3 Reasons Dogs Chew Their Beds (and How To Stop It)

Pets are like family, and just like you wouldn’t skimp on a mattress where you’ll spend 1/3 of your life, many pet owners are willing to invest in a bed that’s comfortable and supportive to make sure their dog is able to rest in style and comfort. Knowing that investment, it can be frustrating to come home and find that your dog has chewed through their bed, and your investment. Beds are a popular target for chewers because they’re soft and fuzzy, similar to a prey animal.

 

Today, we’ll be spending a little time discussing why dogs tear up their beds, what you can do to help curb that behavior, and what you should be looking for in chew proof dog beds.

 

Exploration and Instinct

 

Like babies, your dog explores much of the world through their mouth, so from puppyhood, this behavior may evolve as a way for your dog to try and understand the world around them. Chewing, like scratching in cats, is part of a dog’s instinctual behavior, so it’s important to manage your expectations when it comes to chewing behaviors as a whole. Rather than trying to stop this behavior altogether, your best bet will be to redirect your dog toward toys and other acceptable items to chew on.

 

Boredom and Anxiety

 

Whether you’re away from the home or have a busy home life that keeps you away from your dog, it’s important to remember that the majority of your dog requires stimulation for both the mind and the body. Without regular walks, toys to play with, and other enrichment activities, dogs may become destructive out of boredom, or to get a reaction from owners. Similarly, if your dog experiences separation anxiety, bed chewing can manifest as an anxiety behavior. Again, you can redirect this behavior by ensuring that your dog gets regular exercise and enrichment while you’re at home, including appropriate chew toys and other items that will make chewing on the bed seem less appealing.

 

Underlying Health Problem

 

If you can’t trace the problem to lack of enrichment elsewhere and have been unsuccessful in redirecting your dog’s attention, it’s possible that an underlying health issue may be at play. Whether you suspect a compulsive chewing disorder or a gastrointestinal issue, you should discuss this issue with your vet as soon as possible.

 

What Should I Look For in a Dog Bed

 

When looking for chew proof dog beds, you’ll need to walk a fine line between durability and comfort. After all, with more than 1 in 5 dogs over age 7 developing arthritis, you’re unlikely to have success getting your dog to use even the most indestructible dog bed if it’s not also comfortable. When you’re out shopping for chew proof dog beds, some factors to consider are reinforced stitching, dense fibers, and a durable exterior, all of which are indicators that a dog bed is designed to stand up to even the toughest chewer. If your dog’s bone and joint health is also something you’re concerned about, make sure that that tough exterior is matched by an orthopedic mattress for a dog bed that will keep them comfortable into old age.

 

Whether your dog is a puppy who’s still learning to explore or a senior dog who’s just looking for a nice place to rest, chew proof dog beds are a great way to be sure that your dog has a comfortable place in your home that will grow with them and protect your investment. You won’t have to ask, “why do dogs tear up their beds” anymore. Kennel trained dogs who chew can also benefit from chew proof crate pads in order to ensure they have the same level of comfort whether you’re at home or away. By the time your dog realizes that they can’t chew through this bed so easily, they’ll have developed an attachment to it, which will allow you the comfort and peace of mind that your four-legged family member is taken care of for years to come.