Why does my dog chew on everything?

Many dog lovers notice shredded slippers, gutted pillows, or the kitchen garbage emptied across the floor and wonder whether their dog is naughty, bored, or in pain. Chewing can be an ordinary, healthy behavior—but it can also signal discomfort, anxiety, or a serious safety problem. Understanding why your dog chews matters because it affects safety (ingested objects can be life-threatening), home life (damaged property, upset family members), and the dog’s welfare (ongoing stress or untreated dental pain).

What chewing means for your home, your budget, and your bond with your dog

Puppies chewing through a new couch, an adult dog nibbling cords when left alone, or a previously calm dog suddenly destroying houseplants are common scenes in homes. Puppies typically chew more during teething and as they learn about their environment; adult dogs may chew from boredom, anxiety, or because they lack appropriate outlets. For renters, destructive chewing can risk fines or eviction. Families with young children face additional hazards when dogs swallow small toys or household objects.

Goals for owners usually fall into three areas: keep the dog safe, provide satisfying outlets for normal chewing drives, and change unwanted habits. Immediate action is warranted when a dog swallows something sharp, starts gagging, becomes lethargic, or shows signs of mouth pain. New owners, people moving into shared housing, or families adding a baby will find these strategies especially useful.

The short version — common reasons dogs chew

At its simplest, dogs chew because it serves needs: puppies teethe and explore, adults investigate with their mouths, bored or understimulated dogs seek activity, and anxious dogs use chewing to calm themselves. Dental pain or other oral problems may also drive chewing that looks different from playful gnawing. Breed and temperament influence patterns—retrievers and terriers may be more likely to carry and chew items, while some herding breeds use mouthing as a job-related behavior.

If you suspect immediate danger—your dog swallowed something sharp, is choking, or shows sudden vomiting, collapse, or severe abdominal pain—contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. For suspected small-object ingestion where the dog is stable, monitor for vomiting, changes in stool, or decreased appetite and call your vet for guidance. If you can safely remove a dangerous item from the dog’s mouth without risking a bite, do so carefully; otherwise keep a safe distance and get professional help.

The science: how chewing benefits a dog’s body and brain

Chewing is a natural behavior with several overlapping functions. Young dogs use their mouths to explore textures and shapes because their sense of touch and taste is partly in the mouth. Teething is a strong driver: the pressure of chewing may relieve sore gums and helps them transition from puppy to adult teeth. For adult dogs, chewing can help with dental maintenance by reducing some tartar buildup, although it is not a substitute for proper dental care.

Chewing also produces measurable calming effects. Repetitive jaw movements are likely linked to shifts in brain chemistry that reduce arousal—dogs often chew to self-soothe during stress or boredom. Certain breeds or temperaments may be predisposed to more intense oral behaviors because they were historically selected for tasks involving the mouth (carrying, retrieving, or hunting). I typically see toy-bred dogs whose anxiety manifests as obsessive chewing, and working breeds that need a lot of structured outlet to avoid destructive behavior.

When chewing spikes: common causes and life changes that trigger it

Chewing often spikes with changes to routine and environment. Dogs left alone for longer than they’re used to, moved to a new home, or exposed to different household members can increase destructive chewing for days to weeks while they adjust. Teething spikes chewing in puppies between about three and seven months; adult dogs may have episodic increases tied to stressors such as loud storms, travel, or visitors.

Daily rhythm matters: many dogs chew more in late afternoon or evening when families are busy or when physical exercise winds down. Poor exercise or limited mental stimulation makes chewing a convenient outlet—if a dog doesn’t have a way to burn off energy, they are more likely to invent their own activities, which often include chewing inappropriate items. Weather can play a role too: long wet seasons or cold snaps that limit outdoor time often correlate with more indoor destructive behavior.

