Muzzle Memories: How Your Dog’s Chewing Style Can Reveal Cognitive Aging and Emotional Shifts

Dogs express themselves in fascinating ways — through body language, barking, tail-wagging, and often, by chewing. As man’s best friend grows older, subtle changes in chewing habits can offer deep insights into their cognitive health and emotional wellbeing. At Queva Pets, we believe in understanding the whole dog — from tail to teeth — so read on to discover how chew-time can reveal more than you think.

Understanding Your Dog’s Natural Chewing Behavior

Every dog chews — it's instinctual. But chewing serves several purposes in your dog’s life:

• Teething relief in puppies
• Stress reduction during periods of separation or anxiety
• Jaw strength and dental health in adulthood

Healthy chewing behavior is methodical and focused. Sudden changes, such as excessive gnawing or disinterest in favorite chew toys, could signal more than just a fleeting whim.

Cognitive Changes Reflected in Chewing Habits

As dogs age, their mental sharpness can decline. Just as humans may forget names or misplace items, senior dogs may “chew differently.” Watch for these signals of mental shifts:

• Loss of interest in toys they previously loved
• Chewing inappropriately, such as furniture or shoes
• Obsessive chewing that seems out of character

These signs may indicate early cognitive decline or a need for mental stimulation.

Chewing and Emotional Health: The Hidden Connection

Dogs also chew to soothe anxiety, boredom, or frustration. When emotional states shift, your dog may suddenly latch onto or abandon their chew habits.

Common emotional triggers that affect chewing:

• Changes in routine
• Lack of physical activity
• New environments or family members

Monitoring these transitions can help you understand what your dog may be feeling — even when they can’t say it aloud.

What Pet Parents Can Do

Being aware of your dog’s behavior is the first step. Here are proactive ways to respond to chewing-related changes:

• Introduce puzzle toys to engage their mind
• Rotate different textures and shapes of chew items
• Engage in regular interactive play and structured exercise
• Consult your vet if you observe sudden or drastic behavioral changes

Chewing and Physical Health: Why Activity Still Matters

Physical movement stimulates both your dog's body and brain. Regular walks and play help release pent-up energy that might otherwise go into destructive or anxious chewing.

That’s why Queva Pets developed our smart tracking device to help you support both physical and mental health:

• Activity tracking (walk, run, light, intense)
• GPS tracking
• Health score insights

Stay connected to your dog’s wellbeing — wherever life takes you. Learn more about Queva™ smart tracking for your dog.