Why Do Dogs Like to Chew on Things?

Many dog owners find themselves puzzled by their dogs' tendency to chew on various items, especially when they are young. So, why do dogs have this habit?

1. Teething Needs in Puppies Around one month after weaning, puppies enter the teething phase, where their teeth start to grow. During this time, their teeth can feel itchy, causing them to chew on objects to relieve the discomfort. As puppies reach around 4 to 5 months old, the itching intensifies as they begin to lose their baby teeth. By 8 to 9 months, once the adult teeth have fully grown in, the discomfort gradually fades. During this phase, the main reason puppies chew is to ease the itching caused by teething. 2. Hunger When a dog is hungry but unable to find food, it might chew on things as a way to distract itself or fill the void. It’s a coping mechanism to temporarily forget about its hunger. Of course, it’s important for dog owners to establish a regular feeding schedule to prevent this behavior. Puppies typically eat 3-4 meals a day until they are 3 months old. After that, the number of meals should be reduced gradually until 6 months, when they will eat around 2 meals a day. Once they reach one year old, they may only need 1 or 2 meals per day. The exact feeding schedule should depend on the dog’s activity level, size, and overall health. 3. Attention-Seeking Behavior Dogs, as our loyal companions, sometimes engage in actions like chewing to grab their owners' attention. If the owner spends more time with their dog, pays attention to its mood and health, and plays with it regularly, this behavior can be significantly reduced. Dogs tend to act out less when they feel valued and loved. By understanding these reasons behind the chewing behavior, dog owners can better manage and address their pets’ needs.