What to do for a dog that chews
This in from Ginger’s family (formerly known as Ani)…
The question:
Ginger (Ani) as a puppy
Ginger’s 7-mos old now, and is doing great — except for one thing.
I know all puppies love to chew, but lately — within the last few weeks, she’s taken to chewing a few odd things, like carpeting, rocks, etc. The carpeting really concerned me, because a few times, she has swallowed pieces. Including the backing. The next morning she would throw it up. (which I’m glad of) the pieces are up to a couple of inches long. But I still fear that pieces can get lodged in her intestines, and cause serious blockage.
I’ve more or less given up on rawhides, because she demolishes them fairly quickly — when they would get to be a few inches long, she would swallow them. (which I don’t think is good either). The rope type toys she chews up and swallows the little pieces of rope.
Do you have any suggestions on what I can give her that will satisfy her chewing desires, yet would be safe if she swallows it???
I haven’t tried one of those huge fat rawhides yet — I was thinking that might be my next option — but thought maybe you could offer some better suggestions.
Hope you had a good summer — can’t believe it’s almost September…
I’d appreciate any advice you can give me….
Take care,
P -
The answer:
Hi P-!
Yes chewing is a big deal for some pups…remember I sort of said that she was kind of mouthy? I think I did but whatever the case, she is needing to chew now. Here’s what I would suggest:
1) Make sure she is getting enough exercise. Often dogs who are really bored and antsy will chew like crazy and chew things that are “bad” for them. She should be getting two walks a day, one of them being a hour long, the second a half hour. That is the MINIMUM I would recommend. Yes it is a lot. Yes. And if you do it, you will see a decrease in her chewing. It is difficult to chew when you are asleep!
2) Make sure she is getting enough mental stimulation. Similar to #1 above, dogs will chew when bored. Even 15 minutes of training a day will suffice. Just run her through her paces each day.
3) Give her something really great to chew. I am a BIG fan of the real beef bones sold at the pet super stores. Make sure it is a beef bone (not lamb or pork) and make sure it is larger than her leg. The kinds with the “meat” sort of dried on it is my dogs favorite. You can also get them from a regular butcher. Just ask what they have and most will be able to meet your needs. You can just give them to her raw or simmer them until they’re cooked. Be aware though, the cooked ones will be more likely to splinter so make sure they are good and thick. The Petco ones are already smoked and ready to go. For about $10 dollars (for two from Amazon), they are the best chew toy we’ve ever gotten. We’ve got some that are over 5 years old that they still love to chew.
So, I would make sure to address all three items and you should be fine. You may also want to consider re-crating her while you are out of the house for the time being. You are right to be worried about her ingesting those sorts of things!
Thanks for the update and let me know how this works out.
-Kristin
Brief update on puppy Ani
This note from Anialduln’s new family… her new name is Ginger!
Hi Kristin,
I’m definitely planning on coming to some of the puppy playtimes, but I want to get Ani (now named Ginger) used to riding in the car with some shorter trips first.
She’s doing great — getting big fast. I’m taking her to the vet in a few days for her next set of puppy shots, so I’ll get an accurate weight check then.
She’s doing really well with her potty training. She seems to like sleeping in her crate; she’ll even sometimes go in there during the day when we’re up and around and she’s loose in the house.
I hope Fluffy and Ruffy are in good homes too. Do you think they’ll go to any of the puppy socializations on Saturdays? I’d love to see them together again.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
A Dedication
Sadie in 2004
I had a dog as a child who taught me to love. Her name is Ginger and she was a “teacup” poodle. She was
my best friend growing up. I believe that she was an angel sent to keep my heart and soul intact. As an adult, I adopted a dog from the Minnesota Humane Society. Her name is Sadie. She died of lymphoma on Jan. 15, 2005. She was my adult version of Ginger, my angel sent to keep me whole. I was with her when she died and as her body let go of her spirit I felt literally surrounded by her love. I have dedicated my work with foster dogs to her, as one small way I can give back for all the love she gave to me.
