Eating the bed they lie on is a fairly common problem with dogs. Here we explore the reasons why dogs might chew their beds, and what you can do to stop them.
“Please help. My dog eats her bed. I’m worried she’ll be ill – the stuffing and cover bits can’t be good for her – and it’s costing me a fortune. She has loads of toys, so I don’t see what’s so tasty about her bed.”
What are the reasons for dogs chewing their bedding?
Eating the bed they lie on is a fairly common problem with dogs. There are several reasons why dogs might chew their beds.
– Puppies chew most when they are teething.
– Older dogs may chew when they are hungry.
– Or they might chew as a form of exploration.
– Rarely there might be a medical reason such as compulsive sucking behaviour, so always first ask your vet to check over your dog if you are worried about any odd behaviour.
There are two main reasons for chewing: boredom and stress.
Dogs who don’t get enough exercise, training or play time get bored. We humans are so busy with work and family that it can be difficult to give your dog the time they need. And bored dogs are very like bored children – they look for things to do and those things often involve some sort of destruction, of your fixtures and fittings, or their bedding.
There’s a simple solution. Give your dog more exercise and especially mental stimulation – sniff walks, scent games, training and play time. A tired dog will lie on their bed and sleep instead of chewing it.
The second main reason is stress and anxiety. If the chewing only happens when you are not there this is likely to be the case. The first thing to do is to work out what is stressing your dog. Is it another pet? Or the children? Or noises? Or being left alone? Try to work out how to reduce these stressors: set new boundaries, use baby gates or barriers, and ask for help in dealing with noise sensitivity or separation problems.
Stress affects dog health and welfare. If you suspect this might be the reason for the problem, please get your dog some help.
What sort of bed should you choose for your dog?
There are no completely chew-proof dog beds, but here’s some tips if you’re looking for a sturdier bed.
– Avoid zips and go for Velcro covers instead.
– Choose all fabric, or canvas beds. Plastic is very dangerous if dogs eat it.
– Orthopaedic dog beds are soft with no hard edges and might deter some chewers.
Let me know if these tips help your bed-eater!
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
