You return home after a period of work, business trips, or traveling far away and find the scene of your dog chewing and gnawing on household items. You feel helpless, not knowing why your dog has this habit and how to stop the above situation. petncute.com will help you understand the phenomenon of dogs chewing household items and offer solutions. Please refer to the article below.
1. Reasons why dogs chew and gnaw when their owners are away
Below are the reasons leading to the dog chewing on items when the owner is away. Please refer to the details through the content below:
1.1. Because the dog feels lonely
Sometimes dogs chew on household items because they feel lonely and lost when left alone at home. Humans feel bored and seek entertainment such as listening to music, watching movies, etc. But for pets, they can't do these things, so they often chew on household items to pass the time.
1.2. Because the dog is anxious or afraid
Dogs are pack animals, so they often feel anxious or afraid when separated from their owner for long periods. This leads to your beloved dog gnawing on things to relieve stress. If this behavior is not monitored, it will occur frequently, and household items will be chewed up!
Reasons why dogs chew and gnaw when their owners are away
Therefore, whenever you go out, try to comfort and coax your pet into an area prepared in advance with safe chewable toys to reduce anxiety. The important thing to remember is to be gentle so that the dog will voluntarily enter that area, and do not use coercive measures.
1.3. Because the puppy is teething
Puppies at teething age (around 3-7 months old) feel itchy teeth, causing discomfort, so they will find something to bite to alleviate this feeling. Therefore, during this time, owners should provide specialized chew toys for dogs to grind their teeth.
1.4. Due to the dog's instinct
Gnawing on any surrounding items is a natural instinct of dogs, a completely normal behavior seen in most dog breeds. Scientists explain that dogs are curious animals and like to explore anything they find unfamiliar. Thus, dogs try to understand objects by sniffing, gnawing, and licking them.
Dogs gnaw and chew due to instinct
1.5. Due to psychological disorders in dogs
While licking and biting items is common and most cases are harmless, don't take this issue lightly! It could be a sign your dog has Pica - an eating disorder that makes dogs eat inedible items. This dangerous behavior can lead to serious health problems, including digestive tract blockage, poisoning, and even death. Persistent stress, boredom, and lack of exercise can contribute to the development of Pica!
Additionally, diseases such as nutrient deficiency, anemia, parasites, tumors, etc., are conditions that rapidly develop this syndrome. If you notice any abnormal symptoms in your pet, take them to the nearest veterinary facility for accurate diagnosis!
2. 4 ways to prevent dogs from chewing when you are away
petncute.com will give you a few tips to prevent your beloved dog from chewing when you are away!
2.1. Spend more time with your pet before leaving
Spending more time playing with your pet before leaving can help relieve stress and anxiety in your dog and make them feel your love. Therefore, no matter how busy you are, try to spend some time every day playing with your beloved dog!
4 ways to prevent dogs from chewing when you are away
2.2. Take your dog for a walk
Create a comfortable space for your pet by taking them for walks and involving them in outdoor activities. If time permits, take them for a longer walk instead of letting them run around the house. This helps expend energy, boost immunity, and makes them forget the need to chew things!
2.3. Provide them with plenty of toys
Owners should buy some toys that help grind their pets’ teeth. These toys not only soothe itchy teeth but also clean their mouths!
However, remember to choose safe toys designed for dogs' teeth, like those made from solid rubber, hollow insides, and durable, tear-resistant.
2.4. Use a scented spray bottle
If your dog is accustomed to chewing random objects around the house, try using a scented spray bottle - a product to prevent random chewing. These sprays usually emit a smell unpleasant to dogs, keeping them away from the sprayed items.
Stopping dogs from chewing household items is no longer difficult with these 4 useful tips
Still, when using this method, pet owners should keep in mind the following:
1 - Do not spray directly onto your pet.
2 - Properly store, avoiding pet contact with the spray.
3 - If your pet accidentally contacts chemicals in the spray, quickly wash the area with warm water!
Through this article, petncute.com has given you some causes and ways to stop dogs from chewing when you're away! We hope this article will be helpful for pet owners! petncute.com thanks everyone for always reading our articles and looks forward to seeing you in future posts.