As Colin Tennant, the chairman of the U.K. Canine and Feline Behavior Association said, “Chewing, for a dog, is like a human opening a door and looking into a room.” Dogs have a natural desire to chew. It is nature's method of relieving young puppies' teething discomfort and maintaining strong, healthy teeth as a dog ages.
There are several reasons why dogs chew on different objects. Some of them are:
- Separation Anxiety
- Teething
- Stress
- Boredom
- Habit
According to statistics, 94% of dog owners give edible chewing material to their canines. Why? Because of the dog’s favorite hobby!
Below are some features that relate to a dog’s characteristics:
Chew Time
Digestible and non-digestible chews can hold a dog’s attention for 10 minutes. It is noted that canine tires much faster from mental activity than physical one. Because chewing requires focus, a dog’s anxiousness subdues after some time.
Below are some time periods for different chewable objects:
- Bone: 15 to 20 minutes
- Puzzle Toy: 15 minutes
- Kangaroo Tail: 20 minutes
Other objects include deer shank treats, rubber chews, lamb ears, goat horns, and more.
Seeking Comfort
Several dogs exhibit chewing behaviors when they are aroused or excited. If your dog exhibits anxiousness, the best way to overcome it is to let them chew. Chewing incessantly can soothe your canine’s emotions and develop better reactions.
Chew Options for Every Dog
- Rawhides
Rawhides are the best chew toys for your pet. However, these objects are not recommended because of the chemicals, bleaches, and glues used to make them. Beware of spoilers, my friends! No cow is white by nature. Since rawhides are indigestible, many veterinarians suggest avoiding them due to choking and intestinal blockages.
- Antlers
An excellent alternative for larger dogs, antlers come from different sources. Deer antlers have a hard texture and come in different sizes. On the other hand, Elk antlers are large and available in split form. Lastly, moose antlers are the softest of them all. These chews are sold in various sizes and shapes.
Other antlers include:
- Water Buffalo Horns
- Gwantlers
The marrow is one of the most alluring aromas for the four-legged creature. It is a fantastic object for oral health since it consists of calcium and phosphorus.
How to Stop your Dog from Excessive Chewing?
There are several ways in which you can hinder your canine from chewing. Some of them are listed below:
- Training
- Stimulate the dog
- Ease the separation anxiety
To cater to the last point, you can manage the dog’s routine, pet them regularly, or give them a treat before leaving.
Conclusion
Read through the blog and learn about the different chew types. No matter which chews your dog prefers, keep an eye on them whenever they are using them. Offering your whelp with a chewable object decreases their frustration and helps them manage stress and anxiety. To minimize your dog’s chewing behavior, you can condition it to stop when 10 to 15 minutes have passed. Apart from that, you can stimulate it or ease its anxiety level.