Why do dogs chew their bed?
There are a lot of possible causes for chewing; these are the most likely with some being much more common than others.
1. Puppy Exploration
Much like human babies, puppies are curious about the world around them and like to explore. Babies are often seen putting toys in their mouth, and that’s because the mouth contains many sensory nerve endings that connect directly to the brain. Essentially, by putting something in the mouth, babies can discover more about that object.
It’s exactly the same for puppies. In terms of puppy exploration, it may not be necessary to focus on how to stop dogs from chewing their bed. It might simply be something that’s normal and your puppy quickly grows out of.
2. Teething
Again, let’s think about human babies. Teething is a very painful experience, and it involves teeth literally breaking through the gum. This is definitely something that’s not pleasant.
Gums become inflamed, swollen, raw, and sore. By putting pressure on the gums or chewing objects the pain is relieved temporarily. It’s the same for puppies. They find relief in chewing, and it mightn’t be necessary to dive any deeper looking for a reason. You might find that destructive chewing stops naturally as the last of the deciduous teeth come through.
3. Hunting
Dogs are natural hunters, and they instinctively want to hunt, gather food, and look after and protect their family. Of course, at home there’s very little available for a dog to hunt, so they use a bit of imagination. That shoe there? That’s a rabbit that he’s going to bring home to his loyal family. That brand new dog bed? That’s a bird your dog has just captured.
Dogs do this because it’s built into them, it’s natural – it’s what they think they should do. In these cases, it helps to introduce chew-appropriate toys.
4. Pica
Pica is a rather strange medical condition common among dogs. It leads them to crave and devour non-food items around the home. Items like shoes, beds, towels, soil, and some dogs have even tried to eat stones.
The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that Pica often develops in dogs that are not being fed a nutritionally balanced diet.* If dogs are missing a nutrient in their food that’s vital to their growth and development, they’ll seek it elsewhere.
Make sure your dog is getting the nutrients he needs in his diet.