Dogs may destroy their toys for several reasons, including entertainment, fulfilling an instinctual prey drive, separation anxiety or boredom, the need for more durable toys, and reinforcement of the behavior through attention.
The instinct to attack and tear apart toys mimics prey behavior, especially in hunting breeds.
Destructive chewing can also be a sign of anxiety or boredom when a dog is left alone for extended periods.
Aggressive chewers may require sturdier toys made of durable materials, and the behavior can be unintentionally encouraged if puppies receive attention or praise for rough play with toys.
Allowing dogs to destroy toys can pose health risks, such as intestinal blockages from swallowing large pieces of toy materials, including squeakers.
Symptoms of blockage include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and distress, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
To reduce destructive behavior, supervision during playtime is recommended, along with redirecting the dog’s focus, offering high value treats, and providing a variety of appropriate chew toys.
Increasing physical and mental enrichment through exercise and interactive toys can also help manage chewing habits.
Durable, dental safe toys designed for aggressive chewers are available, but no toy is completely indestructible, so ongoing monitoring is important for safety.
Chewy editorial team delves into why dogs destroy their toys, whether it is safe to allow this behavior, and effective strategies to manage and stop destructive chewing.
They also highlight durable dog toys designed specifically for aggressive chewers, providing safe options to satisfy your dog's chewing needs.
