Dogs have an innate love for chewing, but what’s the science behind this behaviour? There are many reasons why dogs love to chew, and it can play an important role in various areas of their health and wellbeing. This article covers the reasons why dogs chew, and how it can impact their health both mentally and physically. Plus, we explain how chewing can impact your dog’s behaviour at different stages of their life and provide tips on choosing the right chew for your dog.
The biological instinct to chew
From wild dogs to our current pets, here’s a look at the biological reasons dogs love to chew:
Evolutionary background
Chewing has been an essential behaviour for wild dogs and wolves throughout their evolution. In the wild, chewing was critical for survival, as it aided in hunting and consuming prey. Wolves, for example, would use their powerful jaws to break down bones and tough meat, ensuring they extracted every bit of nutrition. This action not only helped them gain access to nutrient-rich marrow but also strengthened their jaws, a crucial asset for hunting. Chewing also played a role in relieving stress and keeping their minds engaged, key factors for thriving in harsh environments.
Dental benefits
In modern dogs, chewing remains vital for dental health. Natural chewing helps reduce plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth by scraping away food particles and bacteria. The mechanical action of chewing can also promote healthy gums, reducing the risk of gum disease. By offering safe and appropriate chews, you can support your dog’s oral hygiene in a way that mimics their ancestral habits.
Mental benefits of chewing
In addition to sparkling clean teeth, chewing has various mental benefits for your dog:
Mental stimulation
Chewing is more than a dental hygiene practice, it also provides essential mental stimulation. When dogs chew, they become focused on the activity, helping to alleviate boredom and keep their minds active. This is especially beneficial for dogs that have mobility issues or become restless easily, as chewing gives them a productive outlet. Offering chews can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, preventing destructive behaviours that often arise from boredom.
Stress relief
Beyond mental stimulation, chewing can also act as a natural stress reliever. The repetitive action of chewing triggers the release of calming endorphins, which help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. For dogs prone to stress, chewing provides a soothing activity that helps them stay calm. Therefore, offering a safe chew during stressful situations can be a helpful way to comfort your dog and reduce their anxiety.
Physical health benefits of chewing
In addition to mental benefits, the act of chewing can support numerous areas of your dog’s physical health, including:
Jaw exercise
Chewing provides an excellent workout for a dog’s jaw muscles, helping to keep them strong and well-conditioned. This is especially important for breeds that are natural chewers, such as terriers and retrievers, whose instincts drive them to gnaw on objects. Regular chewing helps maintain jaw strength, ensuring they can continue to eat and chew comfortably throughout their lives. In addition, a strong jaw can aid in overall dental health by allowing dogs to chew through tougher foods or chews, naturally cleaning their teeth in the process.
Digestive benefits
Chewing also plays a role in supporting healthy digestion. When dogs chew on certain bones or natural treats, the process of breaking down these items into smaller, more manageable pieces makes it easier for their digestive systems to process. By chewing thoroughly, dogs can avoid swallowing large chunks of food or treats that might otherwise cause discomfort or digestive issues. Additionally, for dogs with sensitive stomachs, appropriate chews can promote a more gradual release of nutrients, aiding in smoother digestion.
Puppies and the chewing phase
If you have ever lived with a puppy, you know all about how much they love to chew. Here’s why:
Teething
Puppies go through an intense chewing phase during teething, usually between three to six months of age. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, they experience discomfort and soreness in their gums. Chewing helps relieve this pain by massaging their gums and providing pressure that eases the discomfort. In addition, chewing promotes healthy tooth development, ensuring that their adult teeth come in strong and properly aligned.
Learning through chewing
Chewing is also a way for puppies to explore and learn about their environment. Much like human babies, puppies use their mouths to understand the world around them. By chewing on different objects, they gain sensory information about textures, hardness, and durability. This helps them learn which items are ‘chewable’ and which are not, a key aspect of their early development. Providing safe, durable chews during this phase is important as it can help guide their learning while preventing destructive behaviour.
The role of chewing in behaviour
Chewing not only impacts the way your dog feels, it can also make a difference in the way they behave. Here’s how:
Avoiding destructive chewing
Providing dogs with appropriate chews is key to preventing destructive chewing behaviours. Without suitable outlets for their natural urge to chew, dogs may turn to items like furniture, shoes, or other household objects, leading to frustration for both the dog and the owner. Offering safe, engaging chews not only satisfies this instinct but also helps redirect their energy in a positive way. This can be particularly important for high-energy dogs, as chewing keeps them occupied and prevents boredom-induced destruction.
Chewing as a reward
Chewing can also be an effective tool for training and rewarding good behaviour. Dogs naturally associate chewing with satisfaction, so using chews as a reward reinforces positive behaviour. Whether during training sessions or as a treat after a good walk, offering a chew can create a strong positive association. Over time, dogs will learn that good behaviour leads to rewarding chewing opportunities, making it easier to reinforce desired actions and maintain a well-behaved pooch.
Choosing the right chews for your dog
There are seemingly endless chews on the market, which many pup parents find overwhelming. Here are some simple factors to consider to help you narrow your search for the perfect chew for your pooch, plus tips for ensuring a safe chewing experience:
Safe chew options
First, you can narrow your search by only considering natural, healthy chews, without any additives or chemicals. Selecting the right natural chew for your dog depends on factors such as their size, age, and chewing habits. For heavy chewers, durable options like ostrich bones and antlers are ideal as they can withstand rigorous gnawing. Puppies and older dogs, who may have more sensitive teeth, benefit from softer chews like rabbit ears or chicken feet designed to be gentler on their mouths. Always ensure that the chew is appropriately sized for your dog to prevent them from accidentally swallowing large pieces.
Supervision and safety
Supervising your dog while they chew is important for ensuring their safety. Even with durable, long-lasting chews, there’s always a risk of choking or swallowing fragments, which could cause blockages or discomfort. By keeping an eye on your dog, you can intervene if they break off a piece that’s too small or become overly aggressive with their chewing. Additionally, it’s wise to regularly inspect chews for signs of wear and replace them when they become too small or start breaking apart. This practice helps maintain a safe and enjoyable chewing experience for your dog.
Final thoughts
Chewing plays a vital role in your dog’s physical, mental, and behavioural health. Evolutionarily, chewing helped wild dogs and wolves survive by aiding in hunting and breaking down food, while today it continues to offer benefits like jaw exercise, dental health, and even digestive support. Mentally, chewing keeps your dog engaged, relieving boredom and reducing stress through the release of calming endorphins.
For puppies, chewing is essential for teething and exploring their environment. Behaviorally, providing appropriate chews helps prevent destructive habits and serves as a rewarding tool in training. Choosing the right chews based on your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits, and supervising them during chewing sessions, ensures their safety and enjoyment while keeping them physically and mentally stimulated.
If you ever need help with finding the right chew for your dog, please feel free to reach out to us for support.
Happy chewing!
