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4 Signs Your Dog Needs More to Chew
Chews can serve as delicious treats for dogs, but more importantly, they provide a necessary outlet for instinctive canine chewing behaviours. They’re also beneficial to dogs in various other ways, from supporting dental health to fighting boredom and beyond. A lack of healthy chews can therefore lead to both behavioural problems and health issues over time. This article breaks down four key signs that your dog may need more to chew. 1. Destructive or misplaced chewing If your dog is acting out in certain ways, they may be trying to tell you they need more outlets for chewing. For example, if you find that your pooch has an affinity for gnawing on household items, furniture, or shoes, the likely cause is that they have no suitable alternative. The same applies to quickly destroying toys. Both puppies and adult dogs typically begin showing increased gnawing, licking, and/or chewing outbursts as a misdirected instinct when they don’t have a proper chewing outlet. Offering them a safe, healthy, natural chew means they get the benefits of a good chew session without ruining any of your belongings or furnishings. 2. Restlessness or difficulty settling Does your dog struggle to settle, even when they’ve had plenty of exercise? If you find them consistently pacing, switching spots, and generally finding it difficult to relax, it could be that they’re feeling bored. This often comes from a lack of mental stimulation. While their body may have been worked sufficiently, their mind is still active and looking for more to do. Chews are excellent for breaking this boredom and serve as one of the simplest and healthiest forms of mental stimulation for dogs. Most pet parents see improvements in their dogs’ restless behaviour after implementing regular chew sessions into their routines. 3. Constant begging or food fixation Most dogs love food, and certain breeds (*cough* Labrador Retrievers *cough*) have a particular affinity for all things edible. However, there is a difference between loving food and becoming completely fixated on it. In an effort to soothe overly food-focused pooches, some pet parents accidentally overfeed their dogs, which can lead to long-term health issues over time. If your dog never seems satisfied by their food, is always begging for some of yours, and short-lived treats don’t fill the gaps, it’s time to introduce long-lasting chews. This gives them a way to enjoy something tasty for an extended period without racking up unnecessary calories. Instead, they get the satisfaction they’re looking for both mentally and physically in a way that supports their overall health. 4. Dental build-up Aside from behavioural issues, one of the key benefits of natural chews is the way they support canine dental health. While chews are not a cure for advanced dental disease and do not replace veterinary dental cleanings, they can help prevent common issues and even aid in reducing their severity. For example, chews can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, and help scrape it off once it begins to form. If your dog is showing signs of these issues, whether visually or via some particularly stinky breath, chews may be beneficial in supporting their ongoing dental health. However, remember to also have your dog’s dental health checked by a vet regularly, especially if you suspect dental problems. Chews are simply a preventative measure and daily support tool. To help maintain your dog’s dental health, from their teeth to their gums to the strength of their jaw, it’s useful to include natural chews as part of their routine. Choosing the right chew Not all chews are created equally. First, make sure you’re choosing something completely natural without any preservatives or other artificial additives. Single-ingredient chews, like those found in our Chomper Boxes® and Chomper Bags, are ideal. Next, find a chew that suits your dog’s size and jaw strength, as some are much larger and tougher than others. It’s also advisable to rotate between different chews to maintain your dog’s interest. Regardless of what you choose, it’s important that you always make sure to provide fresh drinking water and supervise your dog while they’re chewing. Final thoughts The key to remember is that chewing is a natural need for your dog, not a bonus activity. So, while it may seem like a treat, it’s also something they require for their overall wellbeing. Having the right outlet for chewing instincts can improve your dog’s behaviour and support both their mental and physical health. When introducing chews to your dog’s routine, it’s important to make sure they’re healthy, natural, and free from additives, as your pooch deserves only the best.
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The Link Between Gut Health Issues and Paw Chewing in Dogs
Did you know that paw chewing isn’t always caused by something on or in the paw itself? Similarly to humans, gut health issues can affect your dog’s skin, too. When this occurs, it often triggers certain behaviours like paw licking and chewing. While not always the cause of these habits, gut health problems are worth looking out for if paw chewing becomes persistent, especially when accompanied by other signs and symptoms. This article explains how the connection between the two works, what to look out for, and how to support your dog’s gut health. The gut–skin connection in dogs The gut plays a key role in immune function. In fact, your dog’s gut is home to approximately 70% of their immune system. When the gut becomes imbalanced, often known as gut dysbiosis, immune overreactivity can occur. In other words, the imbalance can change how your dog’s body reacts to triggers. This means that otherwise harmless or benign triggers can suddenly start to bring on heightened immune responses and increase the release of histamines. Additionally, inflammation can increase, resulting in further skin irritation. This often leads to behaviours like scratching, biting, and licking the skin, particularly the paws. So, while paw chewing can have many root causes, it can be a direct symptom of poor gut health. Signs their gut may be the cause of paw chewing Paw chewing is a common habit in dogs, and is not always caused by underlying gut health issues. However, gut health is a known factor that can contribute to this behaviour. Looking for specific signs and symptoms along with paw chewing can help you determine if gut health issues are a likely root cause. These include: Ongoing, persistent paw chewing (not occasional) Paired with digestive symptoms: Inconsistent stools (particularly soft stools and diarrhea) Gas Bloating Digestive discomfort Flare ups that occur when dietary changes are made Worsened symptoms from stress Other skin issues (ears, general itching, frequent hotspots) No clear external cause These signs, particularly when more than one are present simultaneously, can indicate that your dog’s gut microbiome may need some extra support. What contributes to poor gut health in dogs? Poor gut health in dogs can stem from various factors, including: Frequent diet changes Processed or overly rich treats and chews Too many different ingredients at once Overfeeding Stress and