How to Stop Your Pet from Chewing on Everything: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

Introduction: Understanding the Chewing Habit

Chewing is a natural and common behavior in pets, especially in dogs and some other animals like rabbits and even cats. For most pets, chewing is a way to explore their world, relieve stress, or alleviate boredom. However, it can quickly become a problem if they start chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items. When chewing becomes destructive, it can cause damage to your belongings and even create dangerous situations for your pet.

Understanding why your pet chews in the first place is essential for addressing this behavior effectively. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons behind your pet’s chewing habits, offer practical solutions to stop the chewing, and provide tips for preventing future issues. Whether you're dealing with a puppy's teething phase or an adult dog with bad chewing habits, you'll find helpful strategies for managing this behavior.

Why Do Pets Chew? Understanding the Causes

1. Teething in Puppies

Puppies are notorious for chewing. During their teething phase, which typically occurs between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies explore their world with their mouths. Their gums are sore, and chewing helps to relieve this discomfort. During this phase, it’s essential to provide appropriate items to chew on, like teething toys, to keep them from destroying your shoes or furniture.

Expert Tip: Use frozen or chilled teething toys to provide extra relief for your puppy’s sore gums during this critical period.

2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Pets that don’t have enough physical or mental stimulation are more likely to chew on inappropriate objects. Dogs, for example, may chew when they are left alone for long periods of time or if they don’t have access to sufficient exercise. Cats may chew out of boredom or as a way to seek attention.

Expert Tip: Provide enrichment activities for your pet, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or scheduled playtime to prevent boredom-induced chewing.

3. Anxiety and Stress

Chewing can also be a sign of anxiety. Pets that suffer from separation anxiety, for example, may chew furniture or shoes when left alone. Similarly, pets experiencing stress or changes in their environment may resort to chewing as a coping mechanism.

Expert Tip: If you suspect anxiety is causing your pet’s chewing, work with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to implement an anxiety reduction plan that may include training, medication, or environmental adjustments.

4. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Some pets chew to get attention. If your pet notices that chewing leads to a reaction—whether it’s scolding, shouting, or even being given attention—this can reinforce the behavior. Pets quickly learn that chewing guarantees some form of response.

Expert Tip: Ignore your pet when they chew on inappropriate objects and reward them when they chew on acceptable items to discourage attention-seeking chewing.

5. Natural Instincts and Exploration

Chewing is a natural instinct for many pets, especially dogs. Dogs have a strong prey drive and an innate urge to chew to maintain dental health, explore their environment, and relieve stress. While this is a natural behavior, it can be problematic when pets chew on household items.

Expert Tip: Direct their natural urge to chew toward safe, durable chew toys designed for pets.

How to Stop Your Pet from Chewing on Everything: Effective Strategies

Now that we’ve explored the various reasons why pets chew, let’s look at how to stop the behavior. Whether you’re dealing with a puppy, an adult dog, or another pet, there are several strategies you can implement to help break the chewing habit.

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent your pet from chewing on household items is to offer them a variety of chew toys. Make sure the toys are suitable for your pet’s age, size, and chewing strength. For puppies, soft rubber toys or teething rings are great choices. For adult dogs, tougher toys like antlers or nylon bones can be used.

Expert Tip: Rotate the toys regularly to keep your pet interested and engaged. If your pet seems bored with their current toys, introduce new ones to maintain their attention.

2. Create a Pet-Friendly Environment

Preventing access to the items your pet is chewing on is one of the most effective strategies. If your dog or cat tends to chew on shoes, cords, or furniture, start by blocking access to these areas. You can use baby gates, crates, or designated pet areas to limit their reach. Additionally, make sure that your home is pet-proofed, removing or securing objects that are easily chewed.

Expert Tip: When leaving your pet home alone, consider using a crate or playpen to provide them with a safe, enclosed area where they can’t get to dangerous items.

3. Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

A pet that doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation is more likely to resort to destructive behaviors like chewing. Increasing your pet’s daily activity and offering enriching experiences can significantly reduce chewing. Take your dog for daily walks, provide puzzle toys, or engage in interactive games like fetch to keep their body and mind engaged.

Expert Tip: For pets with high energy levels, consider hiring a dog walker or a pet sitter to help with exercise during the day, especially if you are away from home for extended periods.

4. Use Deterrents and Bitter Sprays

There are several commercial deterrents available that can make household items less appealing to chew on. Bitter-tasting sprays, such as Bitter Apple or Grannick’s Bitter Apple, can be applied to furniture, cords, or shoes to discourage chewing. These sprays are non-toxic and harmless but have an unpleasant taste that most pets avoid.

Expert Tip: Apply the deterrent to items that your pet typically chews on, but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.

5. Positive Reinforcement and Training

Training your pet is essential for addressing chewing. Positive reinforcement can help guide them toward more desirable behaviors. Whenever your pet chews on a toy or an appropriate item, reward them with praise or treats. If they begin chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect their attention to a chew toy and reward them when they focus on the correct item.

Expert Tip: Consistency is key in training. Repetition and patience will help your pet learn that chewing on appropriate items results in positive outcomes, while chewing on forbidden objects doesn’t.

6. Address Anxiety and Stress

If anxiety is the root cause of your pet’s chewing, it’s essential to address the underlying stress. This could involve using calming products like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or anxiety wraps. Additionally, training and desensitization techniques can help your pet become more comfortable being left alone or adjusting to changes in their environment.

Expert Tip: If your pet’s anxiety persists, consult with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist who can help create a comprehensive plan to manage your pet’s stress and reduce destructive chewing.

7. Provide Enough Attention

Pets, especially dogs, may chew to get attention from their owners. To reduce this behavior, ensure that you’re providing enough positive attention and affection. Set aside time each day for interactive play, cuddles, or training sessions to strengthen your bond and reduce attention-seeking chewing.

Expert Tip: Avoid giving attention when your pet is chewing on inappropriate items. Instead, focus on rewarding the good behavior when they engage with the correct chew toys.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your pet’s chewing behavior persists despite your best efforts, or if it’s causing serious damage or harm to them, it might be time to seek professional help. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help determine if there are underlying medical or behavioral issues contributing to the chewing. In some cases, professional training or behavior modification programs can provide the guidance needed to correct persistent chewing.

Expert Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle your pet’s behavior. They can offer customized advice and support tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Medical Conditions That Could Contribute to Excessive Chewing

While chewing is a natural behavior for many pets, excessive chewing can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue. It’s important to observe your pet carefully to ensure that their chewing behavior isn’t caused by a physical problem. Some common medical conditions that could contribute to destructive chewing include:

1. Dental Issues

Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental problems such as tooth pain, gum disease, or misalignment. If your pet is chewing excessively or chewing in a way that’s different from their normal behavior, it could be due to a dental issue. This is particularly common in puppies during the teething phase, but adult pets can also experience dental discomfort.

Solution: If you notice that your pet seems to be chewing on one side of their mouth, has bad breath, or is drooling excessively, a trip to the vet for a dental check-up is a good idea. Regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups can prevent many dental issues from becoming severe.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Some pets chew excessively due to a lack of certain nutrients in their diet. This can be particularly common in pets who are on a poor-quality diet or those with specific nutritional needs that aren’t being met. Pets might chew on non-food items, such as furniture or clothing, if they are lacking minerals like calcium or zinc.

Solution: Ensure that your pet is on a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age, breed, and health status. Consult with your vet to rule out any deficiencies or to adjust their diet to ensure they’re getting the right nutrients.

3. Pica

Pica is a condition where pets eat non-food items, which could include chewing on inappropriate things like plastic, cloth, or even metal. Pica is often a sign of boredom, stress, or an underlying medical issue, such as a nutritional deficiency or gastrointestinal problems.

