Why Dogs Like To Chew Things

From The Dog Crazy Newsletter

By Petplace.com

Ever wonder why dogs chew on things?  Even better, why do they chew on expensive things (like the $10,000 cherry wood dining set or the $150 pair of dress shoes or $250 purse)? Well…there are several reasons for dogs chewing on things.

1. Puppies and juvenile dogs learn about their environment by mouthing and gnawing on objects. Typically the targets are random, and may include shoes, books or bedposts. Investigational or “play-related” destructiveness of this kind is a normal behavior for a growing dog.

2. Some adult dogs chew out of boredom  or because they are upset when “abandoned” by their owners each morning. In frenzied efforts to escape the house or find her owner, a dog of this persuasion will dig and chew at doorways, windowsills and curtains. She may also search for shoes, pillows, purses and other personal items to chew on.

3. Other dogs may chew because they have a nervous personality or they have some phobia. If your dog suffers from thunder phobia, she can cause dramatic damage to your house on stormy days.  In addition to thunder, your dog may develop fears of fireworks, wind, and a variety of other noises.

4. Finally, dogs chew because it is “FUN”.

The solutions to stop chewing will vary based on the dog and the reason for the chewing. But one simple time tested solution is to give them something to chew on. There are a number of excellent “chew toys” in the market. I like the Kong® brand toys, that are durable and strong. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes (you can even hide treats in many KONG toys).

You can get these toys on-line and in many stores.  If you shop

PetSmart, they have a large number of items  On-Sale including toys, food, accessories, etc. For more information on the items on Sale, go to petsmart.com  (if you enter your zip code they will even show the specials in your local store!)

Ensure whatever chew toys you use are built to withstand a good chewing without breaking in dangerous pieces that your dog can choke on or get lodged in his intestinal tract.  Choose the right toys and your house will be a safe place for your shoes, chairs and your furniture.

Until next time…

Dr. Jon