Dog Bed For Chewers

Some dogs love nothing more than to chew on everything they can find. This is fine when they’re chewing on a dog toy, but not so fine when they’re chewing on shoes, clothes and even their own dog beds.

There are a few possible reasons why a dog chews his bed.

Dogs can’t speak, so they may show some unusual behaviors to show their anxiety. Bed chewing can be one of these. Chewing can also give them some comfort from anxiety.

Stress can cause some dogs to chew or become destructive. Again, the action of chewing can give them some form of comfort and stress relief.

Some dogs can become bored easily, especially highly intelligent breeds. They can start to chew or destroy their beds as a way to keep themselves entertained.

Pregnant dogs can start nesting towards the end of the pregnancy. They may try to rearrange their beds, add items, or reject previously loved items as they prepare their space for birth.

Puppies, like babies, go through a teething process. Their gums and jaws can become sore and tender when they’re teething, and chewing their beds can help relieve some of the pain. They also use their mouths to test out their environment as they grow and learn, and chewing at their beds can be part of this learning.

There are so many dog beds available, but what do you need to look for in a chew-proof bed for your canine friend?

Waterproof materials can be very important for dogs who chew their beds. These types of bed will protect the inner materials of the bed from your dog’s saliva. This is really important as some chewers may drool excessively as they chew.

The first thing you should look for in a bed for any dog is whether or not it can be washed in the washing machine. Beds get dirty, and if you can pop it in the machine, keeping them clean will be easy. Dogs who chew their beds can make their beds dirtier than other dogs, and you’ll need to wash the bed more often.

Your dog should feel comfortable in his bed. You can help by choosing a bed that is :

• The right size- look for a bed that gives your dog enough space to lie, and stretch comfortably, without him feeling confined.
  
• Memory foam - memory foam beds tend to be much more comfortable and put less pressure on his joints.
   
• Gel-cooled - dog beds can overheat, and leave your dog feeling too warm. Gel cooling beds can help regulate his temperature as he sleeps.
  
• Strong material - some materials are better at standing up to chewing than others.Cotton and polyesters are easily chewed through so avoid them as you’ll always need to replace the bed, and the material can pose a health risk.

Modern materials tend to be harder wearing and more durable, which makes them a better choice for a chew proof bed. Try materials such as Kevlar, or Nylon weave. Some owners have reported great success with materials such as reinforced PVC, and canvas as well.

The Tough Pup orthopedic dog bed is made from a 1680 denier rated ballistic nylon, stitched with Kevlar stitching, and has a durable Velcro closure. The inner is gel-infused memory foam, so as well as being easy on the joints, and providing full-body support, it can also help regulate your dog’s temperature. It’s machine washable and is available in three size options with a choice of three colors.

The Titan Citadel Ballistic Dog Bed is made from 1690 denier ballistic nylon, and Kevlar. It has a memory foam inner mattress so that it is comfortable and supportive. It has a hidden zipper and a non-slip bottom. It’s machine washable, and available in three sizes.

Finding a chew proof bed is only one part of the puzzle. You’ll also need to look at ways to reduce your dog’s need to chew.

The most common causes of chewing are anxiety and boredom. Regular exercise and training can help keep his body and mind occupied, which will reduce his need to chew. Intelligent dogs can enjoy games such as hide and seek, or activities that keep their brains active such as agility or dog ball.

Dogs are pack animals and don’t enjoy being alone. Limiting the amount of time your dog spends on his own can help reduce the amount of chewing and destruction he does. Some people say that you shouldn’t leave your adult dog alone for more than four hours, assuming there are no other issues

Toys that have been designed to combat boredom can also help in two ways. Firstly, you can use them to divert your dog’s attention from chewing. Secondly, he can play with them if he is alone. Ruffwear’s Gnawt-A-Cone is a great toy to stimulate your dog’s brain. It’s shaped like a pine cone, but it can also hold treats. As your dog plays with the toy, he works to get the treats out, and then self rewards his non-destructive behavior.

There are some cases when a chew-proof bed and training won’t be enough. Some rescue dogs can suffer from severe separation anxiety, or past traumas, which may only be treated with the help of a professional bed behaviorist. Always seek advice if you’re struggling to understand your dog or his needs. 

Products

For More Articles Check Out

Meet The Author