Why Dogs Chew Everything
If you're a dog owner, you've probably walked into a room only to find your favorite shoes shredded, the furniture corners gnawed on, or a pillow completely destroyed. It’s frustrating, sometimes even infuriating, but before you scold your pup, have you ever wondered why dogs chew everything in sight?
Chewing is a natural canine behavior, but excessive or destructive chewing can be a sign of underlying issues. In this article, we’ll explore the scientific reasons behind why dogs chew, what it means, and how you can stop your furry friend from turning your house into a chew toy.
1. Chewing is a Natural Instinct
Dogs are born with a natural urge to chew. In the wild, chewing is essential for survival—it helps wolves and wild dogs break down bones, consume food efficiently, and strengthen their jaw muscles. Domestic dogs have inherited this instinct, but when they don’t have access to appropriate outlets, they may turn to your furniture, shoes, or even electrical cords.
2. Teething in Puppies
One of the most common reasons for excessive chewing is teething. Puppies begin teething around 3-4 weeks old, and the process continues until they are about 6 months old. During this time, their gums are sore, and chewing provides relief. If your puppy doesn’t have proper teething toys, they’ll find something else—like your expensive leather boots—to ease their discomfort.
?? Solution: Provide puppies with safe teething toys like rubber chew toys or frozen wet washcloths to soothe their gums.
3. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
A bored dog is a destructive dog.
Dogs are intelligent and active animals that need both mental and physical stimulation. Without enough exercise or interactive play, they’ll find other ways to entertain themselves—often at the expense of your belongings.
This is especially common in high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Huskies, and Labradors, which require a lot of physical activity and mental engagement.
?? Solution: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Long walks, interactive play sessions, and puzzle toys can help prevent boredom-related chewing.
4. Anxiety and Stress
Just like humans bite their nails when they’re nervous, dogs may chew as a way to relieve stress and anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often resort to chewing because it helps them cope with their emotions. They may chew on objects that smell like their owners—such as shoes, clothes, or furniture—to feel closer to them.
Signs of anxiety-induced chewing include:
?? Solution: If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try leaving them with a worn T-shirt that smells like you, playing calming music, or using anti-anxiety solutions like pheromone diffusers or interactive treat dispensers.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies and Pica
Sometimes, dogs chew on non-food objects like rocks, wood, or plastic because of a condition called pica, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. If a dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients—such as minerals or fiber—they may attempt to “fill the gap” by chewing on inappropriate objects.
?? Solution: Ensure your dog is getting a balanced diet with the right nutrients. Consult a vet if you suspect a deficiency.
6. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are social creatures, and some will chew destructively just to get your attention. If they notice that chewing on furniture gets a reaction from you—even if it’s negative attention—they may continue the behavior just to engage with you.
?? Solution: Ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior. If your dog chews on something inappropriate, redirect them to a chew toy and praise them when they chew on the correct object.
7. Exploring the World Through Their Mouth
Dogs experience the world through their senses, and their mouth plays a huge role in that exploration. Puppies, in particular, are like human babies—they explore their surroundings by putting everything in their mouths.
This curiosity-driven chewing is normal but can be dangerous if your dog chews on toxic or hazardous objects.
?? Solution: Puppy-proof your home! Remove dangerous items from reach, such as electrical cords, sharp objects, and toxic plants.
How to Stop Destructive Chewing: Practical Solutions
If your dog is chewing on things they shouldn't, here are some effective ways to stop it:
? Provide Plenty of Chew Toys – Give your dog a variety of chew toys with different textures to keep them entertained. Look for durable rubber toys, rope toys, or flavored chew bones.
? Exercise and Mental Stimulation – Tired dogs are happy dogs. Make sure your dog gets at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day and engage them with puzzle toys or training exercises.
? Use Taste Deterrents – Apply bitter apple spray or other taste deterrents on furniture, shoes, or anything your dog tends to chew.
? Teach the “Leave It” Command – Train your dog to understand the "leave it" command to prevent unwanted chewing. Reward them when they obey.
? Keep Valuables Out of Reach – If you don’t want it chewed, don’t leave it where your dog can get it!
? Monitor and Redirect – If you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, don’t yell. Calmly remove the object, give them a toy, and praise them when they chew on the right thing.