Destructive Chewing in Dogs: Why It Happens and How to Stop It Safely

ByGavin Levenstein

By Gavin Levenstein Last updated: 13 May 2025 Reviewed by: TailMe Training & Vet Team

If your dog is suddenly chewing furniture, shoes, or remote controls, you’re not alone. Chewing is normal—and often healthy—but when it becomes destructive, it’s stressful for everyone. The good news: with the right redirection, enrichment, and safe chew options, you can turn chaos into calm.

Quick fixes you can do today

  • Redirect, don’t punish: Swap the “wrong” item for a safe chew, then praise. Timing matters—reward the moment your dog takes the approved toy.
  • Add a “job”: Feed at least one daily meal from a food-dispensing toy to reduce boredom and excess energy.
  • Match the chew to the need:

– Puppy teething ? freezer-safe soft rubber (Shop: Puppy Teething Toys) – Boredom ? puzzle feeders/dispensers (Shop: Treat Dispensers) – Anxiety ? lick mats + soothing routines (Shop: Lick Mats) – Power chewers ? dense rubber/nylon (Shop: Durable Chews)

Jump to:

  • Why dogs chew: teething, boredom, anxiety, instinct
  • How to redirect chewing: step by step
  • Best chew toys by chewing style
  • Lick mats & frozen enrichment recipes
  • Toy safety, sizing, and materials
  • When to replace toys: safety checklist
  • FAQs (antlers, bones, nylon, sizing, chew time, sprays)

Why Dogs Chew (Teething, Boredom, Anxiety, Instinct)

1) Puppy teething (3 weeks to ~6 months)

  • What’s happening: Baby teeth erupt and adult teeth follow—chewing relieves gum pressure.
  • Signs: Chewing surge, gum swelling, drool, occasional blood on toys/bedding.
  • Best support: Freezer-safe, soft rubber or silicone toys. Avoid hard plastics/bones while teeth are developing.
  • Shop the solution: Puppy Teething Toys and Freezer-Safe Chews.

2) Boredom or understimulation (all ages)

  • What’s happening: Dogs need daily mental and physical jobs. Without them, they “make their own fun.”
  • Signs: Chewing common household items, especially those that smell like you.
  • Best support: Food-dispensing toys, puzzle feeders, sniffy walks, short training games. Rotate toys every 3–5 days.
  • Shop the solution: Treat Dispensers and Puzzle Feeders.

3) Stress and anxiety (including separation and noise)

  • What’s happening: Chewing is self-soothing; spikes around departures, changes at home, fireworks or thunderstorms.
  • Signs: Chewing starts when you leave or during loud events, pacing, panting, vocalising.
  • Best support: Lick mats, calming sniff/forage activities, plush that retains scent, pheromone diffusers; pair with gradual desensitisation.
  • Shop the solution: Lick Mats, Calm & Enrich Sets, and Comfort Plush.

4) Instinct and jaw health

  • What’s happening: Chewing is an innate behaviour that keeps jaws busy and minds engaged.
  • Best support: Provide safe outlets—dense rubber and (for adults) nylon styles sized to your dog.
  • Shop the solution: Durable Rubber/Nylon Chews.

How to Redirect Chewing: Step-by-Step

  • Set up success:

– Puppy-proof zones and stash approved chews where mischief happens (entryway, living room). – Feed part of meals via food-dispensing toys to pre-empt boredom.

  • Catch and swap:

– Calmly say “Let’s trade,” present a high-value chew, mark “Yes!” as your dog takes it, then praise. – Follow with 30–60 seconds of engagement (tug, scatter feed) so the new choice feels rewarding.

  • Mark good choices:

– Any time your dog independently picks up an approved chew, praise and drop a bonus treat on the mat.

  • Use short chew sessions:

– Intense chewers: 10–15 minutes per session; rotate toys to avoid fatigue and wear. – Edible chews: supervise, and remove once small enough to swallow.

