If you’re wondering ‘why do dogs chew?’ The truth is there’s a variety of reasons why. And, as all dog owners know, they don’t always chew the things we provide for them. Puppies and young dogs chew on objects because they explore the new world around them. They also use chewing as a way to relieve pain that is caused by developing teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping their jaws and teeth clean. But pets don’t always know what is allowed for chewing. So, how to stop your dog from destructive chewing?
Ever come home to a torn-up couch or pillow cushion? How about your new kitchen chair, or worse, the wooden leg of an expensive sofa or coffee table? Destructive chewing can be caused by a dog with anxiety, chewing to cope, or perhaps anxiety, hunger, or simply boredom.
Separation Anxiety
A dog chewing out of anxiety is relieving the stress of being left alone, but it can wreak havoc on your personal items. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may also display other signs like whining, barking, pacing, urination, and defecation.
Sucking Fabric
Some experts believe dogs that lick, and suck on fabrics, and engage in excessive chewing are the result of having been weaned too early, before 7 or 8 weeks of age. Yet, if your dog's destructive chewing happens for long periods of time, it’s possible that his behavior has become compulsive.
Hunger
Some dogs are simply hungry! For instance, a dog on a calorie-restricted diet may chew and destroy objects in an attempt to find additional sources of nutrition. Some dogs might direct this type of chewing toward objects that smell like food. Remember the trash can that you found spilled over and its contents shredded?
Manage Destructive Chewing with Hero Dog Toys
Puppies investigate interesting objects in an effort to comfort sore gums from losing their baby teeth while new adult teeth come in. This phase can last up to 6 months old. Hero Puppy™ offers a wide selection of toys designed especially for this phase. You can direct his chewing by providing him with a variety of Hero Puppy toys, or perhaps a frozen washcloth which might help numb this teething pain.
For older dogs chewing excessively, first remember that it’s normal. Wild and domestic dogs spend hours chewing, as it naturally keeps their jaws strong and their teeth clean. But when the chewing becomes destructive, like the constant gnawing through your kitchen chair, pillows, sofa, or even the wooden fence outdoors, it’s best to provide him with a safe alternative.
That’s why Caitec invested over two years in the research of dog chews to create Hero Bonetics™. The result is an extremely durable dog chew that is safer because it’s 46% gentler on dogs’ teeth. And while traditional nylon dog chews are too hard and can cause broken teeth, they may splinter, and be swallowed, causing digestive issues.
Hero Bonetics are flavorful wood-infused chew toys that dogs love, and keep them coming back for more. Curb your dog’s destructive chewing with a variety of shapes like a femur bone, wishbone, or stick.
They also come in various flavors like chicken, beef, and wood scent, and in a variety of sizes so you can choose the one that’s just right for your dog. And, Hero Bonetics is gentler on teeth, unlike many other nylon bones on the market today. You’ll have less worry about broken teeth, digestive issues, and perhaps terrible veterinarian bills.
Chewing Hero Bonetics unique textures provides an easy grip, that makes chewing more enjoyable. And the dental benefits of keeping his gums and teeth clean and healthy are enough to give them a try!
