First Coast Pet

Do you have a problem with a chewing dog? Out of all the dog related issues, this very well could be one of the most frustrating. Who wants to wake up and find their favorite slippers destroyed or ask your dog to fetch the paper and he brings it back in shreds? Many people may believe that dog chewing is a problem associated with just puppies but it’s actually a frequent problem that affects dogs of all ages.

You can start taking steps right now to do something about it if your dog has a chewing problem that needs to be addressed. Figuring out why your dog is chewing is the first thing that you’ll need to do. There are actually some very practical reasons why some dogs chew. Determining the cause of the chewing will put you one step closer to solving the problem.

It’s also important to understand the reasons behind dog chewing. Solving the problem involves knowing where your dog is coming from. Chewing isn’t a behavior that always comes out of anger. Chewing up the furniture is not always a sign that she is mad at you and trying to get even. Actually, this is usually the furthest thing from the real reason behind the chewing.

Some reasons for chewing are:

· Dental problems

· Boredom

· Loneliness

· Hunger

· Curiosity

When dental problems are the culprit, dogs will chew on anything just to relieve some of their pain and discomfort. Refusing food even when hungry is a common sign of dental problems that you should be aware of. You can also look for signs like only chewing on one side of their mouth or plaque and tartar buildup.

Your dog should be examined by the veterinarian to rule out any dental problems and also to stop dogs from chewing the wrong things. It is sometimes encouraged that you give puppies safe and proper chew toys to help encourage healthy chewing and discourage biting and chewing of other things within the house.

Sometimes chewing is a result of destructive behavior caused by boredom or loneliness. If your dog is trying to get your attention or needs something to do, she may decide to chew on objects in the home such as furniture and rugs. Spending enough time with your dog and giving her the attention she needs is the best way to prevent this.

If you have to be away from home for a long period of time or if you dog gets bored while you are at work all day, you might consider a dog sitter or taking your dog to a doggie daycare center. You can take care of the problem caused by chewing when hungry by simply making sure your dog is fed safe nutritious foods.

Every type of dog can be affected when it comes to curiosity. Chewing is associated with a healthy mind but there are ways to help discourage chewing on things just out of curiosity. It’s a good idea to try and chew proof everything you can in the home. Leave your dog in a designated area such as a gated room that is safe for your dog if she’s going to be unsupervised.

You can also reinforce these things by giving your dog safe chew toys, playing with these chew toys with her and encouraging her to use them. Give praise when she does but never hesitate to correct her when she’s chewing on something unapproved.

Now that you know more about how to stop dog chewing, you can take control of this problem once and for all.

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