Ever found yourself wondering, “Why does my dog eat everything?” It’s a common perplexity among pet owners, and while our furry friends bring immense joy into our lives, their insatiable appetite for the unusual can leave us scratching our heads. In this exploration, we’ll dive into the curious behavior of dogs who seem to devour everything in sight, from socks to sticks, unraveling the mystery behind this quirky canine habit.
Why Does My Dog Eat Everything? Puppies and Dogs chew, it’s natural. Stopping them from chewing is more difficult. Younger dogs tend to chew when they are trying to find their new surroundings. Different breeds of dogs chew different things. Rupert our 6 month-old Dachshund chews his bed and his toys. He is on his 3rd or 4th bed now and 2nd blanket.
Why Does My Dog Eat Everything?
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There are many reasons why dogs and puppies chew a lot. Let’s take a look at some reasons why dogs eat everything;
- Bored: If your dog is left alone for a long time in the day/evening they get bored. Puppies are like babies and require a lot of attention. Extended playtimes, longer walks, and much more exercise are required to keep them from being bored.
- Teething: Like babies, puppies teethe. This causes discomfort and the need to chew excessively. Babies’ chew toys help soothe babies when they chew. Getting a strong dog toy or an indestructible toy will help your puppy. Excessive chewing helps relieve some discomfort and brings it through the adult teeth.
- Attention: Dogs tend to chew things they know they shouldn’t because it gets attention. For example; Rupert regularly takes one of the kid’s toys because he knows we will chase him. He then thinks this is a game and does it again and again. We get the kids to play with Rupert and his own toys for a good half an hour every evening. This has reduced the number of times he takes their toys.
- Diet: Making sure your dog has the correct diet will help reduce chewing. If your dog tends to take stones or plaster, this could be down to a lack of calcium in its diet. Feeding your dog correctly based on weight and exercise will help reduce this type of chewing.
- Stress & Anxiety: Separation anxiety is a huge part of unnecessary chewing. Dogs / Puppies can become destructive when dealing with anxiety issues. Check out our page on Dog Anxiety Beds to try and help resolve some of these issues.
What Can I Do To Prevent My Dog From Eating/Chewing Unnecessarily?
- Exercise is key to helping reduce your dog’s chewing. Longer walks, more outside time, and being away from the home is the most suitable way to do this.
- Treats your dog for good behaviour. If your dog goes to get toys and you use the ‘NO’ command, you should treat them if they listen.
- When you are not able to watch your dog 24/7 then always make sure they cannot get to anything dangerous. Splinters, wires, or sharp objects should be moved if your dog has chewing tendencies.
- Playing with your dog and their own toys regularly help. 5 minutes each time throughout the day. If you have kids, you can always get them to do it. This is great for bonding if the kids also help out
How To Ensure Safety Of Your Pups?
Sharp Objects, personal possessions, and anything you don’t want your dog near should be kept out of reach at all times. Dogs tend to find the strangest of things enjoyable. Wallets and Keys are big like dogs. Shoes / Slippers also become your dogs’ favourite toy and before you know it they will be destroyed. If your dog does get hold of something it shouldn’t, a quick, stern, “NO” command will teach them not to mess.
Training and Treats are always the way to stop your dog from doing something. There are also sprays you can buy that stop some dogs from chewing. But as I said, Some Dogs. We tried vinegar on Rupert’s bed as he started to chew the corners. He just licked it off and carried on. Regularly stropping him and rewarding him for listening to our command meant that he quickly learned not to.
What Problems Are Faced With Dog Chewing?
Dogs that chew soft toys can really struggle with bowel and stomach problems. Wool and Cotton quickly get tangled up. Before you know it you chase poo out of your dog’s bum around the garden as it hangs on. Other issues can be bits of plastic stuck in the mouth/gums that can cause bleeding and discomfort.
Dog chews are a great way of getting your dog settled when you’re trying to do household activities and chores. Many people use Rawhides but these can be very dangerous to your dog, especially if left alone. See our Rawhide Alternatives post. Pegetables are a great chew for your doggie to be healthy and relaxed.
Why Are My Dogs Chewing Getting Worse?
A sudden reduction in mental stimulation and lack of exercise can cause your dog to quickly find another way of getting your attention. Like children, puppies just want attention and they will get it in any way possible. Removing toys, chew toys and chew bones can cause a quick change in mindset. To get your attention, your dog will look for something they shouldn’t be doing. Carpets, Cupboards, shoes, etc will be quickly turned to as a form of play and comfort.
What Should I Avoid?
If you know your dog has no training for being left alone in the house, DON’T DO IT. Even trying to entertain them with a chew whilst you nip out will cause you problems. Once your untrained dog is left alone they will find something to entertain themselves. If they do chew something, do not punish them. This is just the attention they have craved. Over time, this type of punishment will cause anxiety and this makes matters even worse. Instead, teach them in short bursts to behave when left alone.
A Culinary Conundrum Unraveled
Unlocking the enigma of your dog’s eclectic eating habits sheds light on the fascinating world of canine behavior. From gnawing on random objects to devouring the unexpected, our four-legged companions keep us on our toes. So, the next time you catch your pup munching on something unexpected, remember, it’s just another chapter in the delightful, albeit peculiar, tale of life with man’s best friend. Embrace the quirks, cherish the moments, and continue to nurture the unique bond that makes your furry friend an irreplaceable part of your world
In conclusion, dogs have a natural instinct to explore and investigate their environment through their mouths. However, this behavior can become problematic when they start eating things that are not safe for them. It is important to understand the underlying causes of this behavior and take appropriate steps to address it. Whether it is providing more mental stimulation, training, or limiting access to certain areas, there are various ways to manage a dog’s tendency to eat everything in sight. By understanding and addressing this behavior, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry companion.
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