For every dog in the world, there is an owner who gets disappointed once in a while when some of their personal belongings get destroyed by their best furry friend. And to start, I'll talk about myself. My dog used to chew up tons of flip-flops, table covers, books, clothes, quilts, and new shoes with tags.
But why does that happen?
Well, dogs don't know the difference between our things and their toys. And looking at the point of view of a dog, the rubber of flip-flops, can be a true temptation.
So why exactly does my dog like to chew?
Young dogs like to chew mostly to relieve the pain of their growing teeth. And because it's fun. Adult dogs like to chew because it helps to keep their teeth sharp and clean. It helps them to relieve symptoms of anxiety and boredom. And also, because it's fun.
What can we do to help?
Offer toys and treats specially made for chewing;
Rotate their favourite toys, so it's always exciting;
Keep your dog mentally stimulated: Training, puzzles, walks, socializing, and playing times are great opportunities to keep your dog happy and healthy;
To avoid accidents, we suggest keeping your things out of their sight until you feel confident your dog is not gonna chew.
Chewing is normal behaviour for dogs when is not affecting other aspects of their lives, such as their health. If you think this behaviour could be improved or is being caused by another reason, such as distress or nutrition, we strongly suggest seeking recommendations from a VET.