Why Dogs Chew on Wood

If you returned home to find your dog has decimated your coffee table in your absence, you may wonder what prompted your otherwise well-behaved pet to behave in such a way. There are several reasons why a dog may chew wood, depending on the age and temperament of your pet. It may also suffer an eating disorder known as "pica" in which he will ingest the wood he chews. Whatever the cause, this not only results in damage to your belongings, but can risk your dog's health.

  1. Exploration

    • Puppies explore their new and expanding world much the same way human babies do. They use their mouths to investigate the environment around them and will test everything they come across. Chewing is the next, natural step in that exploration and a natural instinct for the dog. Chewing improves the muscles in the jaw, sharpens and promotes the health of its teeth, and often is used in play, so items like sticks in the yard, especially if used to play with its owners, may become your dog's favorite chew toy. Discourage this behavior as it could be harmful for the dog's health.

    Teething

    • As teeth begin to come in, dogs begin to chew on these objects because it helps to relieve the discomfort of teething. This process can last anywhere from three to 10 months, so it is especially prevalent in your dog's first year of life. The pup will select items like wood simply because it will not know any better. It is up to you to teach your dog what are proper items on which to chew,. Replace wooden objects with safer toys.

    Separation Anxiety

    • Beyond the teething stage, dogs may chew to alleviate boredom or otherwise calm anxiety. This may become especially problematic if your dog suffers through significant separation anxiety when you are gone and may indulge more in destructive chewing behavior. It is unknown why some dogs are more susceptible to separation anxiety. Punishment will not help. Provide toys for your dog and talk to your vet about more severe cases which may require an anti-anxiety drug therapy. In the meantime, provide a safe environment for your pet, prohibiting access to wooden items.

    Pica

    • When dogs consume non-food items, this is known as an eating disorder called "pica." It can begin as a pup, when the dog's exploration of the world includes accidental ingestion of these non-edible items. It may indicate that your dog's diet may be lacking essential nutrients, but the ASPCA suggests the main culprit may be boredom. This can lead to compulsive behavior which will require specific training to remedy the problem.