Help, My Dog Chews Up Their Bed!

You’ve just bought a brand-new bed for your furry best friend, and you’re so excited for him to try it out for the first time. Most dogs love to curl up on a nice, comfy dog bed and take a nap, so you figure that your dog will enjoy it just as much. 

However, you start to notice that your dog is “enjoying” it in a different manner – he is chewing on it! Why do some dogs do this? What does it mean and how can you stop your dog from chewing on his bed?

There can be a few reasons why your dog is chewing on his bed. If it is the first dog bed he’s ever seen, then he might not know what a dog bed really is.

He might see a soft, fabric-covered item that you’ve presented to him, and he may just assume that it is a chew toy because it is made of the same materials from which his chew toys are made. Sometimes, you need to teach your dog that his bed’s true function is for sleeping upon.

You can do this by encouraging him to sit and lie down on it. You can also keep the dog bed next to your own in your bedroom. Your dog knows that the bedroom is the place to sleep because that is where you sleep. Therefore, if your bed is where you sleep, then your dog may get the idea that the dog bed is here he should sleep.

Anxiety and stress can also lead to bed chewing. Whether your dog’s anxiety is related to stress from a new home, new people in the house, separation anxiety or noise phobias, the stress that he feels can contribute to destructive behaviors.

Chewing is one of the most common problems, and anxious dogs will chew on almost anything, from walls and doorways to furniture and upholstery. Dogs may especially prefer to chew on the things that smell the most like their family which explains why some dogs love to chew on our socks and underwear.

Dogs that are bored may also turn to destructive behaviors like chewing. This is especially common for high-energy dogs, so it is important to make sure that puppies and energetic adults get the attention and exercise that they need. Be sure to encourage chewing on items that are safe for chewing such as dental treats and chew toys. Playtime at a doggie daycare long walks, and training and agility classes are all excellent ways for your dog to expend some extra energy.

Bad smells can cause your dog to chew on something unfamiliar. If food or drink has been spilled somewhere, then your dog may lick and chew the area. Dogs may also try to chew on items that smell like other animals, or they may chew simply because they like the smell or the taste.

One of the most important ways to discourage chewing is to address your dog’s anxiety. It is best to determine the cause of your dog’s anxiety. For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, then you must avoid certain visual cues (e.g. putting your shoes on or grabbing your car keys in the morning).

This is part of behavior modification therapy. Some dogs may have such severe anxiety that they require an anti-anxiety medication from your veterinarians such as fluoxetine or clomipramine. The use of calming products like CBD oil can also help improve anxiety as well as help with pain and inflammation if present.

To help with boredom, it is best to give your dog plenty of attention and exercise. The kind of training that is associated with agility courses can help keep your dog’s mind busy yet focused.

Playtime at doggie daycare or a dog park, even if for just a few hours, can help your dog to get plenty of exercise while also socializing with other pets and people. There are also plenty of toys that are specifically designed like puzzles to help keep your dog’s mind sharp. Rubber toys are acceptable for chewing upon as long as small pieces do not break apart and fall off.

Even if your dog still attempts to chew on his bed, there are several chew-resistant beds here at SitStay.com that are available for purchase.

The Titan Acropolis dog bed is very durable with its chew-resistant nylon fabric and Kevlar threads that are used at the seams. The fabric also helps to wick away moisture, so it isn’t prone to staining from dogs that try to chew or lick it.

The Titan Citadel Ballistic dog bed is made from a material similar to the Acropolis bed but is a little softer and has a soft frame around it. The cover is machine washable and is highly resistant to chewing.

Tough Titan Orthopedic Crate bed is also made from the same fabric but contains a memory foam pad with cooling gel to help keep your dog from getting too warm. This bed is a short but comfortable pad that can be kept in your dog’s crate and is highly chew-proof.

Tough Buddy Titan Memory Foam dog bed is another product containing memory foam but is a full dog bed. Comprised of the same tough materials as the other beds, it also has a large bolster around three sides for extra comfort for your dog.

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Chewing is a type of destructive behavior that can be triggered by anxiety, boredom, and even confusion between what is a toy and what isn’t. You can help your pup by addressing his anxieties and making sure that he has a way to release all of his pent-up energy.

Training is integral when it comes to chewing behaviors, and one of the best ways to ensure that your dog won’t destroy his bed is to make sure that you purchase one that is sturdy and strong! If you are still unsure why your dog is chewing, or if nothing seems to be helping him, make sure to contact your veterinarian for more advice on what to do.