What Makes A Dog Chew
Scratching, digging, rolling in mud, barking and chewing are common dog behaviors. Dogs are one of the most loved pets. After all, these loyal and loving animals have made a significant difference to humans way of life. However, it cannot be denied that some of the unwanted behaviors of the pet would make an owner want to leave the pet to a rescue center. A dog’s chewing habit that has become destructive would naturally be a cause for concern. For sure, an owner would not want to keep on replacing the rugs or the furniture in the home.
Chewing is a natural behavior of dogs. At three months, puppies would start chewing to try the strength of their teeth . Puppies, unlike humans, have no hands thus the mouth and the teeth are used to investigate their environment . Chewing things is the only way by which puppies satisfy their curiosity about their new world . Teething pains entices puppies to chew more. A teether would strengthen the gums and ease a baby’s teething pains. Puppies would manage their own teething pains by gnawing the brand new rug or the leg of antique furniture. This indiscriminate chewing can have dangerous results. A dog that has been chewing can swallow an object that can create a life threatening blockage. Indiscriminate chewing would be easier to manage in puppies as an owner would simply need to confine the pet and provide safe chew toys. Generally, puppies outgrow the tendency to chew excessively.
An issue that concerns most pet owners is when a mature well behaved dog develops a destructive chewing habit. There has to be an underlying reason for the dog’s destructive behavior. Boredom, loneliness, inactivity are the most common causes of destructive chewing. Finding out what makes your dog chew is only the beginning. It is just as important to know what to do when it chews. Dogs are social animals. A cat would be contented to laze on the window sill all day but not a dog. A dog would need to have another dog or a person to interact with. Naturally, dogs would not know the value of things. A shoe with the master’s scent would be a poor substitute but it would do for a dog missing its master. A dog would require opportunities where it can expend its excess energies. A dog that is cooped inside the house with no toys or no playmate would find its own entertainment.
Learn more about destructive chewing and combat excessive chewing in your dog by reading more about what to do when your dog chews.
