Even though chewing is a completely normal thing for dogs to do, you dont want them to wreck your favorite shoes or pillows. Today, our Santa Cruz vets share tips and tricks on how you can stop your dogs destructive chewing and the reasons why your pup will start to chew.
Have you ever walked into your living room to discover your normally well-behaved pooch has suddenly turned your favorite shoes into a chew toy? Or maybe your older dog who hasn’t destroyed anything in years is now munching on furniture legs like they’re delicious treats? Don’t worry – you’re not alone in this frustrating situation!
As a dog owner myself, I’ve dealt with this exact problem. My 5-year-old Lab, who had perfect house manners since puppyhood, suddenly started destroying everything in sight last year I was completely baffled until I figured out what was really going on
In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about why dogs suddenly start chewing, what it means, and most importantly – what you can actually do about it that WORKS
Common Causes of Sudden Chewing in Dogs
When your dog starts chewing destructively out of nowhere, it’s usually trying to tell you something. Here are the most common reasons behind this behavior change:
1. Boredom – The #1 Culprit
Boredom is probably the most common reason dogs suddenly start chewing things they shouldn’t. Dogs are smart, active animals that need mental and physical stimulation. When they don’t get enough of either, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves – often by chewing up your stuff!
Signs your dog might be bored:
- Seems restless and can’t settle down
- Follows you everywhere
- Destroys things primarily when left alone
- Perks up immediately when you suggest a walk or playtime
2. Anxiety or Stress
Dogs often turn to chewing as a coping mechanism when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This is especially true for dogs with separation anxiety, who might only chew destructively when you’re not home.
My neighbor’s retriever started destroying couch cushions last month after they changed their work schedule, The poor pup was experiencing separation anxiety and chewing was his way of self-soothing
3. Pain or Dental Issues
This one surprises a lot of people! When dogs experience mouth pain from dental problems, gum disease, or other oral issues, they sometimes chew to try to relieve the discomfort.
As the Monster K9 blog points out, “Chewing can provide temporary relief from mouth pain” in older dogs who might be dealing with dental issues.
4. Age-Related Factors
Puppy Teething
If your puppy is between 3-6 months old, sudden chewing is probably related to teething. Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their adult teeth come in.
Senior Dog Issues
Older dogs might start chewing suddenly due to cognitive decline, increased anxiety, or pain. According to Monster K9, “When an older dog suddenly starts to chew, it’s usually a clue that something is up with them.”
5. Changes in Routine or Environment
Dogs are creatures of habit, and changes in their environment or routine can trigger stress and anxiety. This might include:
- Moving to a new home
- Addition of a new family member (human baby or another pet)
- Schedule changes
- Home renovations
One reader comment from the Monster K9 blog mentioned: “My boyfriend moved in… and my 2-year-old Shitzu-Mix Chibi has been eating his underwear and work clothes.” This perfectly illustrates how environmental changes can trigger new chewing behaviors!
How to Stop Your Dog’s Sudden Chewing Habit
Now for the part you’re really waiting for – how to get your dog to STOP destroying your stuff! Here’s what actually works:
1. Rule Out Medical Issues First
Before assuming it’s behavioral, schedule a vet visit to check for:
- Dental problems
- Pain
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Age-related cognitive changes
- Hormonal imbalances
Any significant behavior change warrants a check-up, especially in older dogs where sudden chewing could indicate pain or other medical issues.
2. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
This is often the quickest fix for boredom-related chewing. Try:
- Longer or more frequent walks
- Off-leash play time if possible
- Interactive toys that challenge your dog mentally
- Training sessions (even 10-15 minutes daily helps!)
- Puzzle feeders instead of regular food bowls
The ASPCA recommends: “To prevent destructive chewing, be sure to provide plenty of ways for your dog to exercise his mind and body.”
3. Create a Dog-Proof Zone
While you’re working on the issue, management is key:
- Put valuable objects away (shoes in closets, books on shelves)
- Use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas
- Consider crate training for when you can’t supervise (but never more than 6 hours)
- Rotate toys regularly so your dog doesn’t get bored with the same options
4. Provide Appropriate Chew Items
Dogs NEED to chew – it’s natural and healthy. Your job is to direct that chewing to appropriate items:
- Durable chew toys specifically designed for power chewers
- Natural bones sold specifically for dogs (not cooked bones from your meals!)
