Understanding Puppy Chewing: A Guide for Owners

Chewing is Natural & Necessary!

As a new puppy owner, you've likely experienced the joys—and challenges—of welcoming a furry bundle of energy into your home. Among the many puppy behaviours you'll encounter, chewing is perhaps one of the most prevalent and potentially frustrating. But before you despair over another gnawed chair leg or destroyed slipper, it's essential to understand that chewing is a natural and necessary behaviour for puppies. In this blog post, we'll explore why puppies chew, how to select appropriate chews, and how to keep your puppy safe while satisfying their urge to nibble. We'll also touch on some excellent natural puppy chews that can help redirect this behaviour constructively.

Why Do Puppies Chew?

Chewing is an instinctive behaviour in puppies, serving several crucial purposes in their development. Understanding these reasons can help you approach your puppy's chewing habit with patience and empathy:

1. Teething: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow their adult set. This process can be uncomfortable and even painful, leading puppies to seek relief through chewing. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort and assists in loosening baby teeth to make way for adult ones.
2. Exploration: Puppies are naturally curious creatures, and one of their primary ways of exploring the world is through their mouths. Chewing allows them to investigate textures, tastes, and smells in their environment. This oral exploration is a crucial part of their cognitive development and helps them understand their surroundings.
3. Stress relief and anxiety: Chewing can be a self-soothing behaviour for puppies. When faced with new situations, separation from their owners, or other stressors, puppies may turn to chewing as a way to calm themselves down. This is similar to how some humans might bite their nails when nervous.
4. Attention-seeking: Puppies quickly learn that certain behaviours elicit reactions from their owners. If a puppy discovers that chewing on your favourite shoes gets your attention (even if it's negative), they might repeat the behaviour to engage with you.
5. Boredom: An understimulated puppy is likely to find ways to entertain themselves, often through destructive chewing. This is particularly common in high-energy breeds that require lots of mental and physical exercise.
6. Nutritional needs: In some cases, excessive chewing might indicate a nutritional deficiency. If your puppy seems to be chewing on non-food items excessively, it's worth consulting with your vet to rule out any dietary issues.

Understanding these motivations can help you address your puppy's chewing behaviour more effectively and compassionately.

How to Select Appropriate Chews:

Now that we understand why puppies chew, let's explore how to select appropriate chews to satisfy this natural urge safely. When choosing healthy puppy chews, consider the following factors:

1. Size: The chew should be large enough that your puppy can't swallow it whole or choke on it. A good rule of thumb is to choose a chew larger than your puppy's muzzle.
2. Hardness: While puppies need durable chews, avoid anything too hard or sharp that could damage their teeth or gums.
3. Material: Opt for natural dog chews made from safe, digestible materials. Avoid chews with artificial additives, colours, or preservatives.
4. Age-appropriateness: Some chews are designed specifically for puppies, while others are better suited for adult dogs. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Supervision: Consider how much supervision the chew requires. 
6. Variety: Offer a range of textures and types of chews to keep your puppy interested and to cater to different chewing needs (e.g., teething relief vs. long-lasting entertainment).

Some excellent options for natural puppy chews include:

• Frozen treats (great for teething relief)
• Soft puppy-specific chew toys, G&W has a great range with thicker, tougher options for bigger pups and as they grow up.
• Rope toys (supervised play only)
• Puppy-safe rawhide alternatives like Puppy Chew-Its
• Natural rubber teething rings

Remember, every puppy is unique, so you may need to experiment to find the types of chews your puppy prefers and responds to best.

Keeping Puppies Safe with Chews:

While chewing is natural and beneficial for puppies, it's crucial to ensure their safety. Here are some tips to keep your puppy safe while satisfying their chewing instincts:

1. Supervision: Always supervise your puppy when introducing a new chew. This allows you to observe how they interact with it and intervene if necessary. Never leave them unattended with any type of chew or toy.
2. Regular inspections: Check chews regularly for signs of wear and tear. Discard any chews that have become small enough to pose a choking hazard or have sharp edges that could injure your puppy's mouth.
3. Rotation: Rotate your puppy's chews to prevent boredom and extend the life of each item. This also allows you to clean and inspect chews regularly.
4. Appropriate chewing spots: Designate specific areas for chewing and consistently redirect your puppy to these spots when they chew inappropriately.
5. Puppy-proofing: Remove or secure items that aren't safe for your puppy to chew. This might include electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects that could be swallowed.
6. Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy when they chew on appropriate items. This helps reinforce good chewing habits.
7. Address underlying issues: If excessive chewing persists, consider whether it's due to anxiety, boredom, or other issues that need addressing.
8. Consult professionals: If your puppy's chewing seems excessive, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your puppy's natural chewing behaviour remains a safe and positive experience.

 Save your Shoes, with a G&W Chew!

Chewing is an essential part of puppy development, serving various purposes from teething relief to stress reduction. As responsible dog owners, our role is to guide this natural behaviour into safe and appropriate channels. By understanding why puppies chew, selecting suitable chews, and implementing safety measures, we can help our furry friends satisfy their chewing instincts without putting them at risk or sacrificing our belongings.

For puppy owners looking for high-quality, natural chewing options, Green & Wild's offers an excellent range of products suitable for puppies. Our selection includes natural puppy chews and products made from sustainably sourced, puppy-safe materials. From softer options perfect for teething relief to more durable chews for longer-lasting entertainment, Green & Wild's natural puppy chews  and eco toys cater to various chewing needs and preferences. By choosing appropriate chews from reputable brands like Green & Wild's, you can support your puppy's development while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

 Our Puppy Starter Pack offers a range of products with a great saving!

Remember, patience and consistency are key when dealing with puppy chewing. With time, proper guidance, and the right chewing outlets, your puppy will learn what's appropriate to chew and what's off-limits. Before you know it, you'll have navigated the chewing phase successfully, emerging with a well-behaved adult dog and your furniture intact!  But remember that adult dogs still need appropriate chewing outlets too!

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