Nothing breaks a dog owner’s heart faster than finding their puppy happily tearing apart their once-cozy bed. If your dog loves to gnaw, rip, or destroy bedding, you’re not alone! Dog bed chewing is a common behavior that many pet parents struggle with. It can be frustrating and costly, but this behavior often has an underlying cause. It can be due to teething, boredom, anxiety, or an unmet need to chew. The good news is that this problem can be addressed with the right approach.
In this vet-approved guide, we will explore why dogs chew their beds and what veterinarians recommend to discourage destructive chewing, and effective solutions to redirect your dog’s natural chewing instincts. You will also discover engaging alternatives like delicious, long-lasting natural dog chews that help satisfy the urge to chew while keeping your dog’s bed and your home intact.
1. Why Does Dog Bed Chewing Happen?
It is very important to understand the “why” behind the chewing before we jump to any conclusion. Dogs chew for many reasons, and identifying the cause helps tailor your approach.
i) Natural Chewing Instincts
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps to keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. If that instinct isn’t satisfied with appropriate outlets, many dogs may turn to what’s available, like beds, furniture, or pillows
ii) Boredom, Anxiety, or Stress
Boredom, Anxiety and Stress can be yet another reason. The dogs that are not mentally stimulated or are left alone for long periods may chew out of boredom or anxiety. But for some dogs, chewing is self-soothing and helps them cope with stress, especially during separation or changes in routine.
iii) Teething and Youthful Energy
Puppies and adolescent dogs explore the world through their mouths. During their teething, their gums can feel sore and uncomfortable, which makes them chew for relief. It makes them eager to chew anything soft.
iv) Comfort and Habit
Some of the dogs may begin chewing their bed out of comfort or even habit. Once the behavior starts, it can become self-reinforcing, especially if the dog enjoys the texture or gets attention from their owner while doing it.
2. Veterinarian Insights: What Experts Say
Veterinarians agree that chewing is a perfectly normal and healthy behavior for dogs. But they need an intervention if it results in destroyed beds or the risk of ingesting harmful materials. Experts recommend that it is very important to identify the underlying cause in chewing behaviour rather than viewing bed chewing as bad behavior. It is equally important to address it safely and constructively. Below are key vet-approved insights to help manage and prevent destructive chewing:
i) Check for Anxiety or Stress Triggers
Veterinarians recommend checking for anxiety, separation stress, or recent changes in a dog’s environment that could cause excessive chewing. Before assuming misbehavior, take your dog to a Vet! Stress-related chewing often requires more than discipline and a vet can help determine whether your dog requires behavioral training, environmental enrichment activities, or calming tools.
ii) Rule Out Dental Problems
Excessive chewing can sometimes be a sign of dental discomfort. Before punishing the behavior, it is necessary to take your dog to a Vet! A vet exam can confirm whether teeth or gums are causing the chewing urges or not.
iii) Provide Appropriate Chew Outlets
Chewing is instinctual, and veterinarians strongly recommend redirecting this behavior toward safe and satisfying alternatives. Many natural, long-lasting dog chews help keep dogs mentally engaged, relieve discomfort, and reduce the urge to destroy household items.
Explore Pure Dog Chew vet-approved dog chews designed to keep your dog happy and your home intact.
3. How to Stop Dog Bed Chewing — Step by Step
Here’s a vet-approved plan you can follow to redirect your pup’s chewing toward more appropriate items.
i) Increase Physical and Mental Exercise
A tired dog is a good dog. Take your dog out for regular walks, play sessions, training, and engage them with interactive toys. This helps reduce anxiety and the energy that fuels destructive chewing.
Tip: Take your dog on a brisk walk or play a game of fetch before bedtime. This helps burn excess energy that otherwise may come out as chewing.
ii) Remove the Bed Temporarily
For some dogs, temporarily removing the bed when unsupervised breaks the chewing habit. You can replace it with a chew-friendly environment then reintroduce the bed once the dog demonstrates better behavior.
Caution: If your dog has anxiety, don’t remove comfort without providing suitable alternatives, as this can worsen stress.
iii) Use Deterrents Wisely
Some safe sprays or textures make beds less appealing for chewing. These should be used with care and in combination with positive reinforcement not as the only solution.
iv) Teach “Leave It” and “Place” Commands
Positive training goes a long way. Teaching your dog to “leave it” and rewarding good behavior helps them understand boundaries and reinforces the idea that the bed is for resting and not for chewing. You can start by rewarding small successes such as walking away from a toy or stepping off the bed on command and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more confident.
You can practice these short and your daily training sessions will redirect chewing behavior and also strengthen your dog’s focus, obedience, and overall self-control.
v) Introduce High-Value Chews as Healthy Alternatives
The most effective strategy to divert your dog from chewing their bed is giving your dog something better to chew. There are many long-lasting, natural dog chews that help dog chewing behavior and encourage healthy jaw activity. It also reduces boredom and stress that can lead to bed chewing.