  • Build a calm routine:

– Pair quiet music/white noise, a lick mat, and a settle cue after exercise.

  • If anxiety is suspected:

– Layer desensitisation with pheromones and enrichment. For persistent distress, speak to a certified trainer or your vet.

Best Chew Toys by Chewing Style

Puppy teething (freezer-safe soft rubber)

  • Why: Softer textures protect developing teeth; cold provides relief.
  • Try: Freezer-safe rubber cones/rings; silicone teethers; stuff with xylitol-free yoghurt and freeze.
  • Shop: Puppy Teething Kit and Freezer-Safe Toys.

Power chewers (durable rubber/nylon)

  • Why: Dense, puncture-resistant rubber and appropriately sized nylon bones withstand strong jaws.
  • Tips: Choose larger sizes to prevent whole-mouth gulping; inspect often; no toy is indestructible.
  • Shop: Durable Chews for Power Chewers.

Boredom busters (puzzle/feeder toys)

  • Why: Mental work reduces destructive energy; extends mealtimes.
  • Try: Adjustable-difficulty dispensers, wobblers, maze bowls; use part of daily kibble.
  • Shop: Treat Dispensers and Puzzle Feeders.

Anxiety soothers (lick mats + scent comfort)

  • Why: Licking lowers arousal; scent of “their person” helps settle.
  • Try: Lick mats with freezer recipes; plush that retains scent; pheromone diffusers.
  • Shop: Lick Mats and Calm & Enrich Sets.

Lick Mats and Frozen Enrichment for Stress-Chewing

Simple, freezer-friendly recipes (xylitol-free; check for dairy sensitivity; ask your vet if unsure):

  • Puppy gums soother: Plain xylitol-free yoghurt + mashed banana. Spread on a lick mat; freeze 2–3 hours.
  • Savoury calm: Low-sodium bone broth + shredded cooked chicken; freeze in layers.
  • PB swirl: Xylitol-free peanut butter thinned with water + a few blueberries.
  • Crunch cup: Plain yoghurt + grated carrot + a sprinkle of kibble.
  • Sensitive tummy option: Pumpkin puree + water + a pinch of chia; freeze in thin layer.

Use sparingly within your dog’s calorie budget. For first timers, offer 5–10 minutes to avoid tummy upsets.

Are These Chews Safe? Bones, Antlers, Nylon, and Natural Alternatives

  • Cooked bones: Avoid—high splinter risk and potential GI injury (AVMA warns against cooked bones).
  • Weight-bearing raw bones/antlers: High risk of tooth fractures; many vets advise against for most dogs.
  • Nylon bones: Appropriate for adult dogs when sized correctly. For puppies, choose only puppy-labelled, softer nylons; supervise and replace when worn.
  • Rawhide alternatives: Choose reputable brands; supervise closely; remove small end pieces.
  • Dental chews: Pick VOHC-accepted options for oral health benefits; supervise to prevent gulping.
  • Natural chews (e.g., bully sticks): High-value but high-calorie; supervise; limit duration.

No toy is indestructible. Inspect before and after each session. When in doubt, swap it out.

Toy Safety, Sizing, and Materials

Sizing at a glance (match to weight and jaw strength; when between sizes, size up):

  • Under 5 kg: Extra-small chews and feeders with gentle resistance.
  • 5–10 kg: Small chews; avoid mini sizes that fit entirely in the mouth.
  • 10–20 kg: Medium chews; choose thicker walls for moderate strength.
  • 20–30 kg: Large chews; dense rubber/nylon rated for strong chewers.
  • 30 kg+ or power chewers (e.g., Staffordshire, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls): XL/XXL durable rubber/nylon; choose “power” lines only.

Material safety checklist:

  • Look for BPA-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic rubber/silicone.
  • Avoid sharp mould lines, brittle plastics, and painted surfaces that can flake.
  • Washable designs keep toys hygienic and odour-free.

