Chewing is a natural behavior for pets—especially puppies, kittens, and high-energy adult animals. It’s how they explore their world, relieve boredom, and even cope with anxiety. But when that behavior turns destructive—chewing furniture, shoes, power cords, or even walls—it becomes more than just a nuisance. If you're frustrated because your pet seems to chew everything in sight, you're not alone.
This article will explore why pets chew excessively and offer practical, pet-safe solutions to redirect this behavior in a healthy and effective way.
🐾 Why Do Pets Chew?
Understanding the root cause of your pet’s chewing is the first step toward fixing the problem. Common reasons include:
1. Teething (Puppies and Kittens)
Young pets chew to relieve the discomfort of growing teeth. This usually peaks between 3 to 6 months of age.
2. Boredom or Excess Energy
Pets left alone for long periods without stimulation often chew to entertain themselves.
3. Separation Anxiety
When pets feel stressed or scared due to being alone, they may chew to self-soothe. This is often accompanied by pacing, whining, or other anxious behaviors.
4. Attention-Seeking
Some pets learn that chewing something “off-limits” gets a quick reaction from their humans.
5. Lack of Training
If your pet hasn’t been taught what’s acceptable to chew and what isn’t, they’ll make up their own rules.
🦴 Step-by-Step Solutions to Stop Destructive Chewing
✅ 1. Pet-Proof Your Home
Just like baby-proofing a home, you’ll want to create a safe environment for your pet:
Keep shoes, socks, and personal items out of reach.
Use cord covers or tuck away exposed electrical wires.
Store trash bins behind closed doors.
Block access to rooms where chewing has occurred in the past.
Think of this as a short-term measure while you train your pet.
✅ 2. Offer Appropriate Chew Toys
You can’t stop a natural behavior—but you can redirect it. Provide your pet with durable, engaging chew toys that are safe and appropriate for their size and chewing strength.
For dogs: Try Kong toys, rope toys, Nylabones, or frozen carrots.
For cats: Use soft chewable toys with catnip or silvervine. Teething kittens love small, textured rubber toys.
Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.
✅ 3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Pets thrive on praise and rewards. When your pet chews the right thing, reward them immediately with:
Verbal praise: “Good chew!”
Treats or kibble
Extra playtime or affection
Avoid punishment like yelling or hitting—it may increase anxiety and worsen the problem.
✅ 4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired pet is a well-behaved pet.
Dogs need walks, interactive games, and training sessions.
Cats benefit from play sessions with feather wands or laser pointers, as well as puzzle feeders.
Enrich your pet’s environment to reduce boredom. Consider pet-safe puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or hiding kibble around the house to encourage natural foraging.
✅ 5. Crate Training or Safe Confinement
When you’re not around to supervise, keep your pet in a safe, enclosed space with approved toys. Crate training (for dogs) or using a playpen or pet-proofed room can prevent accidents and chewing incidents.
Be sure the area contains:
Water and a comfy bed
A variety of safe toys
Minimal access to chewable “off-limits” items
For cats, a designated “cat room” with scratching posts, toys, and vertical spaces can work well.
✅ 6. Try Pet-Safe Anti-Chew Sprays
Commercial anti-chew sprays like bitter apple or citrus formulas are designed to make objects taste unpleasant to pets. These are especially helpful for deterring chewing on:
Furniture legs
Shoes
Power cords
Test on a small area first to ensure it doesn't damage the material, and always check that it’s non-toxic and safe for pets.
✅ 7. Address Anxiety and Stress
If your pet chews excessively when left alone or during thunderstorms, they may be dealing with anxiety.
Try:
Leaving soothing music or white noise on when you leave
Using calming pheromone diffusers or sprays (like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats)
Providing a comfort item, like a blanket or shirt that smells like you
In severe cases, consulting your vet about behavioral training or anti-anxiety medications
✅ 8. Training "Leave It" and Redirection
Teach your pet the "leave it" command:
Hold a treat in a closed hand and let them sniff.
Say “Leave it.” Wait until they stop trying and back off.
Reward with a treat from the other hand.
Use this command whenever they try to chew something they shouldn’t, and immediately redirect them to a proper chew toy.
Consistency is key!
🚫 What Not to Do
Don’t scold after the fact. Pets don’t associate past actions with punishment.
Don’t use physical punishment. It breeds fear and can worsen behavioral issues.
Don’t ignore the behavior. Left unaddressed, chewing can become a long-term habit.
🏡 When to Seek Professional Help
If your pet’s chewing continues despite your efforts, or if it’s causing injury (like broken teeth or swallowing harmful items), consult:
Your veterinarian to rule out medical causes
A certified pet behaviorist or trainer for a personalized training plan
Final Thoughts
Destructive chewing may be frustrating, but it’s also fixable. By understanding your pet’s needs and providing structure, stimulation, and proper training, you can teach them to chew wisely—not wildly. With patience and consistency, your pet can go from a furniture destroyer to a toy-loving champ.
