Dog Chewing and Biting Behaviors
Chewing and biting are natural behaviors for dogs but they can become problematic when the chewing either becomes destructive or excessive. The reasons for poor chewing behaviors usually boil down to health, behavioral, or psychological issues.
When dogs don't chew their food
Dogs that don’t chew their food put themselves at great health risk.
When puppies chew the metal crate bars
It’s important to stop a puppy from chewing through the crate bar due to the risk of injuries.
When dogs chew and eat plants
Dogs that may chew and eat plants due to harmless or harmful reasons. As curious animals, it’s in their nature to chew objects to get a better sense of the world around them.
When dogs chew and destroy the wall
This destructive chewing behavior is likely due to a concerning factor such as stress, anxiety, or discomfort caused by underlying health problems.
When dog chews your hands
The intent of chewing an owner’s hand is usually harmless. It could be a sign of affection, play, and grooming.
When dogs chew and eat underwear
The gross and sweaty state of used underwear might have just made your dog’s dream come true.
When dogs chew on everything
When dogs start to chew on everything (aka destructive chewing), you know there is a problem.
When dogs chew wood and wooden sticks
Dogs may simply like the natural taste of wood. Sticks also resemble the shape of a dog’s favorite object, the bone.
When dogs chew their paws
An underlying health issue may cause dogs to chew their paws and feet.
When dogs bite their nails
Nail-biting is a behavior you want to prevent as fast as you can. It could eventually lead to bleeding if the biting becomes too excessive.
When dogs keep biting their legs
Leg-biting behaviors may be an indication of poor physical and mental health.
When dogs chew and bite another dog's ear
Biting another dog’s ear could indicate a number of signs such as wanting to play or groom.
When dogs chew and suck on a blanket
Some dogs show a tendency to chew or suck on soft materials like blankets. This behavior goes back to natural instincts.
When dogs chew and eat the carpet
Bored and anxious dogs are likely to engage in destructive chewing behaviors, such as eating the carpet and other fabric-based materials.
When dogs chew and scratch themselves raw
Dogs that chew and scratch themselves raw is a red flag and must be treated quickly to prevent further infections and behavioral problems.
When dogs bite while you try to pet them
You shouldn’t always assume that your dog is being aggressive towards you when they try to bite while you pet them. This behavior could be triggered by causes that makes the dog feel vulnerable.
When dogs chew and eat rocks
Rock chewing and eating can become a serious health threat as the rocks can cause obstruction in the dog’s digestive tract.
When dogs chew shoes and socks
Dogs may chew shoes and socks because they find comfort in the “stinky” scent.
When dogs nibble with their front teeth
Nibbling with their front teeth is a behavior that could be considered instinctive among dogs.
When dogs chew their tail until it bleeds
Tail-chewing could be a result of boredom or health-related issues that’s creating discomfort and pain in the area.
When dogs chew and eat grass
Eating and grazing grass isn’t necessarily a harmful behavior unless the dog does it excessively.