Red flags to watch for — when chewing could signal illness or pain

Not all chewing is innocent. A sudden change in chewing target—switching from toys to shoes or cables—may suggest mouth pain. Look for drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard food, bleeding from the mouth, or bad breath; these signs may indicate a broken tooth, gum disease, or foreign material stuck in the mouth. Sudden, intense chewing around the flank or underside paired with restlessness can suggest referred pain from another medical issue.

If you find evidence that your dog may have swallowed a dangerous item—sharp fragments, string, stuffing, or large objects—watch for vomiting, diarrhea, signs of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or lethargy. Repetitive, apparently compulsive chewing that damages the dog’s body or continues despite redirection may be a compulsive disorder; this often requires a veterinary behaviorist’s assessment. Any rapid change in behavior or signs of systemic illness warrants prompt veterinary attention.

Immediate actions owners can take to protect belongings and calm your dog

1. Remove hazards first. Quickly but calmly keep the dog away from the object and secure dangerous items out of reach. If the dog is chewing something electrical or chemical, turn off power (if safe) and remove it; seek veterinary care if a burn or toxicosis is possible.
2. Check the mouth safely. If the dog allows you, look for obvious injuries, swelling, blood, or lodged material. Avoid forcing a stressed dog’s mouth open—an otherwise friendly dog can bite when in pain.
3. Offer an appropriate substitute. Give a safe, size-appropriate chew or toy to redirect the behavior immediately and observe whether the dog prefers the new item.
4. Increase supervision and confinement as needed. Use a crate, gated room, or tethering when you can’t watch the dog directly to prevent further chewing while you address the cause.
5. Call your veterinarian. Describe what was chewed, the dog’s behavior, and any signs of illness. If ingestion of a sharp or toxic item is possible, seek emergency care.

Training moves and home adjustments to prevent destructive chewing

Long-term change relies on predictable management and clear training. Management removes temptation while training teaches an alternative. Create safe zones where the dog has only approved chews and toys; rotate items to keep novelty. When supervision isn’t possible, use a crate or exercise pen with appropriate chews so the dog has a safe place and outlet. Consistency among caregivers is essential—everyone should follow the same rules about what’s allowed and what happens after unwanted chewing.

Training itself should be reward-based and gradual. Teach and reinforce a reliable “leave it” and “drop” so you can interrupt chewing on inappropriate items without conflict. Redirect to a high-value chew, praise, and then remove the inappropriate item. Build a routine of predictable exercise and mental stimulation: a thirty-minute walk, a training session, and a puzzle toy can reduce late-afternoon chewing for many dogs. For dogs whose chewing is anxiety-driven, pair desensitization (slowly increasing time alone) with rewarding calm behavior; working with a professional can make this safer and faster.

Safe chews, toys, and gear vets and trainers recommend

Select toys and chews based on your dog’s age, strength, and chewing style. For puppies, softer rubber teething toys designed for puppy teeth may help. For strong adult chewers, look for sturdy rubber toys designed to withstand heavy gnawing; consider toys that can be filled with food or frozen to extend engagement. Avoid toys that flake or break into sharp pieces. Rawhide and some braided chews may pose choking risks or cause intestinal blockage; many vets advise choosing digestible, veterinary-recommended chews instead.

Interactive feeders and puzzle toys redirect chewing into problem-solving and slow eating, which can be doubly helpful for bored dogs. For management, a well-sized crate that the dog views positively can prevent access to dangerous items when unsupervised; exercise pens and short tethers under supervision are alternatives. When introducing any new chew, supervise until you’re confident it wears down safely, and regularly inspect toys for damage.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Destructive Behavior in Dogs” and “Dental Disease in Dogs” — Merck & Co., Inc.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Pet Behavior Resources: Destructive Chewing” — AVMA guidance and owner resources.
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): Articles on separation anxiety and enrichment strategies.
• Overall, K.L. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, 2nd Edition — practical clinical approaches to canine compulsive disorders and behavior modification.
• Journal of Veterinary Behavior: “A review of treatment and management strategies for canine separation-related behavior” — peer-reviewed literature on anxiety-related chewing.
• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): Resources on dental pain and oral health in dogs.