Destructive Dog Chewing - Causes & Solution To Excessive Chewing In Dogs
Destructive Dog Chewing - If there is one thing a dog loves more than barking at the mailman, it's chewing on objects.
A common habit among puppies and adult dogs is - chewing. A dog's chewing habit is completely normal until it gets out of hand.
Important Discussion Points In This Guide
- What is Destructive Chewing in Dogs?
- Causes Of Chewing In Dogs
- How To Fix Destructive Dog Chewing
What is Destructive Chewing in Dogs?
Excessive dog chewing or destructive chewing in dogs is extreme chewing and destruction of objects that are not dog toys and/or are things that you value.
If left unattended, destructive dog chewing can cause serious issues like extreme behavioural problems and other health issues.
Causes Of Chewing In Dogs
To control destructive chewing in dogs, you first need to figure out the cause behind your dog’s chewing habits. Some of the most common reasons for dogs to chew are:
Teething
The first and most common reason dogs began to chew is because of teething.
As puppies enter their teething phase they will start biting on any object that they can get their paws on!
Exploring
Puppies and adult dogs investigate the world around them with their mouth and chewing is a result of it.
Boredom
A dog who is lonely or bored is also most likely to be found chewing on furniture, shoes etc to entertain themself and pass time.
Separation Anxiety
When a dog who is extremely attached to their parent is left alone they feel anxious and stressed.
This separation anxiety in dogs lead them to showcase unusual behaviours like digging on doors, excessive salivation and destructive chewing.
Lack of Training
A dog who has not been trained and does not have the right toys or objects to release his energy on will also end up chewing on household objects.
How To Fix Destructive Dog Chewing
If you find your new puppy or adult dog developing an excessive chewing habit, here are a few things you can do to keep your valuables safe and help your pooch find appropriate outlets for their chewing :
Dog Proof Your House
When making a checklist for your new puppy, don’t forget to add “Dog-proofing” to it. Just as one would baby-proof their house before bringing a little human home, it is important to do the same for your furbaby.
Keep your valuables (clothes, collectables, books etc) and objects that may pose a danger to your dog (electrical cords etc) away from your puppy’s reach.
Inquisitive puppies are bound to explore their new environment by pawing and chewing on things. Dog-proofing your house aids in avoiding any mishaps.
Interactive with Them & Exercise Them
As we saw before, one of the main reasons behind a dog's chewing habits is boredom and loneliness. It is also found that dogs who have pent up energy are likely to manifest it in inappropriate ways.
To tackle this make sure your dog gets ample social interaction and physical exercise whenever possible. Interactive playtimes, going on walks and taking them on play-dates are a few of the many ways you can keep them entertained and active.
Invest in Appropriate Chew Toys
The best thing you can do to keep things in your home safe and to provide a chewing outlet for your dog is to buy good dog chew toys. From teething puppies to adult dogs - chew toys are the perfect aid to divert their attention from inappropriate objects.
Chew toys don’t just help teething puppies cope with painful gums but also satisfy their urge to explore and investigate things.
To keep toys interesting for your dog, ensure to keep rotating them and have unique toys for special occasions (For example: snuffle mat for when you are busy or away from home).
Treat their Anxiety
As we have seen, separation anxiety can cause destructive behaviour in dogs, one of which is excessive chewing.
If you feel your dog has separation anxiety or other health problems that are triggering their chewing behaviour, it is best to consult with your Vet. You can also check out our blog on Dog Separation Anxiety to prevent such situations.
Train your Dog
Training is an essential part of shaping your dog’s behaviour. A dog training lesson that teaches them what is “good” to chew on and what is not can help avoid issues.
You can do this with the help of a dog trainer or at home by yourself. Make sure to use dog treats (Bonus Points - if it is a dog chew treat) during these sessions to create positive reinforcement.
Parenting a dog who has a destructive chewing habit can be a handful but you need to understand that your Pooch’s behaviour is the result of multiple underlying reasons that needs to be understood and taken care of.
It is also advised to visit your veterinarian if your dog’s chewing habits seem unusual and can not be controlled at home.
Your fur-babies love you the most. And like every other hurdle you've overcome with them - you will overcome this too!
Happy pet parenting!
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