What do vets recommend for dog chewing

When Sarah from San Francisco first brought home her golden retriever puppy, she woke up to shredded couch cushions and a chewed-up designer shoe. "I thought he was just being naughty," she laughs now, "until my vet explained that chewing is as natural to dogs as breathing." If you've found your sneakers transformed into chew toys or caught your Labrador gnawing on table legs, you're not alone. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists agree: understanding why dogs chew—and how to channel that instinct safely—is key to raising a happy, well-behaved pup in modern homes.

Dogs chew for primal reasons rooted in their wolf ancestry. Puppies teethe like human babies, using chewing to soothe sore gums as adult teeth emerge. Adult dogs gnaw to maintain dental health, relieve anxiety, or simply stave off boredom. A 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs left without appropriate chew outlets are 70% more likely to develop destructive behaviors. "It's not defiance," explains Dr. Lisa Carlson, a Chicago-based vet. "It's a biological need—like us needing to stretch our legs."

So how do vets suggest satisfying this urge? Start with age-appropriate choices. For teething puppies, soft rubber toys like the Kong Classic (frozen with peanut butter for extra relief) are ideal. Adult dogs may enjoy durable nylon chews, but steer clear of rawhide—vets warn these can splinter and cause intestinal blockages. Dr. Carlson's go-to recommendation? "Bully sticks or antlers from reputable sources, which are long-lasting and low-risk when supervised." Always introduce new chews gradually, pairing them with praise to create positive associations.

Now let's talk about ground rules in Western pet culture. First, the legal bits: in most U.S. states, dogs must be up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines before socializing, and the "poop scoop law" is strictly enforced—failing to clean up after your dog in public can land you a $100+ fine in cities like New York or Los Angeles. But beyond laws, there's a cultural emphasis on positive reinforcement. "Never punish chewing with physical corrections," stresses Dr. Maria Rodriguez of Austin's Animal Behavior Clinic. "That teaches dogs to fear you, not to stop chewing." Instead, redirect them to a toy mid-chew, rewarding when they make the switch.

Apartment dwellers face unique challenges. A Boston terrier cooped up in a studio might chew out of pent-up energy, so vets recommend combining chew toys with regular exercise—even 15-minute fetch sessions twice daily can make a difference. Community etiquette matters too: keep chews that make noise (like squeaky toys) indoors to avoid annoying neighbors, and always leash your dog during walks—off-leash chewing in public parks violates most local ordinances.

Here's a pro tip from Dr. Carlson's practice: when introducing a new chew, supervise your dog for the first 20 minutes. "Watch for aggressive chewing that could break the toy into small pieces," she says. "And if your dog suddenly loses interest or starts drooling excessively, it might signal dental pain—call your vet." This kind of hands-on approach aligns with the Western focus on proactive pet care, where regular vet check-ins (not just emergencies) are the norm.

Crucially, never use chew toys as a substitute for human interaction. A study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science found that dogs left alone with chews for over 4 hours showed higher stress levels than those given short periods of playtime. "Chewing is a tool, not a babysitter," notes Dr. Rodriguez. "Pair it with training sessions using treats—like teaching 'leave it'—to build a stronger bond."

In cities like Seattle, where pet-friendly apartments often require "chew damage waivers," proactive owners are already ahead. By choosing vet-recommended chews, practicing positive redirection, and respecting local rules, you'll turn your pup's chewing instinct into a behavior that enriches both their life and yours. As Sarah learned, "Now my golden retriever chews his Benebone while I work from home—it's our little routine, and my couch is finally safe!"