Why Do Dogs Chew Everything? Causes and Solutions

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is natural, but it becomes a problem when it targets shoes, furniture or electrical cords.

Why dogs chew

• Teething: puppies chew to relieve gum discomfort. See puppy teething timeline.
• Exploration: especially in young dogs.
• Boredom: chewing is entertaining.
• Stress relief: chewing can be calming.
• Instinct: some breeds are especially oral.
• Dental maintenance: chewing exercises jaws.
• Separation anxiety: destruction when alone. See how to help a dog with separation anxiety.
• Medical issues: dental pain, nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Puppy chewing

Teething begins around three to four months and lasts for several months. Provide frozen washcloths, rubber toys and other safe options. See how to soothe a teething puppy and best chew toys for puppies.

Adolescent and adult chewing

Adolescent dogs may chew heavily as they test boundaries and release energy. Adults may chew from boredom, anxiety or habit. Any dog who suddenly starts chewing more should be checked by a vet.

Management first

1. Dog-proof your home: keep shoes, remote controls, cords and clothes out of reach.
2. Use gates and crates when you cannot supervise. See how to crate train a puppy.
3. Offer appropriate items whenever your dog is loose.
4. Supervise and redirect.

Safe chew guidelines

• Choose chews appropriate to your dog's size and chewing style.
• Avoid items that are too hard, since they can crack teeth.
• Avoid small pieces that can be swallowed.
• Replace worn toys.
• Supervise new items.
• Ask your vet for recommendations.

Training what is allowed

When your dog picks up a forbidden item, calmly trade for a toy. Reward chewing the right thing. Make good items more interesting by stuffing with food. Do not punish after the fact, since dogs do not connect the scolding with the earlier act.

Exercise and enrichment

A dog with plenty of exercise, sniffing and training is less likely to chew destructively. Rotate toys, use puzzles and offer short training sessions.

Chewing and health risks

Swallowed objects can cause blockages. Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy or abdominal pain after chewing needs urgent veterinary care. Keep toxic items out of reach, including electrical cords, batteries and medications. See is xylitol toxic to dogs.

Common mistakes

• Giving old shoes as toys, which confuses the dog.
• Punishing after the fact.
• Leaving the dog with hazards.
• Skipping exercise.

Troubleshooting

• Chewing only when alone: consider separation anxiety.
• Chewing at night: provide a safe chew and a calm routine.
• Chewing wood or drywall: talk to your vet and use physical barriers.

A simple plan

1. Remove temptations.
2. Provide appropriate chews.
3. Increase exercise and training.
4. Redirect and reward.
5. Seek help if destructive. See when to see a dog behaviorist.

Real-life examples

A puppy chews table legs during teething and settles with frozen chews. An adolescent lab shreds cushions after skipped walks and improves with extra exercise. A rescue dog destroys door frames when alone, and a behaviorist diagnoses separation anxiety. The same behavior has very different roots.

Chewing and breed tendencies

Retrievers, spaniels, terriers and many herding breeds have strong oral needs, while some toy breeds chew less. Dogs bred to carry or hold things in their mouths often seek objects to carry. Choose chews that match your dog's tendencies, and plan more outlets for high-chewing breeds.

Rotating chews for lasting interest

Dogs lose interest in items they see every day. Keep a stash of chews and rotate a few each day. Stuff hollow toys with a bit of food and freeze them for longer engagement. Fresh novelty keeps your dog focused on what is allowed.

The takeaway

Chewing is normal, but it needs outlets. Provide safe options, manage your home and look for the reason when it goes too far.