My dog won't stop chewing. What can I do when I've tried everything?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Camellia may have generalized anxiety, or separation anxiety. This can cause dogs to have destructive behaviors, such as chewing excessively, tearing up furniture or clothes, etc. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian about medications that can be given to help reduce anxiety at home, and make dogs much more calm at home. These can include Trazodone, Prozac, Clomicalm, etc. Many dogs tolerate these medications very well and can save them from being relinquished to shelters. I hope this is helpful! Please consider there before rehoming Camellia, as her underlying problems will not go away on their own, and changing homes can actually worsen her signs.

I'm so sorry you're going through this with Max. Unfortunately, young dogs have a lot of energy that can become destructive if they don't have any other outlet for it. The simplest short term solution might be to crate Max during the day while you're gone, but I think the best long term solution will be to find appropriate outlets for his energy. One of my favorite things for young dogs are feeding balls and toys such as a BusterCube. You can feed his entire meal in it, which will take him a while and require him to "play" more. I would also strongly recommend some additional training classes. It sounds simple, but my dog is 2 years old and he is always tired (and better behaved) for a day after an obedience class because he really worked his mind. I would also consider a doogy care care or dog walking service. That can make a world of difference. I hope that gives you some ideas. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh no! If he will tolerate a crate, I would strongly consider this to help prevent him from swallowing something he shouldn’t and to prevent more damage to your house. I would also consider some calming chews like vetriscience composure and a calming collar like adaptil. If this doesn’t help, I would talk to your vet about starting him on an anti-anxiety Medicine. I hope this helps!

Why don't you crate Chico while you are gone? The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone, and it will keep him from chewing on things. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. I hope this helps!

It is safest to keep in confined to a kennel with a treat to help him stay safe and entertained. You can get the thick water buffalo horns or elk antlers that are stronger and last longer than typical rawhides. If you are home with him, let him out and correct him when he chews the wrong things. Tell him no and give him something he is allowed to chew on to help

Hi and thanks for posting on PetCoach! Redirecting with a tactile enjoyable toy that Max really loves can help quite a bit. Continuing to do this and being consistent with this technique is key. Also making sure Max is stimulated in other ways every day can make a big impact such as play time and frequent walks. You can also try spraying bitter apple on areas where Max likes to inappropriately chew and this can help deter him from chewing on or near that location again. I have provided a helpful training video below you may find useful as well. https://youtu.be/3Odb0BAjZxA

Hello, sorry to hear about Charlie. It sounds like this could be more a behavioral problem and not so much a toothache problem. Tooth disease typically causes dogs to avoid hard materials. You're correct in being worried about Charlie eating these things as it can indeed cause GI problems and lead to tooth problems. This behavior can be elicited from stress and lack of environmental enrichment. You should get Charlie toys (kong toys) for him to play with and remove any other materials that he could get into. If this doesn't improve, he may need to be crate trained or wear a basket muzzle while you work with a behaviorist to decrease the incidence of this. Contact your veterinarian for advice on a local behaviorist whom may offer better support and further information. Monitor Charlie for any vomiting, decreased appetite, or lethargy and have him evaluated if you note any of these. Hope this helps and best of luck.