Why Do Dogs Chew Beds?

We are not just a company selling Natural Dog Accessories, we are a Movement to Protect and Serve our canine companions.

When our dogs aren’t happy then neither are we. Sometimes the signs are clear and that comes out in destructive or unusual behaviour. When dogs chew their beds it is a sign that things aren’t right.
So why do they chew?

Boredom and Frustration

Dogs, like humans, need mental and physical stimulation. When they're left alone for extended periods without enough to do or have not been walked sufficiently, they may resort to destructive behaviours like chewing and digging up their beds. Adequate exercise, socialisation and mental stimulation are key to their happiness. It also helps their human, kind of like having a gym buddy but outside, in Nature and socialising with other humans.

Fear or Anxiety

When dogs are afraid, have been traumatised or suffer from separation anxiety they can be highly anxious or afraid. To seek relief from this they can chew as a response to alleviate their tension. It serves as a distraction, much like some humans biting their nails.

It is important for all dogs to have socialisation, training and plenty of exercise but especially dogs that are suffering from these conditions. After a walk and then food, you want your dog to flop down, exhausted and happy.

Hunger

If meals are not sufficient or at regular times this can be detrimental to them, causing chewing and other destructive behaviours. Imagine if you attended a work event and they don’t tell you when the lunch break is. If you are hungry and it’s getting late you start to focus purely on food. Then if it’s a paltry amount it can make you very Hangry. It’s the same for dogs except they are totally reliant on you for all their food. Nutritionally appropriate food at regularly meal times makes for a calm dog (and human).

Treats further assist in not only providing additional food but also lets the dog know that you love them and as a result, the bond grows thereby providing a sense of safety. If they are interactive treats then they also provide mental stimulation adding an extra layer of positive reinforcement.

Pain, Discomfort or Illness

We all know how “out of sorts” we feel when we are sick. Pain or discomfort and even the side effects of medications can cause agitation, anxiety and restlessness which can lead to bed chewing to distract from the condition. In particular, dogs will chew to alleviate pain when they have dental issues and so it can be a red flag to investigate deeper into your dogs health. Regular health and dental checks by both a Western and Alternative practitioner is good practise. Prevention and early detection is always best.

Choosing the Right Bed

Understanding reasons for chewing is important but also so is choosing the right bed. Because of their highly developed sense of smell, most dogs simply don’t like the toxic off gassing the some beds like memory foam beds give off. Our beds are made with coconut fibres, latex and Organic British Wool. Always gentle on your dog’s body and nose.

Remember that whatever the dog’s condition, encouraging positive behaviours with love, patience and positive reinforcement is essential.

We are driven to providing the most Natural life for Dogs. Welcome to the revolution.