It is normal for dogs and puppies to chew on objects; it’s a way to relieve pain caused by incoming teeth or to keep jaws strong. But, sometimes our four-legged companions chew just for fun or to combat boredom, frustration and anxiety. And, even though dogs make great use of their sense of smell and vision to explore the world, putting their mouths to work is also quite charming for them. So, every now and then, a dog owner can find some unexpected damage caused by their pets’ teeth. But, what if your dog destroys very valuable objects or jeopardize his own safety? What can be done to manage this situation as much as possible? Read on to find out!
Medical conditions should be ruled out first. Poor diet or/and intestinal parasitism can cause nutritional deficiencies which can lead to inappropriate dog chewing. This is why it’s important to make an appointment with a vet to be certain medical conditions are not causing or contributing to chewing.
Puppy/dog proofing is crucial. So, look around your house for potential dangers to your curious puppy. Cleaners and chemicals should be placed out of reach, as well as toxic plants. When it comes to electrical cords, cover or make them inaccessible. Shoes, socks, toys and similar objects which might appeal to your doggy should be removed from his sight. You might also purchase chew proof dog bed to make sure your furry companion will have where to sleep in years to come.
Encourage appropriate, while discouraging inappropriate chewing. Provide appropriate chew toys for your pet based on their personal preferences. Dental chew-sticks are my favorite choice, since they combat dental problems while encouraging appropriate chewing. Never give your puppy an old shoe to chew on, because your pet will not know the difference between the old and new pair of shoes and,well, you know how that story ends.
Last, but not the least, it’s important to engage in playtime with your beloved pet. As you already know, a tired puppy is a good puppy! In addition, playing with pets reinforces the human-animal bond so it is a win-win situation.