Dogs are known for their love of chewing. They do it for various reasons, including teething, boredom, stress, anxiety, and curiosity. However, excessive chewing can lead to serious problems, such as dental issues, destruction of property, and even injuries if they ingest something harmful. A kitty misbehaving occasionally may not be much of a trouble. However, when the kitty tantrums never end, you may have to take your furball to the vet to seek expert advice. To help your feline pet overcome their bad habits, your vet may suggest behavioral therapy, training sessions, and/or medications if the underlying cause for the kitty’s misconduct is health issues. Therefore, it’s important to address this habit before it gets out of control.
Otherwise, unrestrained chewing can injure your puppy’s teeth and gums to the extent that they find it hard to eat food. In such a case, you will have to spend money on replacing household things sabotaged by your fur baby and getting them tested and treated. Quickly your total expenses can run up to thousands of dollars.
But wait, do you have dog insurance? If yes, your pet insurance policy could possibly help you with the unanticipated vet bills. Else, know that the best pup insurance can cover a puppy’s diagnosis and treatment costs during accidents, allergies, injuries, sickness, dental conditions, health emergencies, and more.
Whether you are looking to purchase a new policy or considering swapping your current policy, take your time to assess your fur baby’s health needs, policy benefits, and budget before signing up. At the same time, learn the reasons for your puppy’s chewing issues and how to resolve them.
1. Provide Plenty of Toys and Chews
One of the best ways to stop a dog from chewing on inappropriate items is to provide plenty of toys and chews that they can safely chew on. This will satisfy their natural chewing instinct and keep them occupied. Choose toys and chews that are appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and chewing strength. For example, soft toys are suitable for puppies, while tougher chews, such as rubber or nylon toys, are better for adult dogs.
2. Supervise Your Dog
It’s essential to supervise your dog, especially when they are still learning what they can and can’t chew on. When you’re not able to watch your dog, keep them in a safe and secure area, such as a crate or a playpen. This will prevent them from getting into things they shouldn’t and keep them out of harm’s way.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior. Whenever you catch your dog chewing on an appropriate item, such as a toy or chew, praise and reward them. This will encourage them to continue chewing on the right things and reinforce the behavior you want to see.
4. Redirect Your Dog’s Chewing Behavior
If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, immediately redirect their attention to an appropriate chew or toy. Offer them the toy and praise them when they start chewing on it. This will help them learn what they can and can’t chew on and reinforce good behavior.
5. Exercise Your Dog
A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, such as excessive chewing. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise every day, whether it’s through walks, playtime, or other physical activities. This will not only tire them out but also provide mental stimulation and reduce their stress and anxiety.
6. Address Underlying Issues
Sometimes, excessive chewing can be a symptom of an underlying issue, such as separation anxiety or boredom. If you suspect that your dog’s chewing is due to a deeper problem, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. They can help you identify the root cause of the behavior and provide you with a customized plan to address it.
7. Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Mental Stimulation
In addition to physical exercise, dogs also need mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Provide your dog with puzzles, interactive toys, and other mentally stimulating activities that will keep them engaged and entertained. This will not only reduce their boredom but also prevent them from seeking out inappropriate items to chew on.
8. Use Deterrents
If your dog continues to chew on inappropriate items, despite your best efforts, you may need to use deterrents to discourage the behavior. There are several options available, such as bitter apple spray, which has a bitter taste that dogs dislike, or motion-activated alarms that emit a loud noise when your dog approaches certain areas. However, it’s important to note that deterrents should only be used as a last resort and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training.
Excessive chewing can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous habit in dogs. However, with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it’s possible to stop this behavior and redirect your dog’s chewing to appropriate items. Remember to provide plenty of toys and chews, supervise your dog, use positive
Because of its bouncy nature, a frisky pup’s life can be delightful and dangerous simultaneously. And this is why you must contemplate purchasing dog insurance. Pet insurance can provide your puppy pal comprehensive health coverage. In contrast, you can explore other affordable cheap pup insurance plans if all that your pup needs is basic health coverage.
