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Is CHEWING important for dogs?
As the owner of a pup or the famous sausage dog, it is important to understand your dog’s chewing behavior 😊
This will help you minimize destructive chewing and reduce your frustration.
Below are a few points explaining why pet dogs chew!
Why do all dogs love to chew?
There is no doubt that dogs and puppies love to chew – they are hardwired for it! 😃
Although the chewing instinct is completely natural, our furry friends can easily develop good or bad chewing habits. Fortunately, you can do a lot to encourage good behavior.
Good chewing behavior occurs when your puppy is calm, well-attended to, and has safe chew toys or treats available when needed.
In contrast, bad chewing usually happens when:
- your puppy is scared.
- your puppy is too hungry.
- teething is causing them pain.
Here is what you need to know about your pup’s chewing and how to manage it 😉
Why do dogs like to nibble?
There are three main reasons why dogs like to nibble:
1. Exploration:
Nibbling is a way for dogs to explore a new environment.
Puppies and newly adopted dogs are particularly prone to nibbling on objects they perhaps shouldn’t, at least at first. Getting familiar with a new environment through the mouth is as normal as eating a snack or touching something to feel it.
2. Self-care:
For puppies, chewing is an instinctive way to relieve the pain of new teeth coming through their gums. For older dogs, it is a way to keep their jaws strong and their teeth healthy.
3. Entertainment:
Most of the time, dogs chew to fight boredom and relieve mild anxiety or frustration, which can be a healthy form of entertainment and distraction as long as the chewing is limited to appropriate objects – much like us humans squeezing a stress ball while sitting in traffic!
Furthermore, chewing can simply be fun and delicious, especially when it involves a lickable chew treat!
What are the causes of bad or destructive chewing?
Your dog’s bad chewing can be defined as the destruction of household items, such as pillows, clothing, table legs, books… and many others.
This type of destructive chewing behavior is usually linked to other issues your dog may be facing, such as:
Separation anxiety
Does your puppy only chew objects to the point of destruction when left alone?
If so, your dog is likely suffering from some form of separation anxiety.
This anxiety manifests as nibbling on anything they can get their teeth on to release the stress of being alone.
To solve this, start by leaving your puppy alone for shorter periods in a more confined area with their favorite toy (special anti-destruction) or treat. This will help them associate your absence with a happy place filled with their most precious belongings 😊
Sometimes, having too much space to roam can be overwhelming for a small puppy or a dog in a new home. By providing a safe, warm spot with appropriate chew toys, they will learn that they are safe while you are away.
Hunger
Puppies on a low-calorie diet may chew objects in an attempt to satisfy their hunger. Have you ever felt a sudden sense of frustration when you haven’t eaten enough or are trying to stick to your summer diet…?
The word “hunger” comes to mind, and this can happen to dogs too.
This doesn’t mean a low-calorie diet is bad for them. You and your puppy’s vet are the best judges of that. Just be mindful of any changes in chewing behavior when your puppy is on a diet. They might start thinking your cushion looks like a giant hot dog 😅 – that might just be hunger talking.
Puppy teething
The first six months with your puppy can be very eye-opening, as you realize all the things lying around your apartment that look like fantastic teething toys.
Try giving your puppy ice cubes, frozen damp washcloths, or frozen chew treats to help numb their gums during this painful period. Your home will thank you!
Encouraging normal chewing behavior
Chewing behavior is fun for dogs and can improve brain stimulation; it promotes strong jaws and healthy teeth. The trick is to ensure your dog chews appropriate objects.
Here are some tips to encourage healthy chewing behavior:
Puppy-proof your home
Remove all chewable items you don’t want destroyed. This might add five extra minutes to your morning routine to ensure nothing is left on the floor or sofa, but it is worth it.
This strategy sets your dog up for success and saves you from feeling double frustration by blaming yourself for leaving items in the chewing zone.
Healthy chewing options for your puppy
We recommend offering edible chew treats or bones like bear sticks or deer antlers (see photo below).
Not only are they durable, but they are an excellent source of protein without the extra additives and chemicals found in many other bones.
Rotate your dog’s chew toys and treats, ideally every two days, so they don’t get bored and start developing destructive behavior with the chew toy itself.
Set your dog up for chewing success
It is important to correct destructive chewing behaviors as soon as you witness them.
If your furball starts nibbling on an object they shouldn’t, take it away but offer something else in exchange.
The dog will then know that they are not allowed to chew the object you took, but that they can do so with the one you gave them.
✅ Praise them when they start nibbling on appropriate objects so they associate the urge to nibble with the right items.
10 Reasons why dogs chew
1. Testing:
Dogs nibble on everything to see what happens. For example, a shoe is an exciting thing for your dog to test and discover.
2. Instinct:
It would be nice if your dog only chewed what you gave them, but dogs are hardwired to chew. Their instinct tells them that chewing is necessary to protect themselves, their family, and also to hunt.
3. Teething:
Baby teeth start coming out when puppies reach 2 months old and are replaced by adult teeth around 4-6 months. During these two periods, dogs chew constantly to relieve sensitivity in their teeth and gums.
4. Cleanliness:
Chewing helps dogs keep their teeth and gums clean and strong.
5. Loneliness or boredom:
When a dog feels lonely or bored, they start nibbling on everything around them to keep busy.
6. Exercise:
Chewing is good exercise for a dog’s jaw muscles. This is especially important for a puppy as they need to strengthen their jaws to chew harder objects when they reach adulthood.
7. Hunger:
Dogs may start nibbling on objects when they are hungry. This is a time when they experiment with chewing your belongings, so stay alert.
8. Relief:
Chewing relieves a dog from tension or anxiety. It keeps their mind occupied and distracts them from anything that might be bothering them.
9. Treating your items as toys:
When you start playing with your dog using one of your items as a toy, don’t be surprised to see your dog chewing that item later! If you make them think they can play with any object, they will take it seriously.
10. Disorders:
Some dogs may suffer from disorders that cause them to chew. Your vet will be able to help and inform you.
In summary
The best way to stop bad chewing behavior is to ensure the rest of your dog’s life is well-balanced 😊
Intense physical activity and a healthy diet can mitigate some of the causes of destructive chewing and promote positive chewing behavior.
Give your pet a natural, safe, long-lasting chew product that satisfies their need and desire to chew!
The DoxieLife team – 💚 last modified on 07/15/26
