Our Seattle veterinarians are here to assist if you're frustrated with your dog's habit of chewing on your belongings. They will explain the reason behind this behavior and provide ways to help curb it.
Why won't my dog stop chewing things?
Dogs explore the world by chewing on objects. Chewing can also help relieve teething pain or keep jaws strong and teeth clean. However, not all things that dogs chew on are safe or appropriate.
Stress & Anxiety
Dogs love being with others. They can feel stressed and anxious when left alone and chew on things to feel better.
Boredom
If your dog is left alone for a long time without any activity, they can get bored and start chewing on things to entertain themselves, just like people do when they're bored.
Puppy Teething
Puppies go through a painful teething stage, just like human babies. During this time, they may chew more to ease their discomfort.
Hunger
Dogs on low-calorie diets may chew on things to find other types of nutrition. They often chew on objects related to food or that smell like food, such as plastic bowls.
How do I stop my dog from chewing my stuff?
To stop your dog from destructive chewing, it's important first to find out why they are doing it. This can be done by checking for any of the common causes. Once you know the reason, you can redirect your dog to chew on more acceptable items, like chew toys.
Exercise
To keep your dog happy and healthy, make sure they get enough daily exercise. Providing exercise before leaving for long periods can also help prevent destructive chewing. High-energy breeds like German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, Border Collies, and Brittanies need at least 2 hours of exercise daily, while more relaxed breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians do well with 40 minutes or less.
Entertainment
To reduce your dog's separation anxiety, train them to associate alone time with happy experiences. Before you leave, give them a food-stuffed puzzle or special toys to play with only when you're gone. This will keep the experience new and exciting for your furry friend.
Additionally, giving your dog plenty of engaging toys will not only make alone time positive, but it will also distract them from chewing on things you don't want them to.
Dog Proofing
To help your dog only chew on designated objects, remove other tempting items. Keep valuable objects out of reach and store away laundry, kids' toys, and books.
Discourage Unwanted Chewing
Stop your dog from chewing on the wrong things by saying "no" and taking the item away. Give them a chew toy and praise them when they use it. If your dog still chews on things they shouldn't try using a dog deterrent spray on those items.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.