Every dog owner knows it: the dog chews. On shoes, on the table leg, on the remote control if nothing better is around. That is not bad behaviour but a need that belongs to a dog just as much as sniffing and digging. If you understand it, you can steer it. Here are the reasons, and what follows from them for choosing a chew.
Chewing calms
While chewing, the dog's body releases messenger substances that relax. That is why dogs chew especially much when they are excited, have to stay alone or are bored. A chew in the evening or before you leave the house is for many dogs what a walk is for us: pressure off. But that only works if the item lasts long enough. A snack that is gone in two bites does not calm.
Chewing is instinct
Wild dogs and wolves work their way through skin, tendons and bones to get everything from the prey animal. That urge is still there in the family dog, it just lacks the opportunity in the bowl. Dry food takes two seconds. A dried deer leg or a piece of horse skin gives the dog back exactly the work its jaw is looking for.
Chewing during teething
From the fourth month, puppies chew on everything because the gums itch and the milk teeth wobble. That is the phase in which most shoes meet their end. A soft chew stick or a coffee wood in the smallest size redirects that and helps the teeth out. More on this in our article Coffee wood for dogs.
Chewing cleans the teeth
While chewing, firm surfaces rub plaque off the teeth and massage the gums. That does not replace dental care, but it noticeably delays tartar. Chews that stay in the mouth for a long time and offer resistance work best: chew wood, chew cheese, beef head skin, fish skin.
What happens if the dog is not allowed to chew?
Then it finds something. Dogs that never get chews chew on furniture, leads or themselves. Some develop restlessness because they lack an outlet. That is why we say: chewing is not an extra but basic provision.
Which chew for which dog?
- Puppy during teething: chew sticks, coffee wood S, soft cubes.
- Normal chewer: beef head skin, horse skin, chew cheese.
- Power chewer: deer legs, horse lower leg, ebony, chew root.
- Dog on a diet: chew wood and chew root, both without calories.
- Allergy sufferer: everything from a single animal species, see snacks for allergies.
- Senior: soft things like beef lips or coffee wood, nothing hard.
Three rules for every chew
First: bigger than the mouth is wide, so nothing gets swallowed. Second: under supervision, especially the first time. Third: take the rest away as soon as it is small enough to swallow. With these three rules, chewing is one of the safest and healthiest occupations you can give your dog.
You will find all chews under chews for dogs.
