Was sollte mein Hund nicht kauen?

Auch wenn Dein Hund gerne auf allem kaut, was in das Maul passt, solltest Du auf die Kaugelegenheiten achten. Auch wenn Knochen ein klassischer Kausnack sind, ist nicht jeder Knochen ungefährlich. Gekochte Knochen musst Du immer vermeiden, da diese eher splittern und beim Schlucken Deinen Hund verletzen können. Kleine Knochen, wie von Geflügel oder Kleintieren, solltest Du auch nicht zum Kauen geben. Durch die Größe ist die Gefahr des Verschluckens ebenfalls hoch. Die Kaubeschäftigung sollte auch nicht zu hart oder zu weich sein. Zu hart kann Zahnschäden verursachen, zu weiches Material kann ungewollt verschluckt werden. Generell solltest Du Deinen Hund immer beim Kauen beobachten und prüfen, wie Dein Hund auf das Spielzeug oder die Leckerlis reagiert. Kein Hund ist gleich und hat an jedem Spielzeug gleich viel Spaß.

Mein Hund kaut an Möbeln oder Schuhen. Was kann ich tun?

Als erstes solltest Du prüfen, ob Deine Fellnase sinnvolle Alternativen hat. Gefällt Deinem Hund sein Spielzeug oder die Snacks, die Du bereitgestellt hast? Wenn auch andere Dinge wie Frust oder Zahnschmerzen abgeklärt sind, solltest Du mit richtigem Training das Kauen abgewöhnen. Dabei gilt es, dass Du stringent bist: Bei jedem Fehlverhalten musst Du mit einem klarem “Nein” reagieren, immer und immer wieder, bis Dein Hund versteht, was gekaut werden darf und was nicht. Für die Zeiten, in denen Du abwesend bist, können Bitterstoffe oder andere Mittel, die Deinem Hund nicht schmecken, helfen.

Hund liegt im Gras und kaut intensiv auf einem großen Knochen, natürliche Szene für Liebesgut Tiernahrung

Why do dogs actually like to chew?

You have probably already given your dog a chew or a chewy toy and watched him chew on it with relish and joy. Or you've been shocked to realise that your dog has been munching on your furniture or shoes while you were away. You must have asked yourself the question: Why do dogs actually like to chew so much? In short: it's in their nature, calms them down and is good for their teeth. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at why dogs like to chew and how you can encourage healthy chewing habits.

Dogs like to chew because it relieves stress and is fun

The question "Why do dogs like to chew?" has a seemingly simple answer at first glance, but there are many reasons. The urge to chew in dogs is not a bad thing at first and is completely normal, because chewing is simply fun for dogs and calms them down. Chewing releases the happiness hormone endorphin, which is also found in humans. We also release endorphins when we have eaten well - it makes us feel good. No wonder your four-legged friend also enjoys opportunities to chew. Chewing signals to the brain that it is a time to relax and eat or chew in peace. The chewing movement itself also has stress-relieving properties: You've probably bounced your legs from nervousness or paced up and down the corridor. The same principle applies to your furry friend: chewing provides your dog with an activity that reduces nervousness or at least acts as a distraction. Chewing also relaxes the muscles in the jaw.

Even young dogs like to chew

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, young dogs and puppies have another reason why they enthusiastically nibble on their entire environment: their growing teeth press on their gums and can cause unpleasant pressure points and even pain. By chewing, your puppy can help himself and calm down.

Another point that seems obvious at first glance, but is nevertheless profound: dogs don't have hands. For the most part, they can only interact directly and consciously with their environment using their snout and teeth. The urge to explore is particularly strong in young dogs. Everything is exciting and needs to be nibbled on so that your puppy learns how the world works. Of course, it is particularly exciting when a nip attracts the attention of the owner and leads to interaction. That's why it's important to check early on what your puppy likes to chew on and when in order to teach him the right behaviour. It doesn't matter to your puppy whether he chews on his toy, a table leg or your shoe, which is why it is all the more important to provide your dog with suitable chews or toys. Your puppy must also learn not to bite too hard when playing to prevent injuries.

