Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, as it keeps the jaws strong and the teeth clean. While chewing is okay if they’re gnawing on a toy or bone, the habit can negatively impact overall pet health if your dog gets ahold of something they shouldn’t. Reasons for destructive chewing often include teething when they’re young, boredom, or separation anxiety. Whatever the cause, below are the three best ways to keep your pup from partaking in this habit. 

How to Manage Your Dog’s Destructive Chewing 

1. Understand Why They’re Chewing

You won’t solve the problem effectively until you determine what’s causing it. A routine trip to your veterinary clinic will rule out or identify physical causes, and an experienced veterinarian can suggest other causes and solutions. For instance, dogs on calorie-restricted diets might chew because they’re hungry and are looking for additional sources of nutrition. Other pups might chew to relieve the stress and anxiety they feel when left alone. Knowing the cause will enable you to take a targeted approach to curb their chewing, making both you and your pet happier.

2. Provide Stimulating Toys

Dogs need mental stimulation from chewing, roaming, and playing to stay healthy. When they don’t have enough toys, they’ll be bored and seek stimulation elsewhere — often in the form of chewing on your favorite pair of shoes or the furniture. If you’ve ruled out other causes of chewing, it’s possible that their toys aren’t interesting to them. Different dogs have different preferences, and the same toy will become old after some time. Try combatting your dog’s chewing habit by providing more toys, supplementing their play with bones that improve pet health, and changing out their toys periodically.

3. Keep Them in a Comfortable Pen When Alone

Until the issue has been resolved, consider keeping your pup in an enclosed space when they’re left unattended. Large kennels with comfortable bedding, a fenced off section of the kitchen, or an empty spare room will keep them from chewing on things they shouldn’t, preserving pet health and your possessions. Make sure the area is safe, that they have access to food and water, and that they have safe toys to stay entertained while you’re away.

To get to the source of your pup’s chewing, turn to the knowledgeable staff at Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR. For more than 18 years, their team has provided quality care and pet health services to animals of all sizes. From cognizance tests for equines to in-house bloodwork for dogs and cats, their animal hospital performs a broad range of services. This veterinary clinic also offers after-hours care for emergencies, and they have an online store where you can get pet health items at a discount. Learn more about their services on their website, and call the animal hospital at (479) 754-5656 to schedule an appointment today.