Chewing is one of the most common behavioral traits among dogs. Puppies often chew to relieve the pain of erupting teeth, while older dogs tend to gnaw on items to relieve boredom or anxiety. Therefore, providing your furry friends with plenty of chew toys is an essential component of quality pet care. As many frustrated pet parents learn, though, puppies do not necessarily limit their chewing to designated toys. Here is what you should know if your new dog is wreaking havoc at home. 

Why Puppies Chew on Everything

Puppies are typically motivated to chew on anything they can get their paws on for two reasons. The first has to do with teething. Just as human infants experience pain and discomfort when their teeth are erupting, so do puppies. Chewing on solid objects can provide relief while teething.

The second reason puppies chew on virtually everything has to do with exploring their environment. Dogs of every age use their mouth to investigate their surroundings, and puppies are especially persistent when they find something they enjoy chewing on. This is especially true if they have not had any kind of training yet and therefore don’t realize such behavior is unacceptable. 

How to Combat Destructive Chewing 

There are several ways to keep your puppy from destroying the entire house. Although obedience school can help, training puppies is a long process, and implementing various techniques will not stop chewing overnight. Therefore, it’s best to clear clutter and put away items that are likely to entice the pup, like throw pillows and blankets. If there are certain items that you cannot store out of reach, like furniture legs, applying pet-safe, bitter-tasting products can help. Providing your puppy with stimulating toys can also keep him or her from chewing on household items. 

If your puppy's chewing does not slow down despite taking the above steps, look for patterns in his or her habits. For example, if your dog always destroys doors or windows when you are gone, it could be indicative of separation anxiety.

The friendly providers at Ohio’s Animal Care Center of Fairfield are happy to answer all their clients’ questions about raising puppies. Located in Butler County, this veterinary clinic provides comprehensive pet care for all four-legged family members. Services include food counseling, dental work, pet vaccines, and surgery. And since they’re open seven days a week with extended office hours, you can also turn to them for emergency pet care. In fact, they are so passionate about helping animals in emergency situations that you can take your furry friends to them even if you’re not a regular customer. To learn about their affordable pet care plans, visit their website. To make an appointment, call (513) 829-6621.