- Puzzle toys filled with treats or frozen peanut butter
- Bully sticks, pig ears or similar natural chews (supervised)
I’ve found that rotating my dog’s toys every few days keeps him interested and less likely to seek out my shoes or furniture.
5. Address Separation Anxiety
If your dog is chewing mainly when left alone, try these techniques:
- Don’t make a big deal about leaving or returning home
- Switch up your pre-departure routine so your dog doesn’t get anxious as you prepare to leave
- Start with short absences and gradually increase the time
- Consider calming aids like ThunderShirts or pheromone diffusers
- In severe cases, consult with a veterinary behaviorist about medication options
6. Use Deterrents Wisely
Deterrent sprays can help in the short term, but they’re not a complete solution. The ASPCA recommends this approach:
- First let your dog taste a small amount on a tissue to learn it’s unpleasant
- Then spray it on items you don’t want chewed
- Reapply daily for 2-4 weeks
- Remember that deterrents alone won’t solve the problem – you still need to teach what IS okay to chew
What NOT to Do (These Make Things Worse!)
Some common approaches can actually make chewing problems worse:
❌ Don’t punish after the fact – Your dog won’t connect your anger with something they did hours or even minutes ago
❌ Don’t use physical punishment – This damages your relationship and doesn’t teach proper behavior
❌ Don’t give old shoes or household items as toys – This confuses your dog about what’s okay to chew
❌ Don’t crate for excessive periods – More than 6 hours is too long and can increase anxiety
❌ Don’t use duct tape or muzzle your dog – These are inhumane “solutions” that teach nothing
Real-Life Success Story
My friend Sarah had a 9-year-old Lab who suddenly started destroying baseboards and furniture when left alone. After a vet check revealed mild arthritis pain, Sarah:
- Started her dog on appropriate pain management
- Added a midday dog walker to break up the day
- Provided special frozen Kong toys before leaving
- Created a comfortable, secure space in the kitchen with appropriate chew toys
Within two weeks, the destructive chewing completely stopped. The combination of addressing the underlying pain and making environmental changes solved the problem!
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried these solutions and your dog is still chewing destructively, it might be time to call in reinforcements:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
- Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
- Board-certified veterinary behaviorist
These professionals can create a customized plan for your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Sudden chewing in dogs is frustrating, but it’s almost always your dog’s way of communicating something important. By addressing the underlying cause – whether boredom, anxiety, pain, or something else – you can help your furry friend break this destructive habit.
Remember that chewing itself is natural and healthy for dogs. Your goal isn’t to stop all chewing, but rather to redirect it to appropriate items. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you’ll have your well-behaved dog back before you know it!
Have you dealt with sudden chewing in your dog? What solutions worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: While these tips work for most dogs, every pup is unique. If your dog’s chewing behavior is extreme or you’re concerned about their safety, please consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for personalized advice.
How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Your Stuff
When attempting to stop your dogs destructive chewing habits, its essential to begin by finding the cause of the problem and removing any of the issues listed above. Then you need to focus on redirecting your dogs chewing to more appropriate objects, such as chew toys.
The key to keeping your dog happy and content is to provide them with enough exercise every day. Ensuring your pup gets enough exercise before you leave them alone is one of the best ways you can prevent destructive chewing. Dog breeds that have higher energy levels such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Brittnays, and Springer Spaniels require at least two hours of exercise a day, while more laid back breeds such as Pomeranians, Pugs, and Shih Tzus will often be okay with as little as 40 minutes of daily exercise.
To help lower boredom or separation anxiety in dogs that spend extended periods of time alone, try training your dog to associate alone time with positive experiences. When you leave, provide a puzzle toy stuffed with food, and a variety of fun, special toys that your dog only gets to play with while you are away (to retain the novelty).
Giving your furry friend lots of interesting toys wont just establish a positive association with alone time, it will also distract them from objects that you dont want them to chew on.