Solution: If you suspect your pet is suffering from pica, it’s important to address the root cause. Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to determine if there’s an underlying medical or psychological issue contributing to the behavior.

4. Compulsive Disorders

In some cases, excessive chewing can be a compulsive behavior. This is especially common in certain breeds of dogs, like terriers, who are naturally prone to digging and chewing. Compulsive behaviors are often triggered by stress, anxiety, or lack of stimulation.

Solution: A vet or behavioral therapist can help diagnose and treat compulsive behaviors. Treatment might include behavioral therapy, medication, or changes to the pet’s environment to reduce stressors and help them manage their impulses.

Preventing Destructive Chewing in Puppies

Puppies are naturally curious and are known for exploring their world by chewing. During the teething phase, this behavior can become especially problematic. While it’s important to allow your puppy to explore and learn about their environment, it’s also essential to set boundaries and teach them what is acceptable to chew on.

1. Supervision and Crating

One of the most effective ways to manage a puppy’s chewing habits is through supervision. When you can’t directly supervise your puppy, confining them to a crate or a small, safe space can help prevent them from chewing on household items.

Crates are not only helpful for containing your puppy when you are away, but they also provide a safe space where your puppy can feel comfortable without getting into trouble. Be sure to provide chew toys or other safe objects in their crate to give them something appropriate to chew on.

2. Teething Toys

During the teething phase, it’s crucial to provide your puppy with the right toys. Teething toys are designed to soothe sore gums while allowing your puppy to engage in natural chewing behavior. Opt for rubber or nylon toys designed specifically for teething puppies.

Expert Tip: Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting for your puppy. You can also freeze some toys to offer extra relief for sore gums.

3. Establishing Boundaries

Training your puppy to understand what is acceptable to chew on is a key part of preventing destructive chewing. Be consistent in offering praise and rewards when your puppy chews on the correct objects. If they start chewing on something inappropriate, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy.

Expert Tip: Never scold your puppy for chewing, as this can lead to confusion or anxiety. Instead, redirect and reward good behavior.

Chewing in Adult Dogs: Addressing the Root Causes

While puppies may chew out of curiosity or teething discomfort, adult dogs may chew for different reasons. If your adult dog has developed a chewing habit, it’s essential to identify the root cause in order to address it properly. In many cases, adult dogs chew out of boredom, anxiety, or a lack of proper exercise.

1. Boredom and Lack of Exercise

Adult dogs that don’t get enough physical exercise may resort to chewing as a way to expend energy. High-energy breeds, in particular, require a significant amount of daily activity, and if this need isn’t met, they may start chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items.

Solution: Provide daily exercise suited to your dog’s breed and energy level. This might include long walks, runs, playtime in the yard, or engaging in activities like agility training. A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing.

2. Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety often chew to cope with the stress of being left alone. If your dog’s chewing behavior occurs primarily when they are alone, it’s possible that they are experiencing anxiety. Common signs of separation anxiety include barking, whining, and pacing, in addition to destructive chewing.

Solution: Separation anxiety can be managed with a combination of training and environmental changes. Gradually increasing the amount of time your dog is left alone, providing calming products like pheromone diffusers, and offering enrichment toys can help reduce anxiety. In some cases, medication may be recommended by a vet.

3. Reinforcing Destructive Behavior

In some cases, adult dogs may chew because they’ve learned that chewing gets them attention, whether positive or negative. If you tend to scold your dog or give them attention when they chew on inappropriate items, this can unintentionally reinforce the behavior.

Solution: To break the cycle, redirect your dog to an appropriate chew toy and reward them when they engage with it. Be sure to ignore them when they chew on forbidden objects to avoid reinforcing the negative behavior.

The Role of Positive Reinforcement in Curbing Chewing

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods for preventing destructive chewing. By rewarding your pet when they chew on appropriate items, you encourage the behavior you want to see. Here’s how positive reinforcement can work in your favor:

1. Consistency

To see results, consistency is key. Every time your pet chews on the right item, reward them immediately with a treat, praise, or affection. Over time, they’ll learn to associate chewing the appropriate objects with positive outcomes.

