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Bringing a dog into your life is amazing. Nothing beats having a furry family member. But, when your dog starts chewing everything in sight, the fun of dog ownership is soon forgotten. Whether your pup chews your favorite statement necklace, or let’s loose on designer outfits, the destruction can be devastating. And, that’s before they move onto the big things. By the time they start to chew the sofa, most dog owners are pulling their hair out. Sadly, issues like these are pretty common. And, they aren’t even the dog’s fault a lot of the time. The thing to remember is that this isn’t natural behavior. Most dogs chew things, but if it’s happening on a regular basis, there’s likely something more going on. In fact, there’s a chance your dog’s trying to tell you something. But, are you listening to what they have to say?

I’m lonely

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Many dogs will chew when left alone because they’re lonely. Being left alone often can lead to anxiety, which in turn leads to this chewing behavior. There’s just no getting around the fact that dogs are pack animals. In the wild, it’s unlikely they would ever be alone. Is it any wonder, then, that those lonesome hours can result in destruction? The best way to determine whether this is your problem is to consider when chewing happens. If it’s always when you’re out of the house, this is your problem. Once you know that, you can take action to overcome this. That could range from wearing your dog out with a walk before you leave, to booking them into somewhere like Aunt B’s Pet Resort and Spa during the day. Being around other dogs all day is sure to do them the world of good. And, as they won’t be in the house, there’s no chance of chewing!

I’m bored

Another prime reason for unwanted chewing is boredom. We think a dog’s life looks pretty blissful, but it gets boring, too. Imagine having nothing more to do than lie around all the time. Is it any wonder, then, that your dog looks for ways to amuse themselves? Chewing like this could happen while you’re out of the house, or at home. The good news is, overcoming this issue should be easy enough. Your dog’s sending a clear message that they need more attention. This could mean more walks, more toys, or simply more interaction.

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I’m not well

In extreme cases, inappropriate chewing can also be a sign of ill health. While this is less common, it’s worth considering if nothing else stops the issue. Sometimes, illness can lead to a condition known as pica. This can cause your dog to have desires to eat non-food items. Digestive upsets can also lead to this behavior, as a dog attempts to make themselves sick. If chewing happens suddenly, you may be dealing with something medical. In this instance, it’s worth taking a trip to your vets and putting your mind at ease.

See ya next time!