Do you need to know how to stop a dog from chewing his bed? Various factors contribute to dogs chewing on objects: boredom, anxiety, teething, and curiosity are some of the most common.
If your dog is chewing his bed, you can do a few things to stop him. In this post, we’ll go through some suggestions that should help you put a stop to your dog’s bed chewing behavior!
Read our related article, How to Stop Dogs From Going Under Beds. Keep your dog safe by teaching it not to go under your bed!
Why Does My Dog Tear up His Bed?
It is quite common for dogs to rip, chew and throw their covers. It can be due to anxiety, or playfulness, or they may want to make it more comfortable.
A little training will help curb this issue in most cases. If you notice your pup constantly getting into things they shouldn’t, it could be a sign of a larger issue.
Just like humans, dogs need comfortable beds to sleep in. The difference is that instead of spending 1/3 of their life on their mattress like we do, they will spend around 2-5% (or more) time snoozing.
This means that your dog is very focused on having a comfy bed to spend all those hours in.
If a dog doesn’t have comfortable furniture or flooring to sleep on while at home, then there’s no way he can rest comfortably when left alone during work hours, which may lead to chewing.
Combine a lack of comfort with boredom and separation anxiety, and it’s no wonder that the dog’s bed is in shreds after a few days home alone.
What Are Some Reasons My Dog Chews His Bed?
There are several reasons why your dog may chew his bed including curiosity and investigation, boredom, stress and anxiety, and underlying health issues.
Is Your Dog Chewing from Curiosity or Teething?
As with babies, your dog experiences much of the environment through their mouth by tasting and chewing.
Chewing, like clawing in cats, is an instinctive habit in dogs. Your curious dog may be chewing the bed to see what’s inside.
Dog owners must expect a substantial amount of chewing when the dog is losing teeth because they can’t help it.
If the bed is the most convenient thing to chew to relieve the discomfort, then they’ll chew it up.
Thus it’s critical to moderate your expectations around chewing activities in general. Rather than attempting to eliminate this activity, your best chance will be to give your dog plenty of toys and treats to chew instead.
Is Your Dog Chewing from Boredom?
Whether you’re on vacation or just too busy at home to spend time with your dog, it’s vital to remember that dogs need mental and physical exercise.
Routine walks, toys to engage with, and other entertainment activities are important for dogs’ mental and physical well-being.
Some dogs have very high mental stimulation needs which suffer when the dog is left home alone all day. They try to solve this need by investigating and chewing everything they can get to.
If you must leave your dog at home alone, leave plenty of dog puzzle toys for him to find and solve during the boring hours of the day. This will go a long way toward eliminating destructive chewing.
Does Your Dog Suffer from Stress and Separation Anxiety?
Bed chewing may be a sign that your dog suffers from separation anxiety because you’re gone for hours every day.
You may stop this tendency by providing your dog with fun chew toys and treats that make gnawing on the bed less interesting when you’re away from home.
Crate training can help an anxious dog feel safe when he’s alone.
Does Your Dog Have an Underlying Health Issue?
If your dog is still chewing his bed and you can’t pin the problem on boredom, curiosity, teething, or anxiety, he may have a health issue.
Consult your veterinarian right away if you suspect a disorder of obsessive chewing or a problem with the digestive system.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing His Bed: Tips and Tricks
If your dog is chewing his bed, it’s important to take action to stop the behavior. Here are 7 things you can do to help stop your dog from chewing his bed:
- Give Your Dog Chew Toys: If your dog is chewing his bed out of boredom, giving him a variety of chew toys to keep him occupied should do the trick. Make sure to choose durable toys that can withstand some serious chewing!
- Give Your Dog Treat-filled Toys: If your dog is not very interested in regular chew toys, consider getting toys that can be stuffed with food or treats to up the ante.
- Use a Puzzle Feeder: A puzzle feeder is a good option to keep him from chewing his bed. These use hidden food or treats to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
- Provide Plenty of Exercise: A tired dog is a good dog! Give your furry friend plenty of opportunities to burn off energy through exercise. A good game of fetch or a long walk should do the trick.
- Provide Chewable Bones: Provide your dog with plenty of chew bones and treats. Giving your dog something else to chew on will make him less likely to chew on his bed.
- Use a Taste Deterrent: You can also try spraying the bed with a bitter apple spray or another type of deterrent. It will make the bed taste unpleasant and deter your dog from chewing on it.
- Talk To Your Veterinarian: If your dog’s bed-chewing habits seem to be caused by anxiety or stress, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They may recommend some behavior modification techniques or prescribe medication to help ease your dog’s anxiety.
How Do I Choose a Dog Bed?
Choosing between toughness and softness in indestructible dog beds can be a challenge. After all, even if your dog’s bed is durable, it will be unlikely to be used if it is not also comfy.
When you’re looking for a chew-resistant dog bed, reinforced stitching, strong fibers, and a robust exterior are all things to look for.
Consider an orthopedic mattress if you’re concerned about your dog’s bone and joint health and their comfort in old age, with a durable shell that can handle wear and tear.
Chew-proof crate pads can be used by kennel-trained dogs who chew to guarantee that they are as comfortable when you’re gone as they are at home.
It can take a few days for your dog to accept the new bed, so be patient. It won’t be long until your dog develops a strong bond with their new bed, and you can rest easy knowing that your pup will rest easy.
