Tag Archives: chewing

DIY Chew Toy

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My brother’s two dogs are super chewers. We often have a hard time finding toys that will survive for more than a few minutes around their powerful jaws! Recently, I wondered if I could make a toy that would stand up to a power chewer. In theory, it isn’t hard to make a dog toy. Just take the fabric of your choosing, sew it into a simple shape like a rectangle or circle, stuff it with cotton batting, and close the hole. Easy, right? But when you’re dealing with power chewers, you have to be even more crafty. You need … Continue reading →

Common Choking Hazards for Pets

Let’s face it — pets eat some weird things. I’ve caught my boxer mix Lally chewing on things like wicker baskets and even the cord of my vacuum cleaner. My other dog, Moose, is more of a licker than a chewer, but I’ve seen him licking the comforter, the floor, and even the walls. Like I said, weird taste. Younger animals are more likely to sample non-food objects than older ones are — some veterinarians think that’s just the curiosity of the young. Eating strange things may also be a throwback to wild animals that eat the entire body of … Continue reading →

Why Chewing Gum Is Good For You

Bring enough gum for everybody — because chewing gum can be good for you! Chewing a sugar-free gum after meals can help neutralize acids that turn into plaque on your teeth. This reduces your risk of developing cavities! Cinnamon is a natural germ killer. Cinnamon gum can help bust bad breath. Minty gums can help too, but the sweet scent may just cover up the problem, not neutralize the germs in your mouth. Chewing gum can help you lose weight — studies have shown that people who chew gum between meals tend to snack less. Whether the chewing motion keeps … Continue reading →

Do You Own A Canine Shredder?

A cousin of mine owns a pet store and always brings treats and toys for the dogs at holiday time. Michelle gifted all five dogs in the family — my two dogs, Moose and Lally; my brother’s two dogs, Kuma and Lily; and my parents’ dog Becca — with little squeaky stuffed animals. And the family watched in awe, humor, and horror as Kuma proceeded to mangle her little pink squeaky pig. The first thing to go? The snout. Then an ear, and an arm. Then the white cotton batting inside went flying! My cousin Steve decided it would be … Continue reading →

Why Does My Dog Chew His Legs?

In my house, we start the day with a vigorous leg-chewing session. Excessive chewing can be a sign of skin allergies, or a reaction to insect bites. Keeping your dog on a monthly flea and tick medication like Frontline can help reduce bite problems! If your dog has other allergies (seasonal or food), the paws may be the first place they start to itch. If your dog is chewing himself nonstop — especially if he has chewed his skin open — call your vet and schedule an appointment. A cortisone shot may give him the relief he needs! Your dog … Continue reading →

Wool Sucking

How cute is this: a big, tough tom cat curled up on your favorite sweater. He kneads the soft material with his paws, and even sucks on the wool like a kitten. My parent’s dog Becca has a similar behavior — she loves to chew on soft, knitted afghans. You can tell that she’s blissfully chomping away on a blanket because her teeth make little squeaky noises on the fabric. Wool sucking, or whatever you want to call it, isn’t usually harmful for pets. It can be harmful to your clothes and belongings! A dog or cat’s sharp teeth can … Continue reading →

Stop Destructive Chewing!

You’ve heard the horror stories about power chewers. “My dog chewed a recliner.” “My dogs ate a mattress.” “My dog chewed his way through sheetrock.” The first two are actual things my brother’s dogs did. The last horror story came from a pet community I belong to. Even my own Moose managed to chew some holes in an empty dog food can. Power chewing can often be attributed to boredom or separation anxiety. A bored dog can easily become a destructive dog. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise and stimulation, she may start chewing out of sheer boredom. Make … Continue reading →