Why do dogs eat wood?

Who this helps: if you own a dog that’s been gnawing on fence posts, munching pallet slats, or bringing bits of yard wood into the house, this guide is written for you. It’s also useful for new adopters watching a teething puppy, dog sitters who notice unfamiliar chewing habits, and anyone wondering whether a bit of wood-chewing is harmless curiosity or an urgent problem. The goal here is to explain likely reasons, identify immediate safety priorities, and give practical next steps so you can keep your dog safe and stop the behavior from becoming a repeat emergency.

At a glance — why some dogs gnaw on wood

Most dogs that nibble or chew on wood are doing something common: puppies mouthing while teething, adults exploring textures, or bored dogs seeking stimulation. In many cases occasional chewing is normal. It becomes concerning when the dog swallows splinters or large pieces, shows distress, or the wood is treated or painted.

First actions are simple and immediate: remove the dog from the wood and secure remaining pieces, check the dog’s mouth for obvious injuries, and watch for signs of choking or pain. If the dog is coughing violently, cannot breathe, is drooling excessively, or has obvious bleeding, seek emergency veterinary care right away. If you suspect the wood was chemically treated or painted, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.

Inside the behavior: biological reasons dogs chew wooden objects

Puppies frequently mouth things because their gums are sore; chewing on textures relieves discomfort. I typically see heavy wood-mouthing in puppies between about 3 and 7 months as primary teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt. That pattern alone often explains much of the behavior in young dogs.

Adult dogs may chew wood for tactile feedback. Wood has a firm, splintery texture that can meet an oral sensory need, particularly for dogs that like to work with their mouths. Some dogs are texture-seekers and will repeatedly target similarly textured items (sticks, crate slats, chair legs).

When dogs repeatedly eat non-food items, it may be part of pica—an eating pattern that can be linked to nutritional gaps, gastrointestinal issues, or compulsive behavior. Pica is not a diagnosis by itself but may suggest an underlying problem worth investigating if the behavior persists despite management.

Stress, anxiety, and boredom are common drivers too. Chewing is a displacement activity that can reduce arousal in an anxious dog or fill time in a dog left alone too long. In multi-dog households, the behavior can also spread by social learning: one dog finds sticks rewarding and others copy the action.

When dogs chew wood — common situations and triggers

Age is a strong predictor: puppies and adolescents chew more. Certain breeds with high oral exploration or strong drive to carry and retrieve—Labrador-type retrievers, spaniels, terriers—may show a greater tendency to chew non-food items, but individual personality matters most.

Chewing incidents increase during predictable times: when the dog is under-exercised, when owners are away, or late at night when energy isn’t expended. Watch for patterns—does it happen after crate time, following a long period of inactivity, or during thunderstorms? That timing often tells you whether the drive is physical, mental, or emotional.

The type of wood matters. Fresh green sticks are softer and may be less likely to splinter in certain ways, while dried hardwood, painted lumber, treated fence posts, and thin slats are more likely to break into sharp splinters or carry chemicals. Mulch made from treated wood or cocoa bean shells can be particularly hazardous if eaten in quantity.

Seasonal factors can influence access: yard projects in spring put pallets and scrap wood within reach; fallen branches are common after storms; and holiday decorations introduce painted or varnished wood indoors. Each season can present a new risk environment.

Potential dangers and red flags to watch for

Choking and airway obstruction are immediate dangers. If your dog is gagging, pawing at the mouth, drooling heavily, or making high-pitched noises and cannot breathe normally, this is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Gastrointestinal issues may follow swallowing wood. Watch for repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, abdominal pain, lethargy, or changes in bowel movements—diarrhea, bloody stool, or lack of stool can all indicate partial or complete intestinal obstruction or mucosal injury.

Wood splinters can lacerate the mouth, tongue, or esophagus and later cause abscesses if pieces migrate into tissues. Visible swelling of the face or mouth, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or bleeding are signs that deserve a prompt veterinary exam.

Treated, painted, or chemically contaminated wood adds a toxicology concern. Preservatives, paints, and stains can cause digestive upset, neurologic signs, or systemic toxicity depending on the chemical and amount. If you suspect the wood was treated, call veterinary poison control immediately and bring a sample or photo if possible.

Owner action plan: what to do if your dog is chewing wood

1. Safely remove the dog from the wood and secure remaining pieces. Don’t chase a dog that’s busy swallowing; calmly exchange with a high-value toy or treat if you can do so safely.
2. Inspect the dog’s mouth for bleeding, splinters, swollen tissues, or pieces lodged between teeth. Use a flashlight briefly—if the dog resists strongly or shows pain, stop and schedule veterinary care rather than forcing a full exam.
3. Save a sample or photograph of the wood, including any labels or paint chips. Note time eaten, estimated quantity, and the dog’s weight—this information matters to the vet or poison control staff.
4. Monitor closely for two to three days. Check stool daily for wood fragments and watch for vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or signs of obstruction. If any of those occur, call your veterinarian immediately.
5. If the wood was treated/painted, or if the dog swallowed a large piece, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for specific toxicology guidance. Follow their recommendations about observation versus immediate hospital evaluation.

Manage the environment and train smarter, not harder

Management reduces chances of recurrence. Remove tempting wood from yards and play areas: keep construction scrap locked away, clear fallen branches promptly, and cover exposed soil with safe, dog-friendly surfacing. Supervise outdoor time until you’re confident the dog won’t pick up wood unsupervised.

Give your dog safe oral outlets. Durable rubber toys, stuffed Kongs, and long-lasting dental chews can satisfy the need to chew. Rotate toys so novelty remains. For high-drive chewers, heavy-duty toys designed for strong chewers are better than thin nylon or edible chews that break into pieces.

Training is essential. Teach a reliable “leave it” and the trade-up routine so you can exchange a dangerous item for something better. Short daily impulse-control games and scent work can lower the urge to scavenge. I often recommend structured enrichment sessions—10–20 minutes each day of puzzle feeders or short training games—because mental work commonly reduces destructive chewing.

When anxiety drives chewing, address the root. Increase predictable routine, provide more exercise, and consider consultation with a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist if separation-related or panic-driven chewing persists. In some cases, behavior modification and medication together provide the fastest relief.

Helpful and safe gear — chews, toys and vet-recommended tools

• Size-appropriate durable rubber toys (e.g., hollow Kongs) for stuffing with food; avoid toys that fit entirely in the mouth for strong chewers.
• Veterinarian-recommended dental chews or long-lasting nylon-type chews chosen for your dog’s chewing strength—always supervise initial use and replace chews when small pieces come off.
• Food-dispensing puzzles and slow-feeder bowls to increase foraging time and mental engagement during periods when you can’t directly supervise.
• Gates, secure fencing, and short tethers for supervised outdoor time so you can prevent access to piles of wood or construction debris.
• Bitter taste deterrents labeled for pet-safe use—apply cautiously to untreated wood and test a small area; do not rely on deterrents for painted or chemically treated wood and never use home mixtures without veterinary approval.

Sources, studies and expert guidance

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Foreign body ingestion and intestinal obstruction” — Merck & Co., Inc., provides clinical guidance on diagnosis and management of ingested foreign materials in small animals.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: “Household hazards and toxicants” — resources on poisoning risks from treated wood, paints, and common household chemicals (ASPCA APCC).
• Overall KL. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats, 2nd Edition — practical chapters on pica, compulsive behaviors, and enrichment strategies for clinicians and owners.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Enrichment for dogs” and client information on preventing destructive chewing — guidance on environmental and behavioral management.
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) / American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statements on environmental enrichment and behavior management — best-practice recommendations for reducing problem behaviors.