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Why Dogs Chew Things — and Why the Reason Changes With Age
- Dogs chew for many reasons: growing up, burning off energy, or feeling anxious.
- Puppies chew to soothe sore gums while their teeth come in; adult dogs often chew out of boredom or stress.
- Giving safe things to chew and more activity can reduce destructive chewing.
Puppies (2–6 months): sore gums while teeth come in
While baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, a puppy's gums feel itchy and uncomfortable. Chewing at this stage is completely natural. That is why puppies try to bite everything they can reach — fingers, shoes, chair legs.
Your puppy is trying to ease the discomfort by itself, so offering plenty of safe alternatives works much better than scolding.
Adult dogs (1 year and older): boredom and extra energy
If an adult dog with all its teeth keeps chewing, boredom or too much energy may be the cause. When walks are too short or the dog is left alone for long hours, it may release stress by destroying things.
Dogs with separation anxiety (feeling anxious when left alone) also chew a lot. In that case, increase both physical activity and mental stimulation to see improvement.
Signs to check at any age
If chewing suddenly increases, think about stress or changes at home. A new family member, a move or a change in daily routine can affect your dog.
If your dog keeps chewing one part of its body, the skin turns red, or it also licks excessively, there may be a skin problem or another health issue — talk to your veterinarian.
Give your dog safe things to chew
The urge to chew is natural, so you can't remove it completely. Instead, prepare plenty of safe chew items in place of dangerous things like shoes, furniture and cables. Several items with different textures help spread your dog's interest.
When your dog chews an allowed item, encourage it with a cheerful 'Good!'. When it goes for a forbidden item, quietly remove that item and redirect its attention to a safe one. With repetition, your dog learns what is OK to chew and what is not.
More activity and mental stimulation
Enough walks and play are essential to reduce chewing in adult dogs. A walk is not just a toilet trip — it should be time to sniff, explore and move. Build a routine of walking at the same time every day.
Mental games such as hide-and-seek, puzzle toys and snuffle mats matter too. Using its brain lets your dog spend energy in a healthy way, and problem chewing naturally decreases.
Tidy up the home when chewing is a problem
Put dangerous items out of reach in advance. Cover cables with protectors, keep small objects where your dog can't get them, and add guards to furniture corners to prevent accidents.
If your dog is alone for long periods, turn that space into a dog-only zone with only safe items. Your dog feels less stress, and you worry less.
- For a teething puppy, offer a towel that has been in the freezer — the cold helps soothe sore gums.
- Walk and play at the same time every day so your dog spends its energy in a healthy way.
- Praise right away when your dog chews a safe item; when it goes for a forbidden one, quietly remove it and redirect.
- Prepare several chew items with different textures to spread your dog's interest.
- If your dog is often alone, give it mental stimulation with puzzle toys or a snuffle mat.
Frequently asked questions
Shouldn't I scold my dog for chewing?
Punishment or frightening your dog with a loud voice causes stress and can make the behavior worse. Giving safe items and encouraging your dog when it chews allowed ones works much better.
What is safe for a dog to chew?
Items made for dogs — rubber toys, rope toys, natural leather chews — are safe choices. Make sure no small pieces break off, check for choking risks, and inspect them regularly.
Is chewing linked to separation anxiety?
Yes, it can be. If your dog chews only when left alone, separation anxiety may be the cause. Help it burn energy with walks and play, and slowly increase the time it spends alone. In severe cases, talking to an animal behavior specialist can help.