Part 2: Why Dogs Chew
& What You Can Do
In part 1 of
this 2 part series we discussed the need for dogs to chew and some types of chew toys that hold up well.
In a recent pet publication Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea CA, announced the top ten most surgically
removed items from dogs. These are according to their clients records.
- socks
- underwear
- panty hose
- rocks
- balls
- chew toys
- corn cobs
- bones
- hair ties and ribbons
- sticks
This demonstrates two points we regularly discuss with our clients.
Dogs NEED to chew and will find something to chew if we don't provide it.
As humans we are responsible for providing appropriate, safe toys and chews for our dogs.
Dogs have an innate desire to chew. Chewing helps relieve anxiety and promotes a feeling of well-being by .catching and
conquering. the prey (toy, chew etc). Dogs need to feel they have battled and won in order to be happy and content.
Dogs under stress will chew and dig to release anxiety. This may be caused by the humans absence (separation anxiety),
a change in the household of any kind, an unfamiliar sound or sight (a stray dog outside the fence or window), or a
reaction to the owners stress or emotions.
Many dogs that don't get regular and vigorous exercise will chew or dig. This chewing behavior is so strong in most
dogs that if not provided with appropriate toys or bones they will attempt to chew or eat inedible objects. They simply
feel the need to chew and so they chew what is around and attractive in some way- scent, texture or taste. Sometimes we
are unable to discover why they are attracted to certain objects. We just need to understand that dogs need to chew.
As humans we are responsible for providing appropriate, safe toys and chews for our dogs. Appropriately sized chews are
as important as the material chosen. A large, aggressive chewer needs a LARGE chew. When picking out a chew (regardless
of what it is made of) you must always take into account the size and temperament of the dog. A 60 pound dog that is an
aggressive chewer may need a toy designed for a 90 pound dog! A tough little terrier often requires toys designed for
Lab sized dogs. If given that same toy in a small dog size the dog may be able to destroy it immediately.
The best example is the Kong brand rubber toys. They are virtually indestructible for most dogs but a few dogs will
tear them apart in a week. If given a larger size these same dogs will have the toy for years! There are other reasons
aggressive chewers need larger products. Some products that are normally very safe (solid rubber balls, Kongs) can
become dangerous if too small for the dog. An aggressive chewer can tear or eat smaller items if they can easily fit
them into their mouth. Toys or chews should never be able to fit completely inside a dog.s closed mouth! This may mean
spending a few more dollars on the chew but it will increase its lifespan and safety. There are countless options
available for all sizes and temperaments of dogs. Please ask for advice if you have a tough chewer!
***Destructive chewing or eating inappropriate items or non-nutritive items may be a sign of illness, behavior
problems, anxiety, boredom or pica. Please see your vet if you notice any change in your dogs behavior.
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