A part of encouraging good chewing behavior and protecting your dogs health and teeth is providing your pup with safe items to chew on, and knowing which objects can make your pup choke or damage their teeth. Some safe items for your dog to chew on are:
- Firm rubber dog toys (appropriate for your dogs size)
- Rope toys designed for dogs
- Machine washable stuffed toys that are durable and the right size for your pup
- Tennis balls (make sure they arent ripped or broken)
A way to help make sure your dog only chews on designated items is to remove all other temptations. Keep valuable items out of reach, ensure your laundry is safely put away or placed in a closed hamper, and make sure books and childrens toys are stored out of your canines reach.
Also, keep your dog from chewing on items that are dangerous for them to chew on such as:
- Bones
- Rocks
- Broken dog toys
- Childrens toys or toys/items that are too small and can be easily swallowed
- Ribbon and string
- Rubber bands
- Water bottles
When you encounter your dog chewing on an item they shouldnt be, say “no,” take it away, and replace it with a chew toy, then be sure to provide lots of praise when your dog chews on that instead. If none of the suggestions above are successful in stopping your dogs destructive chewing, you may want to try spraying any objects you dont want your dog to chew with a dog deterrent spray.
Why Dogs Chew Things
Your dog explores their environment by chewing on the objects around them. Puppies will chew as a way to help alleviate the pain they feel when they are teething, whereas adult dogs chew to help keep their teeth clean and jaws strong.
But, while chewing is a healthy activity for dogs, your pup might not always sink its teeth into the right items, here we explain why.
Our canine companions are social animals at heart and lots of pets experience separation anxiety when their owners are gone. Dogs that suffer from stress or anxiety often start chewing as a way to comfort themselves.
If your pooch spends long periods of time alone without being provided with mental stimulation, they can become bored quickly and will start chewing on anything they find interesting around your home as a way to pass the time.
Puppies go through an uncomfortable teething period just like human babies. While your puppy is teething they are likely to chew frequently in order to relieve their pain and discomfort.
It is not uncommon for dogs on calorie-restricted diets to begin chewing on objects in an effort to find other sources of nutrition. This type of chewing is generally directed toward objects related to food or smell like food such as plastic bowls.
How To Stop Your Dog Biting And Chewing Everything!
FAQ
Why does my dog chew a lot?
They explained, “Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. However, when dogs start chewing on things they shouldn’t, it’s often a sign that something is amiss. It’s important to address the underlying cause of the behavior in order to effectively stop it.”
Why does my dog chew a lot if he has separation anxiety?
Interestingly, chewing serves as a stress-reliever for dogs. This is why a dog suffering from separation anxiety might suddenly turn to chewing. Dogs also know how to get the attention of their owner, and might use chewing as a way to tell you somethings up. How to help your dog cope with separation anxiety and stop unwanted chewing?
Why does my senior dog chew so much?
Senior Dogs (7+ years): Older dogs may experience dental issues that either increase or decrease their chewing habits. Some seniors chew more to relieve dental discomfort, while others may chew less if they have painful teeth or gums. Any sudden change in chewing behavior in senior dogs warrants veterinary attention.
Why does my dog make a chewing noise?
This occurrence has a number of causes. However, the most typical one is that the dog is attempting to remove something from its mouth or teeth, such as food particles. It’s also possible that your dog has salivary, digestive, or neurological issues. Sometimes, making chewing noises might be a dog’s way of soothing itself.
Why does my dog keep chewing with no toys?
However, oral and dental issues, improper training, gastrointestinal disorders, and even some neurological problems may also be the causes of this behavior. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 14 reasons why your dog keeps making chewing motions with no toys or any items in its mouth.
Is it normal for dogs to chew on things?
It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean.
How long does the chewing phase last in dogs?
What is your dog trying to warn about when they chew their paws?
Infections in their skin or paws – Paw infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria or parasites, and will cause a dog to bite or chew at their paws.Dec 21, 2022
Why is my dog all of a sudden being destructive?
How to discipline a dog for destructive chewing?
Identify times of the day when your dog is most likely to chew and give him a puzzle toy filled with something delicious. You can include some of your dog’s daily ration of food in the toy. Discourage chewing inappropriate items by spraying them with chewing deterrents.