Chew on This: What Your Dog’s Chewing Habits Reveal About Their Health and Mental State
Ever found your dog gnawing on furniture, shoes, or even rocks? While it may seem like a quirky or annoying behavior, chewing is one of the most expressive actions a dog can perform. From teething and boredom to anxiety and underlying health issues, your dog's chewing habits can offer valuable insights into their mental and physical well-being. At Queva Pets, we’re passionate about helping you understand your furry friend’s behavior so you can offer the best possible care.
Understanding Normal Chewing Behavior
Dogs are natural chewers. Puppies especially explore the world with their mouths, much like human babies. Chewing helps strengthen their jaws and soothe teething pain. For adult dogs, chewing keeps teeth clean and relieves stress.
Common reasons for healthy chewing include:
- Exploring their environment
- Alleviating teething discomfort
- Maintaining oral hygiene
- Burning off excess energy
Offering safe and vet-approved chew toys is essential for encouraging positive chewing habits and protecting your belongings.
When Chewing Becomes a Problem
If your dog’s chewing escalates to destruction—shoes torn to shreds or furniture legs chewed raw—it may be a cry for help. Problematic chewing could signal:
- Separation anxiety – Dogs often chew destructively when left alone.
- Stress or frustration – Changes in environment or routine can trigger nervous chewing.
- Lack of exercise – An under-stimulated dog may resort to chewing to use up pent-up energy.
If your dog's chewing intensifies or starts suddenly, it’s important to investigate further or consult with a vet or behavioral specialist.
Health Conditions Linked to Chewing
Certain health concerns can also be linked to chewing behavior. These may include:
- Dental disease – Gum or tooth issues can cause your dog to chew excessively to relieve discomfort.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Some dogs chew on inedible objects due to digestive discomfort or deficiencies.
- Neurological disorders – Rarely, excessive chewing can be a sign of neurological problems.
Keep an eye on your dog’s chewing patterns and make note of any hard materials they show interest in, especially household hazards like electrical cords or hard plastic. Timely intervention can prevent injury or costly vet visits.
How to Redirect Chewing Positively
Not all chewing is bad—but it does need direction. Here’s how to guide your dog toward healthy habits:
- Provide a variety of chew-safe toys and rotate them to maintain interest
- Ensure your dog gets regular physical exercise and mental stimulation
- Use positive reinforcement when your dog chews appropriate items
- Use deterrent sprays on furniture or items you want to protect
Training and engagement go a long way toward managing destructive behaviors and boosting overall wellness for your dog.
Wrap-Up: Know the Signs, Nurture the Behavior
Chewing is your dog’s way of telling you something—whether they’re bored, anxious, inquisitive, or even unwell. Understanding the ‘why’ behind the behavior equips you to make the right decisions for your dog’s mental and physical health.
Just like a well-balanced diet and regular vet checkups, mental stimulation and exercise are vital to your dog’s well-being. Prevent destructive chewing by treating the root causes, not just the symptoms, and by building an active lifestyle together.
Support Healthy Dog Activity with Queva Pets
At Queva Pets, we believe in nurturing every aspect of your dog’s life—including their health and activity habits. Our smart tracking device helps you monitor:
- Daily breakdown of walking, running, light activity, and high activity
- Real-time GPS tracking for safety on the go
- Health score insights to detect patterns over time
Help your pup live their best life. Explore the Queva™ Smart Tracker now.
