Most dog owners have had the frustrating experience of coming home to find their beloved shoes, furniture, or belongings chewed up.

While this behavior can be destructive and expensive, it is important to understand that dogs do not chew these things to be malicious or naughty. In fact, there are several reasons why dogs chew everything in sight.

Natural Instincts

Dogs are natural chewers. They are born with a natural instinct to explore their environment by using their mouths. As puppies, they often chew to explore new things, relieve pain caused by teething, and alleviate boredom.

Even though adult dogs have matured past the teething stage, they still have an inherent need to chew. This is because chewing helps clean their teeth, strengthen their jaws, and reduce stress or anxiety.

Dogs that do not have access to appropriate chew toys will look for other objects to satisfy their chew cravings. This is a natural instinct and not something they do purposefully to upset their owners.

Dental Issues

Chewing is also an effective way for dogs to maintain their dental health. By chewing, they can remove tartar and plaque buildup on their teeth, which can otherwise lead to gingivitis and other dental issues.

However, if your dog is excessively chewing to the point of damaging their teeth, it could be a sign of dental problems. In this case, it is best to schedule a visit to the vet for a checkup and potential teeth cleaning.

Boredom or Anxiety

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from boredom or anxiety. When left alone for extended periods, dogs may turn to destructive behaviors like chewing as a way to relieve stress.

Similarly, if a dog is anxious or feeling insecure, they may chew objects as a way to self-soothe. In instances like these, it is important to give your dog plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. Consider introducing interactive toys or puzzles that challenge your dog mentally and help alleviate their anxiety.

Curiosity or Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs are naturally curious animals and may chew as a way to learn more about their surroundings. When something new enters their environment, they will likely want to explore it with their mouths.

Similarly, if a dog is seeking attention from their owner, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing to gain attention. In situations like these, it is important to provide ample attention and guidance for your dog to steer them away from destructive behaviors.

Lack of Training or Discipline

If a dog hasn’t been properly trained or disciplined, they may not understand that chewing is inappropriate behavior. It is important to teach your dog what is okay to chew on and what is not.

Providing them with appropriate chew toys and praising them for using them can help redirect their behavior. Consistent discipline is also necessary to reinforce good behavior and discourage negative behavior.

The Bottom Line

While a dog’s chewing habits may be frustrating and expensive for their owners, it is important to remember that dogs do not chew everything just to be mischievous.

Understanding why your dog is chewing can help you take the appropriate steps to address the underlying issue. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, appropriate chew toys, and consistent training can all help prevent destructive chewing behavior in dogs.