When we think of dogs, and especially puppies, we often have images spring to mind of table legs with teeth marks, chewed sofa corners, damaged toys, mangled TV remotes…. the list goes on! Dogs are going to chew things, but if we discover WHY dogs like to chew, the reasons behind their chewing and ways we can provide outlets for their natural desire to chew, we can limit the damage done to our household items.
Having 2 Labradors from 8 week old puppies, I can honestly say that we’ve had absolute minimal chew damage, the only item left with some teeth marks is a chair leg. We assumed the chewing sound was Dave munching away on his pizzle whilst we enjoyed our meal and didn’t realise he had got confused and moved onto the chair leg – he was about 12 weeks old at the time. Simply redirecting him back to the pizzle and disaster averted.
Here we explore all about chewing:
Why does my dog like to chew?
There are many reasons why your dog may want to chew on things. The main reason is because
chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and can help improve their health and well-being. Puppies will need to chew a lot when they are teething as it helps relieve the pain when their gums are sore. Older dogs and puppies will also chew due to boredom and frustration. Some dogs, for example those who don’t like being left alone, may chew due to stress or anxiety.
What are the benefits of chewing?
The benefits of chewing are endless!
The process of chewing acts as a stress/frustration reliever, as it releases happy calming hormones helping to make your dog feel relaxed. Having a chew available can give your dog a quiet activity to keep them busy when they are bored. For puppies, who LOVE to explore, especially using their mouths/teeth, chewing on a variety of objects can help to give them something to focus on, relieve the pain from teething and prevent them from
nipping owners’ hands quite as much.
Chewing can almost be a ‘babysitter’ activity, something to give your dog when you are busy and need them to be quiet/occupied - for example at your mealtimes, when you are working or watching your favourite TV show.
Dogs who have regular opportunities to chew and a variety of suitable items to chew on are much happier and in turn so are you, as they are releasing their natural need to chew on something other than your sofa, table leg or door frame!
How often should my dog chew?
This will depend on the age, breed and individual character of your dog, however chewing should be a daily activity. Puppies and larger breeds may need to chew for up to 3 or 4 hours a day (wow!), whereas for older dogs or smaller breeds this may be less.
Being proactive and providing enough chew items and opportunities to satisfy your dog’s need with things he is allowed to chew on will be much more effective than simply trying to stop a dog or telling them off when they do inevitably chew on your favourite trainer or the door frame!
How to choose a chew?
There are many different types of chews available and sold in shops, however not all of these may be safe or suitable for your dog. Having something long-lasting available at all times means they can choose to chew when they feel the need to. You can save the tasty or special chews to offer at times they may need to be occupied or need distracting.
Things to consider are
- Size – is the size of the chew appropriate for your dog? Too small can pose risks to choking/swallowing, whereas too large can be a cause for frustration if their jaw is too small.
- Ingredients – HOW is the chew made and WHAT is it made from? – Read the ingredients on the packet, are they made from natural ingredients or lots of chemicals, additives, flavourings and colourings.
- Personal preference – Every dog will have a chew they absolutely cannot resist but also ones they aren’t too fussed by. Even if your dog LOVES it, it may not agree with their digestion so introduce new chews slowly to give their tummy time to adjust and see if there are any side effects or upset tummies.
Chews to avoid
Rawhide – Rawhide is readily available in most high street pet shops and supermarkets however it is not safe for dogs to eat – read more on our
Rawhide blog.
Cooked Bones – When bones are cooked it changes the structure of the bone which makes it easier to splinter and cause damage, which poses more of a choking risk and can cause damage internally. Many people who opt for a raw diet will choose to feed raw bones.
Anything overly processed – Too many additives and preservatives are not good for your dog and are the equivalent of eating junk food. Read the packet and know what you are feeding.
Plastic flavoured chews – You can buy a selection of plastic bones that are ‘flavoured’ designed as a chew toy, as these are chewed the plastic can become quite sharp posing a risk of cut gums and small pieces can break off and be ingested.
Our recommendations
We are massive advocates of natural chew which have no nasties added to them. Often these items are air-dried making them longer lasting, but they remain super tasty and very appealing to dogs. Some are left with hair/fur on as this is thought to naturally cleanse the digestive system.
Our favourites include
- Pizzle
- Dried tendon
- Hairy cow’s ear
- Pig’s ear
- Fish skin
- Ostrich bone
If you’re not sure what items your dog might like and don’t want to buy whole packets, why not treat them to a
Pawsome Parcel, our chew selection box delivered to your door!
How about a Kong?
Kongs and similar stuff-able toys are a great item for providing an outlet for chewing whilst enjoying a regular meal. They can be filled with some of our dog’s daily food allowance (wet or dry) or some healthy alternatives and given to keep them occupied - an essential item when teaching a puppy how to remain calm and content in all situations. I keep a few pre-stuffed Kongs in the freezer so I’ve always got one ready when I need it.
Remember…
Supervise your dog at all times when giving chews and Kongs.
Make sure you use the correct size of chew for your individual dog and introduce new foods gradually.
Always check the packet for ingredients
If using a Kong choose the right size/type of Kong.
With some super tasty chews, it is common for dogs to feel the need to guard them and not want you to come near them whilst eating. Ensure your dog will not be disturbed whilst enjoying their chew and don’t attempt to take it from them.
Have you tried one of our
Pawsome Parcels yet? Treat your favourite four-legged friend to their very own special delivery, our Pawsome Parcel, a box full of yummy chews for them to enjoy!
Follow our Pawsome Parcel Facebook page for chew tips and recipes!