Reasons Why Dogs Chew On Wood And How To Stop It

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Why do dogs chew on wood? Many dog owners have come home to find their wooden furniture or trim chewed up. Dogs chew on wood for several reasons. They might be bored, feeling anxious, or even experiencing dental pain. Besides causing damage to your property, chewing on wood is dangerous for the dogs, too. They can swallow small wood splinters, which can harm their internal organs.


Let's explore some common reasons why dogs chew on wood and discuss some home remedies to help stop this behavior.

Why Does Your Dog Chew On Wood?

While some dogs don't chew their food, there are a few different reasons why dogs sometimes just can’t resist munching on wood. They may not manage their chewing and want to soothe themselves. Thus, they chew wood without being destructive.


As a pet parent, you need to understand that dogs have different reasons for chewing wood. Knowing why your pet is chewing can make it easier to address the issue.

1. Teething And Dental Issues



Why do puppies chew on wood? Puppies chew on wood because it helps soothe the pain and discomfort of teething. Their teeth start growing quickly between four to 30 weeks, which can be a tough time for them. Another reason for this is that with new teeth, these puppies try to explore everything by chewing whatever they get. And your wooden furniture is one of them. These are the primary reasons why you spotted some unsightly tiny teeth marks on the wood trim.


Adult dogs with dental problems may chew incessantly with their sharp teeth. Their gums may be inflamed, leaving bite marks on the furniture. Due to their pain, dogs chew wood to get some comfort. Try to find your dog's dental issue immediately after they bite your wooden furniture.

2. Boredom

If you go to work every day and leave your dog alone at home for long periods, there’s a chance that your dog has turned his attention to your wooden coffee table because he is bored. Dogs exhibiting excessive chewing, as well as compulsive licking and over-grooming, are a few tell-tale signs that they’re in need of more physical exercise and mental stimulation.


Simply put, your furry friend is bored and needs some entertainment. Your wooden furniture is like peanut butter because of the color of them. They have taken this wood-biting habit as their hobby or favorite pastime.

3. Anxiety

Dog anxiety can show up in various ways, including obsessive chewing on wood. Dogs may feel anxious due to different factors, and figuring out what's troubling your pet is crucial.


For instance, is your dog experiencing separation anxiety? Have there been significant changes in your home, like moving to a new place? Such changes can make your dog feel nervous or upset, leading them to chew on things like wooden window frames or furniture as a way to cope.


Figuring out why your pet is feeling anxious is the initial step in assisting them. Once you know what’s bothering them, you can look for solutions to prevent them from chewing on wood. This might involve providing them with more comfort, changing your routine to reduce their stress, or using specific training strategies to discourage them from damaging the home.

4. Breed Instinct

Certain active dog breeds, like Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, have a tendency to chew aggressively. They have stronger chewing instincts than others. This is because of their powerful jaws and innate curiosity to investigate and handle things.


Retrievers and hunting dogs, for example, have a natural tendency to pick up objects using their mouths due to their instincts.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Some dogs chewing wood excessively may be lacking certain nutrients. There could be several reasons behind these deficiencies. There may be a lack of specific nutrients and vitamins in your dog's diet. Now, they are seeking alternative sources like wood. Sometimes, even dogs chew on damp wood due to thirst.


However, there is no proper evidence that dogs chew words because of nutritional deficiencies. These are some possible reasons. To learn more, consult a vet to figure out the main reason.

6. Signs Of Illness

Gnawing on wood may also indicate a stomach or intestinal illness. Maybe you are not aware of your furry canine's upset stomach. Notice the dog's behavior if he does not want to eat or sit in one corner alone. Now, he is seeking comfort by munching on wood.

Is It Ok For Dogs To Chew On Wood?

Dogs can chew on wood, and it is normal. However, this can lead to some serious problems, like splintering hazards or digestive issues.


When dogs chew wood splinters, they risk injury to their mouth, throat, abdomen, or even the heart. Ingesting wood can also lead to digestive problems. Your canine may suffer from blockages in the trachea, stomach, or colon. Wooden sticks have the potential to cause serious and painful injuries.

How To Get A Dog To Stop Chewing On Wood?

