Chewing is a natural behavior for both dogs and cats, but when it becomes destructive, it can damage furniture, shoes, and even put your pet at risk.
The good news? With the right training and redirection, you can stop destructive chewing and teach your pet what’s acceptable to chew!
In this guide, you’ll learn why pets chew, how to prevent destructive behavior, and the best ways to redirect their chewing to appropriate items.
1. Why Do Pets Chew on Everything? 🤔🐾
Chewing is a normal instinct for dogs and some cats, but excessive or destructive chewing may indicate an underlying issue.
✅ Common Reasons Pets Chew:
✔ Teething – Puppies and kittens chew to soothe sore gums.
✔ Boredom – Pets chew to relieve stress or lack of stimulation.
✔ Separation anxiety – Chewing comforts nervous pets when left alone.
✔ Hunger – Some pets chew on objects if they’re not getting enough food.
✔ Lack of training – Pets need to learn what’s okay to chew.
📌 Tip: Understanding why your pet chews helps you address the root cause!
🚨 Avoid: Punishing your pet after they chew—they won’t understand why you’re upset.
2. Best Ways to Stop Destructive Chewing 🚫🐾
✅ Step 1: Provide the Right Chew Toys
✔ Give variety—soft, hard, rubber, and edible chews.
✔ Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
✔ Use interactive toys (like treat-dispensing balls) to engage your pet.
📌 Best Chew Toys for Dogs:
✔ Kong toys (fill with peanut butter).
✔ Rope toys (good for tugging).
✔ Dental chews (clean teeth while chewing).
📌 Best Chew Toys for Cats:
✔ Catnip toys (encourage playful chewing).
✔ Cardboard scratchers (redirects chewing & scratching).
✔ Silvervine sticks (natural alternative to catnip).
🚨 Avoid: Giving old shoes or clothes as toys—this confuses pets about what they can chew!
✅ Step 2: Use Bitter Sprays to Deter Chewing 🧴🐾
If your pet chews furniture, cables, or shoes, apply a safe, bitter-tasting deterrent spray.
✔ Apple cider vinegar + water (natural deterrent).
✔ Bitter apple spray (available in pet stores).
✔ Citrus sprays (most pets dislike the scent).
📌 Tip: Always test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage furniture.
🚨 Avoid: Using spicy or harmful substances—only pet-safe deterrents should be used.
✅ Step 3: Redirect to a Proper Chew Item 🔄🐾
✔ If your pet chews something inappropriate, say “No” calmly.
✔ Immediately give them a chew toy instead.
✔ When they chew the correct item, praise and reward them.
📌 Tip: Always replace the unwanted object with an approved chew toy—never just take something away.
🚨 Avoid: Yelling or punishing your pet—this creates fear, not learning.
✅ Step 4: Exercise & Mental Stimulation 🎾🐾
A tired pet is less likely to chew out of boredom!
✔ Provide daily walks & playtime (dogs).
✔ Offer puzzle feeders & interactive toys.
✔ Create window views for cats (watching birds reduces stress).
📌 Tip: Play sessions help burn energy and prevent destructive behaviors.
🚨 Avoid: Leaving pets alone without activities—this increases boredom chewing.
✅ Step 5: Crate Train (for Dogs) or Confine (for Cats) 🏡🐾
If your pet chews when unsupervised, use a crate (dogs) or a safe space (cats) to prevent destruction.
✔ Crate train positively—never use it as punishment.
✔ Leave chew toys in the crate for entertainment.
✔ Confine cats to one room with scratching posts & toys.
📌 Tip: Gradually increase free roam time as your pet learns good chewing habits.
🚨 Avoid: Locking pets up for too long—they need exercise and interaction.
✅ Step 6: Address Separation Anxiety 😰🐾
If your pet chews when left alone, they may have separation anxiety.
✔ Start with short absences, then increase time away gradually.
✔ Leave a worn T-shirt in their bed for comfort.
✔ Use a treat-dispensing toy to keep them busy.
✔ Play calming music or use pheromone diffusers (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats).
📌 Tip: Some pets do better with a companion animal—consider adopting a second pet if appropriate.
🚨 Avoid: Making a big deal when leaving or returning—this reinforces anxiety.
3. Training Tips for Puppies & Kittens 🍼🐾
Young pets chew more due to teething and curiosity.
✅ How to Stop a Puppy from Chewing:
✔ Freeze a wet washcloth for them to chew on (soothes gums).
✔ Give puppy-safe teething toys.
✔ Use redirection—trade inappropriate items for chew toys.
📌 Tip: Puppies explore with their mouths—supervise and puppy-proof your home!
🚨 Avoid: Letting them bite hands or feet—redirect to a toy instead.
✅ How to Stop a Kitten from Chewing:
✔ Provide cat grass—some cats chew due to nutrient cravings.
✔ Offer safe chew toys (rubber toys, silvervine sticks).
✔ Stop cord chewing with pet-safe cord protectors.
📌 Tip: Some cats chew due to stress—ensure they have hiding spots & interactive playtime.
🚨 Avoid: Giving plastic items—some cats develop a dangerous habit of chewing plastic.
4. When to See a Vet 🏥🐾
If your pet’s chewing is excessive or obsessive, it may signal an underlying medical issue.
🚨 Signs You Should Consult a Vet:
🔴 Chewing non-food items like rocks or fabric (pica).
🔴 Sudden chewing behavior in an adult pet.
🔴 Signs of pain, drooling, or difficulty eating.
🔴 Excessive licking or chewing paws (may indicate allergies).
📌 Tip: Some pets chew due to dental pain—a vet checkup ensures their teeth are healthy!
5. Final Thoughts: Teaching Good Chewing Habits 🦴🐾
Stopping destructive chewing takes patience and consistency, but with the right training, toys, and redirection, your pet will learn what’s okay to chew!
✅ Provide chew toys & safe alternatives.
✅ Use bitter sprays & deterrents to protect furniture.
✅ Redirect chewing immediately & reward good behavior.
✅ Exercise & play daily to prevent boredom chewing.
✅ Address separation anxiety if chewing is stress-related.
🐾 With proper guidance, your pet will develop healthy chewing habits and keep your belongings safe! 🏡❤️