Key tips to stop dogs from destructive chewing

Does your dog chew on things they shouldn’t? Dogs chewing on inappropriate objects, such as furniture, is a very common issue for pet owners.  

Reasons Dogs Chew 

 Your dog chews on objects in order to deal with either physical pain or behavioural issues. 

Imagine you have a serious toothache; it would be very distracting, right? You’d probably go see your dentist or use over-the-counter medications/drugs to numb the pain. Since dogs can’t take themselves to the dentist, they will look for other ways to relieve their pain, which may be caused by dental issues, jaw malformations or arthritis. 

Without a proper chew toy to help to relieve their pain, dogs tend to make a beeline straight to furniture or other objects. 

The best thing you can do for your pet is to visit your veterinarian and order a physical exam for your pooch. 

Behavioural Issues 

If a veterinarian assesses your dog and there are no medical or physical issues,  it’s time to examine what behavioural issues may be causing their constant chewing. 

Dogs experience fear, boredom and anxiety just like humans do. Whether it’s an unexpected visit from the postman, a thunderstorm or a playful pup looking for something to occupy their day, dogs will look for something to relieve a buildup of tension. 

How to Stop the Chewing 

Observe your pet’s routines to identify behavioural patterns associated with their chewing. Try implementing toys and activities with longevity and staying power in order to keep your furry friend occupied. This will help to relieve their tension on toys, rather than on your furniture. 

You may also want to try stuffing a hard rubber toy with peanut butter, freeze it overnight, and then give it to your pet when you leave for the day. This will keep your furry companion occupied,  all the while, allowing them to work out their physical energy and anxious tension. 

Another suggestion is to play with toys that can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone or toys on timers to provide your dog with stimulus throughout the day. 

Pet cams are another way to interact with your pet when you can’t be at home, through two-way interaction programs. This way, your recognizable voice can be a soothing agent for an anxious pup when a thunderstorm hits or an unexpected visitor knocks on the door. 

Distractions are great, too! Treat dispensers, the radio, white noise machines, or downloadable music for pets that match their heartbeat, such as classical music for dogs, or reggae for cats, all might be helpful. 

There are numerous toys and devices on the market for you to try for your pooch, there may not be one golden solution, but there are many tricks you can try.  

Looking for more great tips to help manage your pet’s health and behavioural wellness? We’ve got a great resource to help you with all of those needs. 

Visit ontariospca.ca today!