If you do not prevent biting the wood behavior of your dog, he may start biting you aggressively soon. Once you understand what’s causing the destructive chewing behavior, you can take some measures on how to stop a dog from chewing on wood, such as,


  • Prevention
  • Behavior training
  • Distraction
  • Providing your canine friend the attention he deserves


If you're wondering how to prevent your dog from gnawing on wood, here are a few tips you can try out.

1. Take Preventive Measures

Once your dog starts chewing, it might take a while before they can break the habit. As a form of prevention, make sure to pick up and put away any stray branches, twigs, and any of the non-edible items in the yard that your dog may have resorted to chewing on when there’s nobody around.


Apart from consistent training and supervision, you may want to restrict your dog from areas inside the house where he might cause some damage to your belongings and to himself. Set up barriers at home or keep him in his crate when there’s no one around to supervise him.


If you’re worried about being harsh, don’t worry because crate training isn’t necessarily a punishment and actually comes with great benefits. For instance, it’s easier to travel with your dog if he’s been crate-trained.

2. Apply Behavior Modification Training

Start training puppies or your adult dog by giving him a firm “No, or Stop” whenever you see him start chewing at the corner of the staircase or the wooden furniture. Following basic dog training techniques, don’t punish or chase your dog when the chewing starts. Instead, offer his favorite treats, pats, or praises when he stops—but it has to be right after you say “No” to help him make the association. Do this consistently until your dog understands that chewing won’t earn him any treats.

3. Offer Him Chew Toys



Chewing toys can be an easy and effective way to solve the problem of obsessive chewing on wood furniture. Want to know how to stop a puppy from chewing on wood? Chewing toys can be a great solution to help stop a puppy from chewing on wood and ease their teething pains. Make sure to find ones that are made of durable materials. Just offer your dog a toy whenever he starts chewing on your furniture.

4. Give Your Dog Lots Of Exercise And Play

Time for exercise and play is absolutely essential to keeping your dog healthy. If your dog’s chewing behavior is caused by boredom or anxiety, it could be that he’s not getting enough stimulation or attention. Active play time with your dog is the solution.


Dogs are extremely sociable creatures, and you should also be giving them opportunities to socialize with people and other animals. If needed, you may hire a pet sitter or ask a neighbor to help socialize your dog. Tell them to play with him and take him for walks.

Homemade Alternatives That Are Safe For Chewing

Sometimes, deterrents can be harmful if you use them for a long time to prevent your dog's wood-chewing habit. Alternatively, you can make some homemade chewing items. These are totally safe. Also, your dog can get some nutrients. Here is a list of homemade alternatives that are safe for chewing. You can make it at home or brought from any local pet store.

  • Deer And Elk Antlers
  • Sweet Potato Chews
  • Frozen Carrots
  • Raw Bones
  • Fish Skin
  • Himalayan Chews
  • Diy Frozen Treat
  • Edible Chew Item

What Can I Put On My Furniture To Stop My Dog From Chewing?

How can a dog stop chewing on wood trim? If your dog is chewing wood, you can try using a dog chewing deterrent like bitter apple spray on the wood. You can also make your own spray by mixing vinegar with apple cider vinegar and spraying it on the wood. Putting black pepper or a gentle chili pepper spray on the furniture might help, too. Some dogs don't like the smell of citrus, so rubbing lemon peel on the wood could also work.


To stop your dog from biting on wood, it's important to understand why they're doing it. Try to prevent the behavior and give them something else to chew on instead. Be consistent with your training, and be patient. It might take some time for your dog to learn that chewing on wood isn't okay. Always praise your dog when they chew on the right things.

Conclusion 

Your wooden furniture or table legs have your dog's biting marks! This is because your dog is teething, has a dental issue, has separation anxiety, or is just bored. But whatever the reason, it is not safe for dogs to chew wood. The splinters or chemicals on the furniture can be harmful to your canine.


It is better to prevent your dog from chewing wood. You can train your dog with basic obedience commands like "STOP." Give him some homemade, safe alternatives so he can satisfy his chewing craving.


In the end, the most important thing is that you figure out the exact reason why your dog chews wood. See an animal behaviorist or observe yourself to prevent this behavioral issue.

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