Your dog may be your best friend, but just as with your human pals, there’s a limit to how much you can take. In your pup’s case, the line should be drawn when they start gnawing on your possessions and making a meal out of your favorite furniture. What exactly causes them to chew so indiscriminately, and can it be prevented? Below, the pet sitting team at Evergreen Kennels in Churchville, NY, explains that there are a few reasons your furry friend may be so chew-happy.

Why Won’t My Dog Stop Chewing?

1. Expending Energy

Just like humans need to release their tension, pets have to let loose now and then. Their excess chewing may be the result of pent-up energy. One way to relieve this is to take them outside and give them the chance to tire out in the sunlight. Go for a long walk and make it a regular activity; this will prevent over-excitement and provide more stability and routine, both of which relax your dog and keep them from going over the top with their behaviors.

2. Natural Behavior

It’s important to recognize that, to some degree, all of that chewing is normal. Pet sitting experts stress that it’s not unusual for your dog to gnaw at anything they can gnash their teeth into. The goal, though, is to minimize chewing of improper objects and direct their attention to something else, such as a bone or a chew toy from the pet supplies store.

3. Frayed Nerves

Do you sometimes come back from work to find your belongings have been chewed beyond recognition? It’s not an unusual phenomenon, and it’s something many boarding and pet sitting professionals recognize as a sign of anxiety. When you — the familiar, loving owner who provides constant attention — leave for an extended period, it causes your pet to react outwardly. This may manifest in the form of excessive chewing. Create a “goodbye” routine so your pet grows accustomed to your brief time away. Leave calmly and without making a big fuss about your departure. You can also leave the radio or TV on; the sound of a human voice is relaxing to some dogs.

Does your chew-happy pup need a place to stay? Providing high-quality dog boarding services in Rochester and the surrounding area, the team at Evergreen Kennels understands that all pets are different. That’s why they offer attentive, personalized care and treat your dog as if they were their own. Visit the doggy day care facility’s website for more information on their pet sitting and grooming services, and call (585) 293-1920 to speak with a friendly member of the team today.