Glossary

Chewing

A normal behavior in which dogs gnaw on objects to explore, relieve teething, relax or burn off energy.

Also called: destructive chewing, puppy chewing, chewing furniture, chew toys

Chewing is natural and useful. Puppies chew to explore and to ease teething discomfort, and adult dogs chew because it relaxes them and keeps their jaws and minds busy. It becomes a problem only when it is aimed at shoes, furniture or other things the owner values.

Prevention is more effective than correction: keep valuables out of reach, supply safe chew items suited to the dog's size and chewing style, and trade rather than snatch when the dog takes something. Supervise chewing, as hard bones, antlers and some toys can break teeth, and pieces can block the gut.

Chewing that is destructive, sudden or focused on one spot can signal boredom, anxiety, discomfort in the mouth or an eating disorder. Ask a veterinarian if it begins suddenly or the dog swallows non-food items.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Mouthing A dog's use of its mouth on hands, clothes or people during play or greeting, without intent to injure. Enrichment Giving a dog chances to use its natural abilities, such as sniffing, chewing, foraging and problem solving, to improve its well-being. Separation anxiety Real distress shown by a dog when left alone or away from a particular person, such as howling, destruction, pacing or house soiling. Digging A natural dog behavior of scraping at soil or bedding, done for cooling, hunting, escaping, hiding things or boredom.