Why Do Dogs Chew? Understanding the Why's and How's of Canine Chewing Behavior

Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs, but it often becomes a source of frustration for pup parents when it turns destructive. Whether it’s your favorite shoes, furniture, or even the corner of a coffee table, dog chewing can feel like an ongoing challenge. However, understanding why dogs chew can help you manage and prevent unwanted chewing behavior.

Chewing serves a variety of important functions for dogs, from developmental milestones in puppies to health benefits for adult dogs. Whether your dog is a teething puppy or a well-behaved adult, chewing is a behavior that is deeply ingrained in their biology.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind dog chewing, its benefits, and what you can do to provide healthy outlets for your dog’s natural chewing instincts.

Table of Contents

1. Why Puppies Chew
2. Why Adult Dogs Chews
3. The Benefits of Chewing For Dogs
4. How To Manage Destructive Chewing

Why Puppies Chew

Puppies begin chewing as early as 3 to 4 months of age, primarily due to the discomfort associated with teething. Teething is a critical stage in a puppy’s development, and chewing provides an outlet for the physical discomfort that comes with the eruption of adult teeth. But there’s more to it than just pain relief. Let’s explore the main reasons why puppies chew:

Teething and Discomfort Relief

As puppies transition from baby teeth to their adult teeth, they experience pressure and soreness in their gums. Chewing helps relieve some of this discomfort by gently massaging the gums and helping the teeth break through the surface.

Just like human babies gnaw on teething rings, puppies instinctively seek out objects to chew on during this time. This phase typically lasts until the puppy reaches about 6 to 8 months old, though it can vary by breed and individual dog.

Learn more in our Puppy Teething Guide!

Exploration and Curiosity

For puppies, the world is new, and their mouths serve as one of the primary tools for exploration. Chewing allows puppies to learn more about their environment. They use their mouths to grasp, hold, and investigate objects, which helps them understand their surroundings.

This instinct is akin to how human babies put objects in their mouths to learn about them. For a puppy, every object is a potential source of discovery, which is why you may catch them chewing on shoes, furniture, or even electrical cords.

Developing Strong Teeth and Gums

Chewing is essential for puppies to develop healthy, strong teeth and gums. The act of chewing on appropriate objects helps strengthen their jaw muscles and promotes good dental health. Providing a variety of chew toys during this time ensures that your puppy's chewing instinct is directed toward safe, beneficial objects.

Check out our Puppy POV Training series - Chewing Edition!

Why Adult Dogs Chew

While teething ends as puppies grow into adults, chewing doesn’t stop. In fact, adult dogs continue to chew for many of the same reasons, but there are additional factors that come into play. Here’s why adult dogs chew:

Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums

Chewing is vital for adult dogs to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Just like in puppies, chewing helps to keep their teeth clean by reducing plaque buildup. Without regular chewing, adult dogs are more likely to develop dental issues, such as tartar buildup and gum disease. A healthy chew toy or bone can help prevent these issues while providing an outlet for chewing behavior.

Related Reading: Dog Dental Care Costs + At Home Dental Care

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Adult dogs can develop anxiety or stress for many reasons, including separation from their guardians, changes in the household, or a lack of mental stimulation. Adult dogs may chew to alleviate stress or anxiety. For example, a dog left alone for hours during the day may chew on furniture or shoes as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness or frustration.

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

If a dog isn't mentally or physically stimulated enough, they may turn to chewing as a way to alleviate boredom. Dogs are intelligent creatures that need regular exercise, playtime, and mental engagement.

Without these outlets, they may resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or anything they can get their mouths on. For dogs that are left alone frequently or those with minimal interaction, destructive chewing becomes a way to pass the time and entertain themselves.

Give Mental Enrichment to Reduce Problem Behaviors!

Natural Instincts and Sensory Exploration

Adult dogs, like puppies, continue to use their mouths to explore the world around them. Chewing provides a way to engage their senses and explore new objects. This behavior is often seen in dogs that enjoy sniffing and tasting different items in their environment. While puppies explore out of curiosity, adult dogs may chew as part of their ongoing sensory exploration.

Health Issues and Pain Relief

Chewing can sometimes be a response to pain or discomfort. For example, dogs suffering from dental issues, joint pain, or other health problems may chew to alleviate their discomfort. If an adult dog suddenly starts chewing more than usual or seems to prefer certain objects, it's worth consulting with a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues. In some cases, arthritis or other chronic pain conditions might make chewing feel soothing.

Here are 10 Signs Your Dog Is In Pain

The Benefits of Chewing for Dogs

Chewing is more than just a habit for dogs—it has several health benefits that contribute to their overall well-being. Let’s break down some of the positive effects of chewing for dogs:

Teeth and Gum Health

As previously mentioned, chewing helps to keep dogs' teeth clean by scraping away plaque and preventing the buildup of tartar. This helps to maintain healthy gums and prevent dental diseases like periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. Chewing on durable toys, bones, or dental chews can reduce the need for professional cleanings and improve your dog’s oral health.

Related Reading: Why Do Dogs Teeth Get Worn Down?

Release of Endorphins

When dogs chew, they experience a release of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. This can create a sense of relaxation and contentment, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Endorphins are natural painkillers, so chewing can also provide some relief from discomfort, whether from teething, sore gums, or muscle tension.

Mental and Physical Exercise

Chewing is a form of mental and physical exercise for dogs. The act of chewing engages their jaw muscles and strengthens their teeth. Additionally, if a dog is chewing while working on a puzzle toy or treat-dispensing toy, they are exercising their brain by problem-solving and focusing their attention on getting the reward. This provides both physical and mental stimulation, helping to reduce boredom and keep dogs engaged.

Stress Relief and Emotional Comfort

For dogs experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional discomfort, chewing offers a coping mechanism. The repetitive motion of chewing can be soothing and help to calm a dog during stressful situations. Dogs with separation anxiety, for example, often turn to chewing to self-soothe when left alone. By providing appropriate chew toys, you can give your dog a healthy outlet for managing their emotions.

Learn about the Trifecta of Calm: Sniffing, Licking & Chewing!

How to Manage Destructive Chewing

While chewing is natural and beneficial for dogs, it can become problematic when it turns destructive. Here are some ways to manage or redirect your dog’s chewing behavior:

Provide Proper Chews and Toys

Offering your dog a variety of appropriate chews and toys is one of the best ways to prevent destructive chewing. Make sure the toys are durable, safe, and sized appropriately for your dog. Rotate toys and chews to keep your dog’s interest piqued and make sure they are engaging.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Ensure that your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, play sessions, and interactive toys are essential for keeping your dog’s energy levels balanced. A well exercised and engaged dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Whenever your dog chews on the appropriate objects, reward them with praise or a treat. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to continue chewing on the right things. Be patient and consistent, and redirect your dog gently if they start chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Training and Behavior Modification

If your dog’s chewing is linked to anxiety or behavioral issues, working with a professional trainer or behaviorist may be necessary. Behavior modification techniques, such as desensitization or counter-conditioning, can help address the underlying cause of the chewing.

Recap: Why Do Dogs Chew?

Chewing is a normal and healthy behavior for dogs, whether they’re puppies or adults. It serves many functions, from relieving teething pain to providing mental stimulation and stress relief.

Understanding the reasons behind chewing will help you support your dog’s natural instincts while managing and redirecting destructive behaviors. By offering appropriate chew toys, providing regular exercise, and addressing any anxiety or boredom, you can ensure that your dog’s chewing habits remain healthy and beneficial.

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