Buy natural, long-lasting Himalayan yak cheese dog chews from trusted brands like Pure Dog Chew that satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts while supporting dental health.
4. Why Dog Chews Can Be Better Than Beds for Chewers?
Dogs want to chew, and it is natural and normal. But if they are left unchecked, it can lead to ruined beds and even potential health risks from ingesting stuffing or fabric. This is why it is important to provide an outlet that satisfies the dog's instinct to chew safely and effectively.
This is where high-quality dog chews, like Pure Dog Chew, come in. They are designed to keep dogs engaged, provide a long-lasting chewing experience, and promote healthy jaw activity. Unlike beds, these chews are safe to gnaw on, help reduce boredom and stress, and even support dental health by naturally scraping teeth as dogs chew. These natural dog chew meets their instinctual needs, and you can protect your furniture and bedding while giving your dog a fun, satisfying, and healthy alternative.
Here’s why dog chews from Pure Dog Chew are a smarter choice:
i) Long-Lasting Engagement: Pure Dog Chew treats are designed to keep dogs busy for hours and satisfy the urge to chew without harming your home.
ii) Dental Health Benefits: Pure Dog Chew chews are not just for fun. They are a natural dental ally. It helps reduce plaque and keep your dog’s teeth clean.
iii) 100% Natural and Safe: These Chews are handmade using centuries-old recipes from Himalayan yak and cow milk. Pure Dog Chew products are natural, grain-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free which are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and dietary restrictions.
5. Which Dog Chews Are Best? Pure Dog Chew Picks
It is very important to choose the right chew that can make a huge difference in keeping your pup engaged, satisfied, and safe. Pure Dog Chew offers a selection of high-quality, natural chews that serve as a superior alternative to beds and furniture. These chews are long-lasting, made from digestible ingredients, and crafted using traditional Himalayan methods, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for dogs of all life stages.
Here are a few excellent chew options from Pure Dog Chew that help reduce dog bed chewing by offering a superior alternative:
i) Original Yak Cheese Chews
These original yak cheese chews are all-natural, long-lasting chews that are perfect for aggressive chewers or dogs that love to gnaw. They are crafted from yak and cow milk using traditional Himalayan methods. They are durable enough to satisfy even the most determined chewers while helping redirect destructive chewing away from beds, furniture, and other household items.
ii) Flavored Yak Cheese Chews
The flavoured yak cheese chews are an excellent choice for the dogs who love a little extra taste. They are available in delicious options like blueberry, turmeric, strawberry, peanut butter, and coconut. These chews combine irresistible natural flavor with all the benefits of traditional yak cheese. They keep dogs engaged, encourage healthy chewing habits, and provide a safe, satisfying alternative to inappropriate items.
iii) Puffed Yak Cheese Chews
Puffed yak cheese chews are ideal for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with more sensitive teeth and jaws. They are light, crunchy, and protein-packed and deliver the same natural benefits and long-lasting engagement as traditional chews but with a gentler texture that’s easier to chew.
Final Thoughts
Dog bed chewing can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive, especially when beds need frequent replacing. But with the right understanding of why dogs chew, a positive training approach, and the right chew alternatives, you can stop the behavior without stress or punishment.
Give your dog what they want, a tasty, engaging chew, and you’ll be on your way to goodbye ruined beds and hello to joyful, stress-free pups.
Ready to make bed chewing a thing of the past? Explore all-natural dog chews at Pure Dog Chew today and give your dog the chewing experience they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Why does my dog keep chewing their bed?
Dogs usually chew on beds due to boredom, anxiety, teething, or natural chewing instincts. Some dogs chew to release stress, while others simply need a better outlet for their chewing needs.
2) Is dog bed chewing a sign of anxiety?
Yes, in many cases, dog bed chewing can be linked to separation anxiety or stress. If your dog chews their bed mainly when left alone, it is important to address the underlying anxiety and provide them with safe chew alternatives.
3) How do I stop my dog from chewing their bed at night?
To prevent dog bed chewing at night, ensure your dog gets enough exercise during the day to expend excess energy before bedtime and provide a long-lasting chew to keep them calm and occupied.
4) What can I give my dog to stop bed chewing?
The most effective way to stop dog bed chewing is by providing them with long-lasting, natural dog chews. Chews keep dogs mentally stimulated, reduce boredom, and redirect chewing behavior away from beds and furniture.
5) Can dog bed chewing damage my dog’s health?
Yes. If dogs swallow stuffing or fabric from beds, it can cause choking or digestive blockages. This is why it is important to address dog bed chewing early and provide safe alternatives.
6) What is the best way to prevent dog bed chewing long-term?
The best long-term solution is a combination of proper exercise, training, mental stimulation, and an appropriate dog chew so that your dog never feels the need to chew their bed again.