routine disruption Food sensitivities and/or allergies Poor digestion or gut motility If you suspect your dog has poor gut health, it’s a good idea to examine their diet and lifestyle to identify areas that may be contributing to the issue. Supporting their gut health & reducing paw chewing Thankfully, there are numerous ways to support your dog’s gut health, which can also help reduce paw chewing (when gut issues are the cause). First, make sure that their diet is consistent and simple. Try to avoid constantly switching between different products, as this can upset their system. As for treats and chews, opt for those made from a single-ingredient (or a few simple, natural ingredients) that you know your dog can tolerate well. Some pet parents also find that gut health supplements for dogs can be helpful for restoring a healthy microbiome. For example, Cornish Kaolin Clay is a natural supplement that has long been used for its soothing properties, especially in relieving gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, upset stomach, and indigestion. It works by absorbing toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances in the digestive system to provide relief from both acute and chronic digestive discomfort. Make sure to continue to monitor their stool for important signs like consistency and colour changes. This can help you identify issues as well as improvements from your gut health support efforts. If their symptoms persist, the paw chewing won’t stop, and their digestive system won’t settle, make sure to contact your vet for professional support. Final thoughts If your dog is consistently scratching, chewing their paws, and seeming generally uncomfortable, it’s worth assessing their gut health. The gut microbiome is powerful and influential in various areas of overall wellbeing, including the skin. So, when you see signs that would initially point to something superficial, be sure to dig deeper if they persist. This helps you support your pooch so they can live the happiest, healthiest life possible.
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How to Keep the Peace in a Multi-Dog Household
Living with multiple dogs can be a rewarding and joyful experience, but it’s important to understand that natural competitive instincts can arise. These typically show up over common resources like attention, toys, food, treats, or favourite spaces. Some level of rivalry is normal, especially to begin with, as it’s how they establish a social hierarchy. However, good routines and structure help prevent it from escalating into tension and aggression. This article covers what can cause competition between dogs and various ways you can help them coexist peacefully. Why dogs compete in multi-dog homes Dogs naturally notice who has access to resources, particularly ones they see as high value. These can include anything from food and treats to a favourite spot to special toys. So, if one dog notices that the other always gets something before they do, they may try to push their way to the front to reach it first. A lot of the competition in multi-dog homes can also come down to personality, as each dog is completely unique in temperament, confidence levels, and demeanour. Where one dog may run at you for treats or attention, the other may be more timid and stay back, which creates an unintentional imbalance between them. Their individual experiences before entering your home can also influence rivalry, as dogs from shelters, large litters, or environments where they felt they had to compete for resources may make them more sensitive and guarded. Additionally, your own habits, both intentional and unintentional, can impact the dynamic between your dogs. For example, if you consistently greet one dog before the other when getting home, this can cause competition for your attention and interaction. Or, if you have rules that apply to one dog but not the other, this can increase agitation and competitiveness. Managing resources in shared spaces One way to prevent tension from building between your dogs is to ensure resources are managed and distributed fairly. For example, giving each dog their own resting spot, bed, and toys makes them less likely to compete. Similarly, having separate feeding areas, even if that means only a small distance between bowls, can prevent stress and agitation over their food. When it comes to high value items like chews, treats, and toys, they should be distributed evenly under supervision in a calm manner. Regularly rotating these items helps prevent possessiveness and resource guarding while also keeping it interesting for them. Balancing attention and interaction Spending one-on-one time with each dog helps them feel loved and reduces competition. This can be anything from a cuddle to a walk to a play session, depending on their personality and preference. If one of your dogs is more pushy, clingy, or vocal, try to avoid always rewarding or tending to them first, as this can encourage rivalry. Instead, try to reward calm behaviour in each dog to reinforce positive habits. This teaches them that non-competitive, respectful behaviour pays off, instead of making them think that the loudest or pushiest dog always wins. Creating clear routines and boundaries Predictable schedules for key parts of their day, like feeding, walks, play, and rest, help dogs feel secure. When they know what to expect, they’re less likely to compete. In addition to routine, basic boundaries and commands can prevent rushing or pushing when entering rooms, approaching toys, or during treat time. Simple options like “wait” and “stay” may seem obvious, but ensuring your dogs have these engrained can make a big difference as they reinforce patience while reducing the risk of conflict. Another key boundary is ensuring each dog has their own personal space where they can be alone, as this prevents tension from building between them. Watching for signs of tension Body language such as stiff posture, staring, growling, or guarding objects can signal discomfort or stress. Recognising these signs early allows you to intervene in a calm manner before the situation escalates. When you step in, try to calmly redirect and separate the dogs, but try to avoid punishing them. This is because a calm approach helps reinforce safe boundaries without creating any negative associations. When they are able to have calm interactions, positive reinforcement is recommended as it helps them learn the appropriate way to behave with one another. It also teaches them that coexisting peacefully pays off, especially when you upgrade from praise to high value rewards like training treats. Final thoughts While some level of rivalry is to be expected, most multi-dog homes run smoothly with structure, fairness, and supervision. Ensuring each dog has space, balanced attention, equal resources, and predictable routines helps them feel secure and coexist comfortably. Try to avoid habits that encourage competition and instead aim to foster an environment that requires clear boundaries and respect, while keeping an eye out for any signs of tension. With these steps in place, there’s no reason why your dogs shouldn’t be able to live happily alongside one another.
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