Vet Guide 2025: Stop Destructive Chewing in Puppies and Dogs 🐶🦷

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Does your dog destroy shoes, shred furniture, or chew up random items around the house? You’re not alone. Destructive chewing is one of the most common—and frustrating—problems pet parents face, especially with puppies. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most manageable 🧠🐾.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore why dogs chew, how to prevent damage, and how to redirect your dog’s chewing behavior toward safe, healthy alternatives 🦴🏡.

🔍 Why Dogs Chew

For Puppies:

• 🦷 Teething (up to 8 months of age)
• 🐕‍🦺 Exploration of the world through their mouth
• 🎮 Play & stimulation
• 🚪 Escape attempts from crates or barriers

For Adult Dogs:

• 😞 Separation anxiety
• ⚽ Play & boredom
• 🥣 Hunger or lack of foraging outlets
• 🏃 Insufficient exercise
• 🧠 Lack of early training

Chewing is a normal behavior. The goal isn’t to stop it entirely, but to redirect it to appropriate outlets ✅.

✅ 9 Vet-Approved Strategies to Curb Destructive Chewing

1. Keep Your Dog Busy 🧠

• 🎾 Regular physical exercise (walks, fetch, play sessions)
• 🧩 Mental stimulation: puzzle feeders, scent games
• 📚 Reward-based training sessions (basic cues or trick training)

Tip: Feed meals using food-dispensing toys to prolong engagement 🍽️🧠.

2. Dog-Proof Your Space 🚫

• 🧦 Keep shoes, toys, and small objects off the floor
• 🚪 Close closets, drawers, and access to off-limits rooms
• 🎁 Remove tempting items from reach (trash, tissue boxes, remotes)

3. Supervise or Contain 🧍‍♂️

• 👁️ Watch your dog during free time
• 🔒 Use a crate, pen, or secure room when unsupervised
• 🪢 Leash your dog to your belt for real-time redirection

4. Use Deterrents (Wisely) ⚠️

• 🛑 Avoid punishment—it increases anxiety
• 🧼 Try pet-safe taste deterrents (like bitter apple)
• 🪟 Use motion sensors or rug runners to block access to sensitive areas

5. Reward Appropriate Chewing ✅

• 🧸 Provide a variety of safe, size-appropriate chew toys
• 🦷 Rotate them to keep things interesting
• 🍗 Praise or treat your dog when they chew on the right items

💡 Good chew toys include: rubber Kongs, food puzzles, dental chews, and supervised raw bones (if recommended by your vet)

6. Trade, Don’t Take ➡️🍖

If your dog grabs something inappropriate:

1. Offer a high-value treat or chew
2. Wait for your dog to release the item voluntarily
3. Reward heavily and praise

🔁 This “treat-for-trade” approach avoids resource guarding and builds trust 🙌.

7. Don’t Confuse the Message 🧥

Never offer old shoes, socks, or kids’ toys as dog toys. Dogs can’t distinguish between “old” and “valuable.” Stick to dog-designated items only 🧸🐾.

8. Watch for Resource Guarding 🚩

If your dog shows aggression around chewed objects:

• 🚫 Avoid confrontation
• 📞 Seek help from a vet behaviorist

9. Still Struggling? Call Your Vet 📞

Persistent or escalating chewing issues may signal:

• 🧠 Anxiety disorders
• 💤 Understimulation or frustration
• 🦷 Dental pain or oral discomfort

Your vet may recommend a behavior consultation or enrichment plan 🩺.

📋 Safe Chew Toy Tips

Some traditional chew items can now be considered risky. Here’s a breakdown:

🐾 What If My Dog Already Destroyed Something?

It happens! React calmly. Clean up the area thoroughly and reinforce prevention methods going forward. Never punish after the fact—dogs live in the moment and won’t understand why you’re upset 😕🧠.

📲 Ask A Vet: Chewing & Behavior Support

Is your dog chewing through everything in sight? Book a consultation through the Ask A Vet app for personalized advice, enrichment plans, and training resources. Visit AskAVet.com and let us help you raise a happy, well-behaved pup 🐶🧠.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Destructive chewing isn’t bad behavior—it’s misunderstood behavior. With proper outlets, prevention, and consistency, your dog can learn to chew the right things and leave your valuables alone. Let’s build trust, not stress. With a little help from professionals like Dr Duncan Houston, your home and your dog’s smile will thank you 🏡🦴.