Let the chewing and gnawing begin

My dogs love to gnaw and chew, and I let them. I buy them chewing toys so they won't attack the sofa or my shoes! Chewing is actually good for pooches. My friend and dog lover, Shawn Ulmsted, says that a dog that loves to chew is a healthy dog! Puppies start chewing around the age of 3 months, when their permanent teeth start coming out. Since nature did not give dogs hands to use, their mouths are their source of exploration; their means to investigate new things, tastes, and it is a basic behavior instilled in dogs since the beginning of time. Chewing helps relieve the pain of teething and it is necessary for a dog’s physical and mental health. For adult dogs, chewing keeps their teeth clean and makes their jaws strong. Gnawing on something for a spell gives them something to do. Your dogs are just probably not into ‘Gossip Girls’ or surfing the Net, but they need something to occupy their mind.

Chewing also means eventual destruction. And replacement. You have to make sure that your buy your pooches chew toys on a regular basis. If they have their own toys to chew, they will not be inclined to chew on your couch leg or that Prada pumps you absent-mindedly left lying around the house. You don’t have to spend a fortune replacing toys, but make sure they are safe, especially if you have a larger dog that can shred the toy quickly.

What are some other causes of chewing? Believe it or not poor nutrition can be a cause. The lack of proper nutrients in a dog’s diet can cause a dog to chew many things in an effort to fulfill its need for certain nutrients. Buying the best food you can afford for your pet will not only save you money in vet bills but will help keep your pet from chewing up valuable items.

Separation anxiety and/or being alone too long can also cause a dog to chew. Chewing is comforting to a dog; it eases its mind. Think about this for a moment, a baby enjoys its pacifier, a youngster enjoys a lollipop and we adults enjoy chewing on a number of things. We find comfort in what we do and so does our dogs.