Why Dogs Chew

Chewing is a normal behavior in dogs. Dogs, both wild and domestic, will spend hours gnawing on bones, sticks or other hard objects. They chew for fun, for oral satisfaction, and to relieve boredom or anxiety. Chewing keeps their jaw muscles toned and may help keep teeth clean. Puppies and growing dogs just love to chew, because they are curious, playful, and have oodles of pent-up energy.

But what’s normal for dogs can be a nuisance for you. Especially when your dog ravages any clothing, furniture, and personal items in her wake. Inappropriate chewing be a major headache for you as well as a health hazard for your dog. The very real risks include choking, stomach and intestinal blockage, gum injury, and damaged or broken teeth.

Puppy Chewing

Puppies explore their environment by mouthing, licking and gnawing everything they can reach. Targets are random and opportunistic: chair legs, your ankles, discarded socks, the TV remote. They will often hone in on objects with your human scent on them. This is what makes shoes, purses, and even eyeglasses irresistible. A puppy’s reign of terror tends to peak at around 3 to 6 months of age, which coincides with teething time. It may be the discomfort of erupting teeth, a behavioral stage, or both. Some recommend offering a pup ice cubes or frozen wet washcloths in case pain is a factor.

Some modicum of destructive chewing is to be expected with puppies. The extent may depend on your pup’s age, breed, and your management of the situation. Pups should be kept under your constant supervision unless in their crate or a restricted “safe” area until they can be 100% trusted. Here are some tips:

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