Expert Tip: Use a “marker word” such as “yes” or “good” when they engage with the right items, followed by the reward. This helps your pet understand exactly what they’re being rewarded for.

2. Treats and Praise

For many pets, treats are a highly motivating reward. When they chew on an appropriate toy or item, reward them with a treat or their favorite toy. If your pet isn’t particularly food-driven, praise, petting, or playtime can serve as effective rewards.

Conclusion

Stopping your pet from chewing on everything is both a process and a responsibility that requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Chewing is a natural behavior, but when it becomes destructive, it can pose problems for both pets and pet owners. By identifying the root causes of the chewing—whether it's teething, boredom, anxiety, or simply a natural instinct—pet owners can implement the right strategies to manage and correct this behavior effectively.

Through methods like providing appropriate chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and creating a pet-friendly environment, you can redirect your pet's chewing behavior toward positive and acceptable outlets. Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in this process, as rewarding good behavior fosters an environment of trust and learning. Additionally, understanding the medical or psychological causes behind destructive chewing can guide you toward addressing deeper issues like nutritional deficiencies or anxiety, ensuring that your pet remains happy and healthy.

If the chewing persists despite these efforts, it may be worth consulting a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist to identify any underlying health issues or more complex behavioral problems. Ultimately, with the right training, environmental adjustments, and proactive strategies, you can stop your pet from chewing on everything and foster a more harmonious relationship.

Remember, patience is key, and as you work through these methods, your pet will likely grow into a well-behaved companion who understands the boundaries of acceptable chewing.

Q&A

Q: How can I tell if my pet’s chewing is due to teething?

A: If your pet is under 6 months old and chewing primarily on soft items or their own paws, it’s likely due to teething. Providing appropriate teething toys can help relieve discomfort.

Q: Why does my adult dog chew on furniture, even though they have plenty of toys?

A: Your dog might be chewing out of boredom, stress, or anxiety. Increasing their physical and mental stimulation and providing a more enriching environment can help reduce destructive chewing.

Q: Can chewing be a sign of anxiety in my pet?

A: Yes, pets with separation anxiety or stress can chew to self-soothe. If your pet only chews when left alone or when stressed, this may be the case. Training and calming products can help.

Q: What should I do if my puppy chews on electrical cords?

A: Electrical cords should be immediately removed from your puppy’s environment, and deterrents like bitter sprays can help. You should also provide safe chew toys and supervise them closely during their teething phase.

Q: Is it okay to scold my pet when they chew on inappropriate items?

A: Scolding can cause confusion and stress. Instead, redirect your pet’s attention to an appropriate item and reward them when they chew on it. This reinforces good behavior through positive reinforcement.

Q: How do I prevent my dog from chewing when I'm not home?

A: Use crates or playpens to limit access to areas where your pet might chew. Ensure they have safe chew toys and consider a pet camera to monitor them. Mental stimulation through toys is essential.

Q: Can I stop my pet from chewing using only positive reinforcement?

A: Yes, positive reinforcement can be highly effective. By rewarding your pet for chewing on appropriate items and ignoring undesirable chewing, they will eventually learn what is acceptable.

Q: How long will it take for my pet to stop chewing on inappropriate things?

A: The timeline varies depending on the pet and the consistency of your training. With regular, consistent practice, you should see noticeable progress in a few weeks to a couple of months.

Q: Do chew toys really help prevent destructive chewing?

A: Yes, chew toys give your pet an acceptable outlet for their chewing needs. Make sure to choose age-appropriate toys and rotate them regularly to maintain your pet’s interest.

Q: What should I do if my pet’s chewing behavior becomes more destructive over time?

A: If the behavior escalates, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as anxiety or a medical problem. Consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help address the root cause effectively.