Predominantly an issue with younger dogs, chewing can become
quite the unwanted action, considering the scope of property damage that may
occur as a result. To consider the potential risks involved with chewing, let’s
take a closer look at the habit.
Curiosity: Puppies
tend to chew more than older dogs for many reasons, including environment
discovery and easing teething pains. Just like human infants, puppies will test
objects with their mouths to learn about surrounding environments and objects.
This can be incredibly destructive if shoes or other items small enough to fit
inside mouths are left out unsupervised.
Between 3 to 6 weeks of age, puppies grow what are known as
deciduous teeth. Later, between months 4 and 6, permanent teeth begin
protruding. Because growing new teeth can be rather unpleasant, puppies will
chew frequently to reduce the discomfort.
The best way to go about curbing chewing issues in puppies
is to provide them with appropriate toys on which they may chew. Try giving
them a number of options, as they will likely choose a favorite toy.
Boredom/Anxiety: This
is a tough one for pet owners who work long days outside of the home, as dogs
are incredibly social creatures and being left alone can cause them to feel
boredom and anxiety. As an outlet, dogs will sometimes chew any and all
surrounding items in attempt to relieve stress and energy levels. Even if left
in empty rooms, they can destroy moldings, walls and doors. Owners with herding
or sporting breeds should be especially careful because their pets require much
more exercise.
If you can’t afford to take your dog to a pet-friendly
daycare or to hire a trusted dog-walker, try spending extra time exercising
with them before leaving them alone for extended periods of time. Consider
waking up early to take them for a walk, play fetch or to socialize at a local
dog park.
Although loneliness is more difficult to treat than boredom,
there are a number of ways to help dogs that are suffering from separation
anxiety. ASPCA Pet Health
Insurance recommends leaving for short periods of time and then gradually
increasing the amount of time you spend away. This method will slowly reduce
your pup’s separation anxiety. However, it’s important to make the event of
departure or arrival as uneventful as possible. This ensures that either event
is a simple, non-rewarding activity.
If inappropriate chewing goes uncorrected, wide-scale and
continued property destruction may ensue. There are few things that will ruin a
day faster than returning home to a demolished living room. If the problem
persists, contact your veterinarian to see if they have any advice. If you have
a pet insurance plan, costs for
those treatments might even be covered.
