How to stop your dog chewing excessively

There are two peak periods in a puppy’s development when they’re prone to chew. The first is at three to six months of age when their pinprick-sharp first teeth make way, in the space of just two months, for their adult teeth – most grown dogs have 42 of these. It’s no wonder your pup is feeling fractious at this stage. Chewing furiously helps relieve the painful activity going on in their mouth as the new teeth bed in.

The next period, between six and 12 months old, is called the ‘exploratory’ phase and can last up to six months. This is when your dog socialises, discovers its world, and tests out what’s edible or not – as well as exploring the boundaries of what they can get away with!

As an adult, your dog will continue to chew. It’s both a natural instinct and a way to keep their gums and teeth healthy, so let your pet do it.

But what if your dog is persistently destroying items – your handbag, the carpet, the remote control? Or risking their health by chewing on their paws, wood that could splinter, batteries, or other things that could land them at the vet’s? Dogs do many things that baffle us, and if any of this sounds familiar, there may be a psychological or physical dimension to their chewing. These strategies could help:

Keep your dog entertained with a good selection of things to chew. Have enough to be able to alternate them regularly, and avoid him getting bored. There’s a huge range out there: hollow rubber activity balls with dimpled, interesting shapes and extra fabric or noise elements; or fringed and woven rope chews, which double as fetch and tug fun.

Tasty chews include dental sticks and jerky-like snacks in an array of flavours (including plant-based, animal hide and even faux antlers). All will give your dog a satisfying toothy workout and support their oral hygiene. Dogs often want quiet time to chew, so leave them to it rather than interrupt them to play.

Dogs can experience separation anxiety if left alone. Video footage has shown them fretfully wandering from room to room searching for their ‘pack’ (in this case, you). In their distress, they may well look for something to comfort them – such as a good gnaw on your floor rug, flip flops or the contents of the laundry basket.

Can you take your dog out with you? Can someone pop by to take them for a walk? Is doggy day-care an option? If not, make sure they have some favourite toys close by, leave the radio on for company, don’t leave them too long, and don’t confine them (another trigger for anxiety chewing).

Walks are essential for the physical and mental wellbeing of a dog, filling them with feel-good endorphins and using up their boundless energy. Their nirvana is discovering new smells and sights, so vary your routes here and there.

A contented dog shouldn’t chew excessively, and a good mix of activities will help to keep them satisfied, stimulated and relaxed. But if you’re worried about dog chewing, talk to your vet or consider consulting a behaviourist to get to the bottom of the problem.