Need help? Use our size guide or message our team with your dog’s breed, weight, and chewing style.

When to Replace Dog Toys (Safety Checklist)

Replace a toy if you notice any of the following:

  • Tears, seams opening, stuffing or squeakers exposed.
  • Cracks, sharp edges, or deep gouges in rubber/nylon.
  • Pieces small enough to swallow or that fit entirely behind the canine teeth.
  • A persistent foul odour after cleaning.
  • You’ve reached the brand’s recommended replacement window.

General cadence:

  • Plush/soft toys: Inspect weekly; retire at first seam failure.
  • Rubber/nylon: Inspect weekly; replace at first cracks, deep cuts, or missing chunks.
  • Edible chews: Supervise always; remove once small enough to swallow.
  • Lick mats/dispensers: Check for chew-through marks; replace if any pieces lift.

Download: Toy Inspection & Replacement Checklist (printable).

Seasonal and Life-Stage Tips

  • Fireworks and thunder season: Set up a safe room, start a pheromone diffuser 1–2 weeks ahead, add a freezer-stuffed lick mat, and play white noise. Consult your vet if your dog panics.
  • Dental health month: Pair daily chewing (VOHC-accepted dental chews or textured rubber) with tooth brushing for the best oral results.

Simple Decision Flow

  • Puppy teething ? Freezer-safe soft rubber + short, supervised sessions.
  • Bored when left alone ? Food-dispensing toys + sniffy walk before you leave.
  • Noise or separation anxiety ? Lick mat + comfort plush + gradual desensitisation.
  • Power chewer ? Dense rubber/nylon sized up + strict inspection/replacement routine.

FAQs

Is my dog chewing from anxiety or boredom?

  • Anxiety: Starts around departures or during storms; paired with pacing/panting/whining.
  • Boredom: Follows low-activity days; improves after exercise and feeder puzzles.

Are antlers safe for dogs to chew?

  • Many vets see tooth fractures from antlers; we don’t recommend them for most dogs.

Can puppies chew nylon bones?

  • Only puppy-specific, softer nylons and always supervised. Switch to adult nylons once adult teeth are in and chewing is controlled.

What size chew toy is safest?

  • Choose the largest size your dog can comfortably handle without fitting fully behind the canine teeth. When in doubt, size up.

Are bones bad for dogs’ teeth?

  • Cooked bones: unsafe. Hard weight-bearing bones: high fracture risk. Safer alternatives include durable rubber and appropriate nylons.

How long should a dog chew per day?

  • Intense chewers: 10–15 minutes per session. Gentle chewers: up to 20 minutes. Edible chews: supervise and limit to avoid excess calories.

How do I make frozen treats for teething puppies?

  • Spread xylitol-free yoghurt, pumpkin, or thinned peanut butter on a lick mat; freeze 2–3 hours. Offer 5–10 minutes at first.

Do bitter apple sprays stop chewing?

  • Sometimes, but many dogs ignore them. They work best alongside training and giving your dog a better alternative to chew.

Shop the solution

  • Puppies & teething relief: Puppy Teething Kit; Freezer-Safe Toys
  • Boredom busters: Treat Dispensers; Puzzle Feeders; Auto Feeders
  • Anxiety & calm: Lick Mats; Comfort Plush; Pheromone Diffusers
  • Power chewers: Durable Rubber & Nylon Chews

Professional help

If destructive chewing persists, it may signal anxiety or unmet needs. A certified trainer or veterinary behaviourist can tailor a plan for your dog. We’re happy to recommend trusted pros.

Trust & care, the TailMe way

  • Materials you can trust: BPA-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic where applicable.
  • Clear guidance: No toy is indestructible; we teach you how to inspect and replace safely.
  • Friendly support: Message us for a personalised chew plan and sizing advice.

Author: Gavin Levenstein Category: Dog behaviour, destructive chewing, puppy teething, enrichment, chew toys, dental care (secondary)

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