Dog Chewing Problems
When your dog is chewing on everything, it is their way of exploring the world around them. Chewing can also be a way for puppies to relieve teething pain and for adult dogs to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean.
However, while chewing is a natural tendency in dogs, your pet may have developed dog chewing difficulties. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why dogs chew on items they shouldn't:
Stress or Anxiety
Dogs are social animals, so leaving the house will undoubtedly worry them. Chewing may help your dog relax while you're away.
Boredom
If your dog spends a lot of time alone without any mental stimulation, he or she may become bored and start chewing on any interesting objects they find around the house to pass the time.
Puppy Teething
Just like human babies, puppies will go through a period of teething when they are young. Chewing is how your new puppy will relieve any pain that they are experiencing with teething. If you are concerned about this you can always schedule a visit for a dental examination with the vet.
Hunger
It is normal for dogs on calorie-restricted diets to start chewing on things in an attempt to find alternative sources of nutrition. If your dog is suffering from this condition, they will most likely seek out objects that smell like food to chew.
How to Stop a Dog From Chewing
When attempting to prevent destructive chewing in your dog, it is critical to first identify the source of the problem and address any of the issues listed above. The second step is to redirect your dog's chewing to more appealing materials, such as chew toys.
Good chew toys for dogs include durable rubber toys like Kongs, nylabones, and natural chews like antlers. These toys are safe for dogs to chew on and can help clean their teeth and satisfy their natural urge to chew. On the other hand, bad chew toys for dogs include items that can easily break into small pieces and be swallowed, such as rawhide bones or stuffed animals with small parts that can be torn off. It's important to always supervise your dog while they are chewing on a toy to prevent any accidents.
Below are some more things you can try to get your puppy to stop chewing:
Lots of Exercise
Exercising your puppy frequently is the simplest approach to keep him happy and weary. One of the most effective strategies to prevent destructive chewing is to ensure that your dog gets lots of exercise before you leave the house. Border collies, German shepherds, Brittany and Springer spaniels, and other high-energy breeds require at least two hours of daily exercise, although Pomeranians, pugs, and shih tzus often do well with as little as 40 minutes.
Entertainment
When you leave the house, you should provide your dog with some type of amusement to keep them entertained and prevent boredom. When you leave, give your dog a puzzle toy filled with food, as well as a selection of interesting, unique toys that he can only play with while you're away (to maintain the novelty).
Providing your dog with a variety of interesting toys will not only foster a positive association with alone time, but will also serve as a distraction from objects you do not want your dog to chew on.
Puppy-Proofing
The simplest way to keep your dog from chewing on things he shouldn't is to put the object out of reach. Place important objects out of reach, store your clothes or put them in a closed hamper, and keep books and children's toys out of your dog's reach.
When should I bring my dog to the vet for chewing?
If your dog is chewing on things that could be harmful or toxic, such as electrical cords or sharp objects, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Additionally, if your dog is showing signs of distress or illness after chewing on something, it is best to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.