Are you finding it hard to keep slippers or shoes around? If you’re the proud pet parent of an energetic dog, you may find some behaviors hard to deal with, including constant chewing.
Some dogs like to chew. Dogs that are chew-aholics treat everything as fair game, from slippers to couches to pillows and everything in between. It can get expensive to replace everything. Not to mention the mess.
If your dog chews everything up, here’s what may be behind it and what you can do.
What Causes Dogs to Chew?
Chewing is actually a normal behavior for dogs, and it’s also healthy for them to chew. It helps them strengthen their jaws and keeps their teeth clean and sharpened. However, some dogs chew on a lot more than their many chew toys and bones. Why do dogs sometimes chew on things they’re not supposed to?
Curiosity
Dogs are curious about their environment. Chewing is a way for them to explore that environment, and object, to see what it is and what it may do.
Boredom
Dogs also chew more when they’re bored. Chewing on objects they find is a way to pass the time. Dogs need frequent mental stimulation to help keep them entertained and interested in things that aren’t your favorite shoes!
Stress/Anxiety
When dogs get stressed or anxious about something, they may turn to chewing to help soothe them. It’s a familiar and natural action for them, so it makes sense that it would bring them comfort. Also, dogs are social creatures and love companionship. If you’re gone a lot, your pup may chew to help comfort them from your absence.
If you can’t avoid leaving your dog alone and are at your wit’s end to stop their chewing, try a companion pet, like a cat or rabbit. Or, pop on their favorite TV show while you’re gone to keep them company, and leave plenty of chew toys around.
Puppy Teething
One of the most common reasons for dogs to chew is because of their teeth. Puppies that are teething need to chew on something, just like babies need teething rings. Chewing helps ease their gum pain. Older dogs may also chew if they’re experiencing teething pain or dental issues of any kind. If your older pup is chewing too much, ask your vet to check their teeth at the next visit.
Hunger Pains
If your pup is hungry and has nothing nearby to eat, they may resort to chewing to help ease their hunger pains. If you notice plastic bowls, anything that’s had food in it, or things related to food showing signs of teeth marks, hunger may be the culprit. Be sure your dog is eating an adequate diet and doesn’t have to skip meal times.
How Can I Stop My Dog’s Destructive Chewing?
Now that you know some of the reasons your dog may be destroying all your belongings, you can easily try to fix the problem. The first step is to pinpoint the reason and try to get rid of the cause. For example, if your dog mostly chews while you’re gone, try to find ways to help them feel less anxious when you’re separated.
The second step is to try to redirect your dog’s chewing through favorite types of chew toys or bones. Here are some ways to focus your dog’s energy or anxiety away from your belongings:
Entertainment
Keeping your dog stimulated and entertained will prevent them from getting bored or anxious enough to chew. If your dog gets especially anxious when being left alone, you can provide them with:
- Special puzzle toy
- Favorite TV shows
- Other special treats, like new chewy toys
- Puzzle toys and snuffle matts stuffed with food
By giving your pup something special when you have to leave them alone, they’ll start associating alone time with something positive. This will help rid them of stressful or anxious feelings when being left alone. Likewise, if your dog chews from boredom even when you’re home, start getting creative with ways to keep your pup physically and mentally stimulated.
Exercise
One way to prevent your dog from chewing is to make sure they get enough daily exercise. When they’re physically tired and satisfied, they’ll be less likely to chew destructively. High energy breeds, like Border Collies and German Shepherds, may need up to two hours of exercise each day. Smaller breeds can be fine with around forty minutes daily.
If you give your dog enough exercise before you leave the house, it can help prevent destructive chewing while you’re gone. Long walks, obstacle courses in your yard, or games of fetch and chase can all help tire your pup out.
Quality Time
If your dog isn’t getting enough quality time with their beloved human (you), they may become depressed, bored, or anxious. This in turn may cause them to turn to chewing for self-soothing. Make sure you spend some quality time with your dog each day, through stimulating exercise, mental activities, and some good cuddle time.
Safeguarding Belongings
A simple, but time-consuming way to keep your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t is to remove all potential temptations from around them. You can keep your dog in a separate room or fenced off yard away from chewing hazards. Or, you can move all items within chewing range from the rooms your dog has access to while you’re gone. But if your dog likes to chew on the couch, this can be difficult.
Training
Teaching your dog not to chew on anything but their special toys is also possible. You can tell them “No” when they chew on something they shouldn’t, take it away, and replace it with a chew toy. Praise them when they chew on their chew toy instead. You can also spray dog deterrent on items your dog tends to chew on.
Final Thoughts
It can be a difficult process to find ways to prevent your dog’s destructive chewing. However, with a little patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love, your hard work will pay off. After all, isn’t that sweet puppy smile worth it?