Why do dogs get the urge to chew?

During the long history of humans living with dogs, the behavior of dogs chewing on items can be both frustrating and puzzling. The tooth marks on the edges of sofas, shredded slippers, and incomplete toys are familiar scenes to many dog owners. From a professional perspective, a dog's urge to chew is by no means accidental. It is the result of the combined influence of their innate instincts embedded in their genes and their acquired environment, embodying their survival wisdom, emotional needs, and growth marks.

Tracing back from an evolutionary perspective, a dog's ancestor, the wolf, is a typical carnivore. Chewing and biting are essential skills for obtaining food and dealing with prey. Even after thousands of years of domestication, a dog's physiological structure still retains characteristics suitable for chewing: sharp canine teeth are used for tearing flesh, and molars are capable of grinding bones. This innate physiological structure determines their natural tendency towards chewing behavior. In the wild, wolves obtain bone marrow by chewing on the bones of their prey, which not only supplements their nutrition but also sharpens their teeth. Although dogs no longer need to hunt for survival, the instinct of chewing behavior has been preserved and has become an important way for them to interact with the world.

For puppies, chewing is an essential part of their growth process. Just as human infants explore the world during the oral stage, puppies enter the teething period between 3 and 6 months after birth. During this stage, their deciduous teeth gradually fall out, and permanent teeth begin to grow, causing discomfort such as swelling and itching in their gums. Chewing behavior becomes an effective way for them to relieve the discomfort of the teething period. By chewing on items of different textures, puppies can reduce the pain in their gums and promote the normal growth of their permanent teeth. The chewed furniture and shoes are actually their "natural massagers" to alleviate pain, and each chew is filled with the hardships and discomfort of their growth.

In addition to physiological needs, chewing is also an important way for dogs to release their energy and relieve stress. Dogs are energetic animals that require a lot of exercise and activity to burn off their excess energy. When their owners are unable to meet their exercise needs or when dogs feel bored being alone for a long time, chewing becomes a way for them to pass the time. Moreover, dogs are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Situations such as moving house, the addition of new members to the family, or the owner being away from home for a long time can all cause them to feel anxious. Chewing behavior can help them relieve their inner unease. Just as humans unconsciously bite their nails when they are nervous, chewing is a means of self-soothing for dogs and an outlet for their emotions when facing stress.

From a behavioral perspective, chewing is also a unique way for dogs to explore the world. Dogs have extremely sensitive senses of smell and taste. They perceive the texture, smell, and taste of items by chewing, thus learning about their surrounding environment. For dogs, every item may be a "mysterious gift" full of unknowns, and chewing is their way of opening this gift and exploring its mysteries. Whether it is a soft plush toy or a hard rubber bone, it can convey rich information to dogs during the chewing process and satisfy their inborn curiosity.

In addition, chewing behavior is closely related to a dog's social and emotional needs. In a dog's group life, chewing and playing with each other are important ways to establish and maintain social relationships. When dogs interact with their owners or other companions, moderate chewing games can enhance the trust and intimacy between them. Of course, this kind of chewing is fundamentally different from destructive chewing. It is a friendly and affectionate interaction, a way for dogs to express their emotions and seek attention.

By understanding the reasons behind a dog's urge to chew, we can face this behavior with a more tolerant and scientific attitude. For the chewing behavior of puppies during the teething period, owners can prepare special teething toys to help them relieve discomfort; for chewing caused by excess energy or boredom, increasing exercise and interactive games are effective solutions; and for chewing caused by anxiety, owners need to provide more companionship and comfort to help dogs build a sense of security.

A dog's urge to chew may seem like a "destructive behavior," but in fact, it is a way for them to communicate with the world and meet their own needs. Every chew tells of their physiological needs, emotional longings, and curiosity about the world. When we truly understand the reasons behind it, we will find that these seemingly naughty behaviors are actually a silent manifestation of their dependence and trust in us. As owners, what we need to do is not simply to stop them but to provide correct guidance and sufficient love, allowing dogs to grow in a healthy and happy environment and jointly write a harmonious chapter of the relationship between humans and dogs filled with love and understanding.