Why Is My Dog Chewing Everything? Causes and Fixes
By Ferplast U.K. | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Understand why your dog chews everything and how to redirect that behavior. Practical tips for puppies and adult dogs, plus safe chew toy options.
Quick answer
Dogs chew for many reasons: teething, boredom, anxiety, or instinct. The fix depends on the cause. Provide appropriate chew toys, increase exercise, and remove tempting items. If chewing persists despite these changes, consult your vet to rule out medical issues.
Why dogs chew: common triggers
Puppies chew to relieve teething pain and explore their world. Adult dogs may chew out of boredom, separation anxiety, or because they simply enjoy it. Some breeds have a stronger natural urge to gnaw. Understanding the trigger is the first step to solving the problem.
How to redirect chewing behavior
Provide appropriate chew toys that match your dog's size and chewing strength. Rotate toys to keep them interesting. Increase daily exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom. Puppy-proof your home by keeping shoes, cords, and furniture out of reach. When you catch your dog chewing something off-limits, calmly redirect to a toy and praise them for choosing it.
When to seek help
If your dog's chewing is destructive despite your efforts, or if they chew on dangerous objects like electrical cords, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist. Persistent chewing can also signal anxiety or a medical issue. A vet check is wise if the behavior appears suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Diagnosis: What kind of chewer is your dog?
- Symptom: Your dog chews shoes, furniture, or other household items, especially when left alone. Likely boredom or separation anxiety.
- Likely cause: Lack of physical exercise, mental stimulation, or appropriate chew outlets. Puppies under 6 months may be teething. Check daily exercise and toy rotation.
- Corrective action: Increase walks and play sessions. Provide safe chew toys like the Toy PA 6100. Use bitter apple spray on furniture. Practice crate training for safety when unsupervised. If no improvement in 2 weeks, move to next step.
- When to stop or choose another option: If chewing continues despite these changes, or if your dog chews themselves (paws, tail), consult your vet. Medical issues or anxiety may need professional treatment. Vet or behaviorist visit recommended.
Chew toy that helps
- Toy PA 6100: The Toy PA 6100 is a dog toy made of a very light fabric that floats on water. It has a classic ball shape with a cord for easy grabbing and comes in mixed colours. This floating toy is great for water-loving dogs and provides a safe, engaging outlet for chewing and fetching. The cord makes it easy to throw and retrieve, encouraging active play that reduces destructive chewing.