Chewing helps the teeth

In addition to keeping your puppy busy, chewing is also important for dental health: chewing stimulates the flow of saliva and blood circulation, which ensures healthy gums and prevents tooth decay. The friction generated by chewing can rub off food residues and even tartar, so chew toys and chew snacks are a species-appropriate substitute for a toothbrush for your four-legged friend. Here, too, you should make sure that you give your dog the right things to chew on: Soft dog food or small treats are tasty, but do not provide long-term chewing fun that promotes dental care.

Stress and boredom as reasons why your dog likes to chew

Your dog likes to chew because it's fun, calms him down and provides distraction. In principle, chewing on toys or chews is nothing that should worry you. However, you should pay attention to when and how often your four-legged friend chews, as any change in behaviour could indicate potential problems. For example, if your four-legged friend is constantly chewing on unsuitable objects despite training, this could be a sign that he is bored and not getting enough stimulation. If you play a lot with your dog and the walks are long enough, there may be other reasons for the excessive chewing. For example, some dogs react to stressful situations such as being alone with an increased urge to chew, as chewing relaxes them. In puppies, chewing is often a means of soothing the teeth, but adult dogs can also use chewing to calm down when they have toothache.

Chewing fun for your dog

Chewing is good for your dog - which is why it is important that your four-legged friend has the right tools and can let off steam.

High-quality chew toys form a good basis for this. Rubber toys are resistant and do not break into dangerous pieces, so they offer a safe chewing experience. The soft material yields slightly when chewed and feels good for your four-legged friend. Toys in which you can hide treats are also ideal: These can not only be chewed, but also offer a challenge and stimulation beyond chewing, keeping your dog meaningfully occupied.

As well as toys, dry dog snacks (such as our organic dog snacks) are also fantastic for satisfying your dog's chewing instinct. Dried snacks such as our beef nose cartilage or rabbit ears offer your dog the opportunity to chew for a long time and are also healthy. When producing our dry snacks, we make sure that no antibiotics, colourings or preservatives are used. The drying process ensures that the snacks contain as many nutrients as possible. We also avoid adding sugar so that the dry snacks are an easy addition to the diet.

Every dog has its own preferences - so it makes sense for you to try out different snacks. At Liebesgut, we offer a variety of protein sources to suit every taste. In addition to classic beef rumen, you will also find chewing sticks made from herring or horse legs. Does your dog have intolerances or would you simply like to know what to look out for? Give us a call on 09642 9157606! We will advise you personally on the perfect dog snack for your four-legged friend.

Conclusion: Dogs naturally like to chew

Chewing is important for your dog and he should have the opportunity to fulfil this need: Chewing reduces stress and releases the happiness hormone endorphin, which contributes to the well-being of your furry friend. It is also important for dental health that there are enough opportunities to chew. To ensure that your dog doesn't chew on furniture or clothing, he needs chew toys and high-quality chews. Pay attention to how your dog behaves when chewing to ensure its safety. This will keep your dog healthy and happy!

My dog is chewing on furniture or shoes. What can I do?

Firstly, you should check whether your furry friend has any useful alternatives. Does your dog like his toys or the snacks you have provided? If other issues such as frustration or toothache have also been clarified, you should break the chewing habit with the right training. It is important that you are stringent: you must respond to any misbehaviour with a clear "no", over and over again, until your dog understands what is allowed to be chewed and what is not. For the times when you are absent, bitter substances or other remedies that your dog doesn't like can help.

Frequently asked questions about dog chewing

What should my dog not chew?

Even if your dog likes to chew on anything that fits in its mouth, you should be aware of the chewing opportunities. Even though bones are a classic chew, not every bone is safe. You should always avoid cooked bones, as they are more likely to splinter and can injure your dog when swallowed.

Small bones, such as those from poultry or small animals, should also not be given as a chew. Due to their size, the risk of swallowing is also high.

The chew should also not be too hard or too soft. Material that is too hard can cause tooth damage, material that is too soft can be swallowed unintentionally.

In general, you should always watch your dog chew and check how your dog reacts to the toy or treats. No two dogs are the same and enjoy every toy in the same way.