Dog chewing on everything? Here’s what they’re trying to tell you.
Think back to the time when your dog was just a wee little puppy. They were so cute and small, you just loved watching them sleep or explore new things. But wait…do you remember those razor sharp teeth and their constant chewing on EVERYTHING? The internet told you it was just a phase, they’ll grow out of it.
Yet here you are a year or two later and your now adult dog is STILL chewing and destroying things. And if they aren’t destroying things they are doing other things like excessive barking, or trying to steal your personal items. Many times chewing is trying to fill a need. And when the need goes unmet then other problem behaviors arise.
You don’t understand why they didn’t “just grow out of it” and are sick of replacing things they’ve destroyed. You just want the chewing to stop, but have run out of ideas to make it happen.
The thing is, chewing isn’t always the problem. What they are chewing on is.
Read on to look at why dogs chew, what chewing does for them, how to choose safe chews, and when it’s time to get help.
Why dogs chew
Species-Typical (Natural) Behavior and Instinct
Chewing is something dogs do from a very young age. When they are 3 to 8 weeks old-their milk (or baby) teeth start to erupt, and puppies start to explore chewing. Then from 4 to 8 months: milk teeth are replaced with adult teeth, and chewing can help relieve discomfort.
Just like all living things, dogs need to eat. Part of their hunting process is chewing, which makes it rewarding, and a motivation to keep doing it. It can add variety to the diet, when they choose different things to chew and consume.
Benefits of chewing
Health reasons
Dental health improves as the range of chewing options increases. Dental and oral health benefits can help prevent periodontal disease. Many dog foods don't require much chewing. Processed kibbles crumble easily, which increases disease risk.
Chewing also increases exposure to digestive enzymes, which may be needed for better gut function.
Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief
Chewing can reduce the negative effects of chronic stress, can be a coping strategy, and may allow improvement in learning and memory. Because it can raise or lower arousal levels, it gives dogs a challenge that keeps them in learning and thinking zones.
It can keep dogs occupied and calm and distract them from stressful things. Dogs allowed to problem-solve and manipulate chew options can have a positive state of mind. Chewing can be a sign of a dog who feels safe.
Chewing is also part of play, and play reduces fear of novel situations.
Brain and Body Engagement
Chewing tends to be a low-intensity physical exercise using mouth and jaw muscles. It involves complex rhythmic movements regulated by the brainstem and other brain regions. Chewing is a physical and mental exercise, which is why many dogs will nap after a good chew session.
Think about a specific time your dog was chewing on something. Can you sleuth out what need they were trying to fulfill with that chewing? Could it have been a self regulation behavior, or perhaps a form of exercise?
Chewing options to choose from
Not all chews are created equal. Things like your dog’s age, their head-mouth shape and size, how long the chew lasts, and your budget are all things you need to take into consideration.
There are non-edible chews, which are toys that are meant to be long lasting. These come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and functions. Nylabones, rubber chews, and even coffee wood are options that are long lasting and non-edible
Edible chews have even more variety. Be sure to check with your veterinarian about which chews they deem safe for your dog. Harder chews like Himalayan yak chews or marrow bones last longer, but can cause broken teeth. While others that can be eaten more quickly like pig ears, dental chews, and smaller bully sticks may be high in calories.
Safety first!
Some items aren’t safe for some dogs, and for a few dogs, chewing itself can cause medical problems. Be sure to always supervise new chews given to your dog, and speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Look for chews designed for your dog’s age and chewing strength
Be aware of inadequate items that can cause broken teeth or choking-such as inappropriate size or hardness
Some chews can cause GI upset
Puppies and adolescents who aren't given chews regularly can get too excited to chew safely-and they tend to swallow bigger pieces that can cause blockages
Chews can cause conflict because their value makes them worth protecting. Always allow your dog to chew in a space where NO ONE is going to try and take their object
Rawhide does not break down or digest well. It can cause blockages so rawhide products should be avoided
Managing their chewing
You can’t watch your dog 24/7 to make sure they are chewing on the correct items. We use management as a way to guide them towards the correct behavior.
Put away things you know your dog has a tendency to chew on. If your dog is chewing on things like furniture or has the ability to steal things off tables and counters, block access to those rooms when you can’t fully supervise them.
By offering your dog’s an appropriate chew when they need it the most, whether that’s trading for the item they have stolen, when you plan on leaving the house, or in the evening before they get their wild zoomies can also help.
*Note: If your dog suddenly is chewing on themselves or swallowing non-edible items I encourage you to see your vet right away about these issues.
Chewing for better behavior
I work with a lot of fearful, anxious, and over-aroused dogs. Chewing is an enrichment activity that can fulfill so many different needs. It is why I have almost all of my clients give their dog some kind of chewing activity in their plan. Whether your dog is fearful or anxious and needs to chew as a coping strategy to get through whatever is bothering them, or you have an over-aroused dog who needs an activity to help them down regulate, allowing them to chew is one work-smarter-not-harder way you can help them.
When to get professional help
Chewing alone might not solve all of your problems. If your dog has been chewing inappropriate items for a while and you’ve swapped them out for appropriate items but they are still fearful, anxious, or over-aroused, then there might be more going on. Behavior is complex and there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Finding a professional who is going to look at your dog’s individual case and use Fear Free and enrichment based methods to meet you and your dog's needs can be the investment worth making.
Don’t wait to see if your dog is going to “grow out of it” with the behavior that’s causing you distress. Behaviors like this don’t always resolve on their own. If you want help either finding ways to meet your dog’s needs, or need a qualified professional to help with your fearful, anxious, or over-aroused dog, you can book your first session here.
What the research says!
As a dog trainer who uses science-based methods, I look for research to support the information I give to my clients. Inspiration for this post came from a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. You can read the full study here: Functional significance and welfare implications of chewing in dogs (Canis familiaris)
Hi! I’m Beccy and I’m a professional dog trainer with 15 years of animal training experience. I use Fear Free and enrichment based methods to help dogs and their humans build skills, confidence, and lasting behavior change. My goal is to create a less stressful life for you and your dog. I offer in-home training in Maryville, TN and surrounding cities throughout Blount, Sevier, Knox, and Loudon Counties. Online training is available for clients outside of East TN.
