Scratch monitoring tracks how much your dog scratches. This helps you identify patterns and potential triggers, like allergies, skin irritation, or environmental factors that might be bothering your dog.
Tractive isn't a medical device. While Tractive monitors trends and patterns in your pet’s well-being, it's not intended to diagnose health conditions. We recommend always seeking medical advice from a vet.
How scratch monitoring works
Your tracker detects when your dog scratches and measures how long each scratching session lasts. The app compares this to data from millions of dogs to show whether your dog's scratching is normal or increased.
What you'll see:
- Daily scratching duration
- Status: normal or increased
- Seven-day chart showing scratching trends
Available immediately: Scratch monitoring doesn't need a baseline period. You'll see scratching data from day one of using your tracker.
Important: Scratch monitoring is only available to dogs.
Where to find scratch monitoring
- Open the Tractive mobile app.
- At the bottom, go to
Health.
- Look for the Scratch status card.
- Tap any card to see detailed data and seven-day charts.
Note: Scratch monitoring isn't included in health alerts. Check the Health tab status card regularly to view your dog's scratching data.
Tracker compatibility
Scratch monitoring is available for DOG 6 and DOG 6 XL.
This feature isn't available on DOG 4, DOG XL, or older tracker models.
How it helps you and your dog
Identify allergy triggers: Spot patterns that might indicate food allergies, environmental allergies, or seasonal sensitivities.
Track skin health: Monitor if scratching improves or worsens over time, especially after treatments or diet changes.
Better vet conversations: Share concrete scratching data with your vet. The seven-day chart gives them valuable insights into when and how often your dog scratches.
Early detection: Notice unusual increases in scratching before they become serious skin problems.
Peace of mind: Know if your dog's scratching is more than normal, so you can quickly spot when something's off.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the scratching detection?
Your tracker uses motion sensors to detect scratching movements. The scratching times and durations you see are estimates, not exact measurements. Occasionally, the tracker might count moments when you're scratching your dog, and very light or quick scratches might be missed.
What should I do if my dog is scratching excessively?
If you notice a sudden increase or consistently high scratching over several days, start by checking your dog for visible signs:
- Redness, rashes, or irritated skin
- Fleas, ticks, or other parasites
- Hot spots or areas they're focusing on
- Hair loss or excessive licking in certain areas If you find anything unusual or the scratching continues, contact your vet. They can help identify the cause and recommend treatment if needed.
Which tracker models support Scratch Monitoring?
DOG 6 and DOG 6 XL. This feature isn't available on DOG 4, DOG XL, or older models.
What does ”Sync Needed” mean?
Your tracker syncs health data to your phone via Bluetooth. "Sync Needed" means your tracker hasn't been near your phone recently, so the latest data isn't in the app yet.
To sync:
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.
- Open the Tractive app and go to
- On the upper corner of the screen, tap
Sync.
Is scratch monitoring only for dogs?
Yes. Scratch monitoring is currently only available for dogs.