, key scuffs, or light damage from vegetation.
✔ Easy-to-Follow Instructions – Comes with a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. Optional final wax application is recommended for extra protection and gloss.
✔ 4-Stage Paint Correction in One Kit – From aggressive scratch removal to fine finishing, this sample kit includes V32, V34, V36, and V38—everything you need to cut, polish, and refine your paintwork.
✔ Handles Heavy to Light Imperfections – Start with V32 or V34 to tackle deep scratches, oxidation, or sanding marks, then finish with V36 or V38 to enhance clarity and bring out a mirror-like gloss.
✔ Optical-Grade Micro Abrasives – Delivershigh-precision results without masking defects, thanks to advanced abrasive technology that cuts fast and finishes smooth—no fillers, no gimmicks.
✔ Perfect for All Vehicle Types – Safe on clear coats, single-stage paint, and gel coats, making it a go-to kit for detailing cars, motorcycles, RVs, and more.
✔ Great for DA Polishers or By Hand – Whether you’re a beginner or experienced detailer, the compact 4 oz bottles make it easy to test and perfect your detailing workflow.
✔ Erase Light Scratches in Minutes – Say goodbye to fine scratches, scuffs, and paint transfer. This all-in-one kit lets you restore your vehicle’s finish without professional help.
✔ Powered by Your Drill – Attach the Scratch Eraser Pad to a standard drill and let the power tool do the heavy lifting. You’ll get consistent, swirl-free results with half the effort.
✔ Micro-Abrasive Formula – The included ScratchX compound uses safe, micro-abrasive technology to smooth clear coat imperfections without dulling your paint or causing haze.
✔ Everything You Need in One Box – Comes complete with ScratchX, drill-mounted pad, and microfiber towel—no need to buy anything else to get started.
✔ Safe on Clear Coats and Gloss Finishes – Specifically designed to work on all glossy painted surfaces, this kit offers peace of mind and pro-level results from your garage.
2. WD-40
WD-40 has a lot of applications. This lubricant is known to loosen the paint. When you spray and let it sit before wiping it with a cloth, it should get rid of surface scratches on the paint.
The only issue with WD-40 is that it contains some ingredients that may be harmful to paint. Therefore, clean it right away after you are done using it.
✔ All-Purpose Moisture Displacer –Quickly dries out electrical systems to help prevent moisture-induced short circuits—ideal for tools, vehicles, and electronics.
✔ Rust Prevention & Corrosion Shield – Acts as a barrier against water, salt, and humidity, keeping metal parts protected and rust-free.
✔ Frees Stuck Parts Fast – Penetrates deep to loosen rusted, frozen, or stuck bolts, locks, and hinges—making repairs easier and faster.
✔ Cleans Tough Residue – Easily removes grease, grime, sticker gunk, tar, sap, super glue, and more from a wide range of surfaces.
✔ Dual-Action Smart Straw – Use the precision straw for targeted spray or flip it down for wide coverage—no lost caps, no wasted product.
✔ Trusted for Over 60 Years – A garage essential for lubricating moving parts like rollers, gears, pulleys, and chains.
3. Toothpaste
The abrasiveness of toothpaste is what makes it an ideal car door scratch remover. We are talking about regular toothpaste and not the gel version.
In some ways, toothpaste polishes a car surface and leaves behind a smooth finish. The properties of toothpaste are safe on paint. However, the act of rubbing the toothpaste on the car can damage the paint. Is it worth the risk?
Although there are products such as magic erasers, nail polish, and shoe polish that can be used to remove scratches on a car’s paint, we do not recommend using these products since they are not specifically designed for this purpose and may cause further damage.
It’s surprising how people risk using these products, yet cutting compounds can be found easily in most stores.
What Should I Do About My Dog’s Behaviour?
Hopefully, you have seen how challenging fixing dog scratches on a car door is. It is therefore crucial that you train your dog on how to stop doing this in the future.
There are various methods on how you can stop your dog from scratching the car door. The first method is ignoring this behavior completely.
Your door may experience some wear and tear from your dog’s scratching, but eventually, your dog will realize that scratching the door does not get them the attention they want, and they will stop this behavior.
Another reason why dogs scratch doors is because of separation anxiety. Dealing with this issue can prevent this behavior from reoccurring in the future.
Train him/her that when you get home, they should be standing at the door. And not scratching or jumping on the car door.
If you want your car door to retain its finish, you must break this unhealthy attachment or eagerness to see you.
The other thing you can do is by saying no. If you have lived with your canine for years, you have denied them some things by using the no command.
This can also work on preventing car door scratching. When you find the dog in the act of scratching the car door, command them to stop.
If all this fails, then the best way to prevent this is by ensuring your dog never comes into contact with cars. This includes locking up the garage and denying them access.
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