Does Chewing Help Dogs Relax? Understanding Its Effects on Behavior and Mental Health

Chewing is every dog’s favorite hobby. You give a dog anything, and they will start chewing it, whether it is chewable or not. They might also ruin your shoes if you don’t find anything better to chew.

You may be worried about your dog’s chewing habit, given that it costs you a lot to get that chewed furniture fixed. Well, this is not something you can control. Dogs are made to chew things. Dogs are naturally inclined to chew as part of their instinctual behavior.

You can find a suitable alternative to the furniture for your dog to chew on. There are many dog chews and chewy dog treat options available in the market that not only fulfill your doggo’s chewing needs but also provide nutrition.

Now the question is “Is it good for your dog to chew so much?”. The answer is yes. There are many benefits of chewing for dogs, and we will discuss them here today. So, let’s move on to how your dog’s favorite hobby can have a positive impact on its behavior.

Chewing is one of those things that every dog loves to do. They are designed to chew anything. Many dogs use chewing to relax and cope with their environment. You should never prevent your dog from chewing unless it is damaging your home decor or harmful to your pet’s health.

Your dog loves to chew because it makes him happy. The repetitive action of chewing has a calming effect and helps dogs manage stress and anxiety. If you give your dog a chewy treat, like bully sticks, they enjoy the taste and the chewing.

You don’t have to worry about your dog’s chewing habits because it is suitable for its health. There are many benefits that your dog can get from chewing. Let’s have a look at them.

Introduction to Dog Chews

Dog chews are more than just a way to keep your furry companion busy—they play a vital role in supporting your dog’s mental and dental health. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and providing appropriate chews helps to satisfy this instinct. For dog owners, understanding the importance of healthy chewing habits can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being.

Natural dog chews, such as bully sticks, are especially beneficial. Not only do they help reduce destructive behaviors by keeping your dog occupied, but they also promote dental health by scraping away tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth. This can help prevent dental issues and keep your dog’s breath fresher. Incorporating dog chews into your dog’s routine is a simple way to help your dog stay calm, relaxed, and engaged, which can reduce stress and anxiety. By supporting your dog’s natural need to chew, you’re helping them lead a happier, healthier life.

Mental Enrichment

When dogs chew, especially a chewy treat with intense flavors, they tend to chew it from every angle. This provides their brain with a little exercise and keeps them busy. Chewing offers sensory stimulation and helps exercise the dog's brain, promoting mental enrichment.

Chewing also helps calm your dog’s brain and produce endorphins. This gives them a sense of happiness. Regular chewing activities are essential for a dog's mental health and overall cognitive function. So, treating your dog with a long-lasting chewy treat improves your dog’s brain functioning and makes them smart.

Tip: Regularly clean your pet's chew toys to maintain hygiene.

Fights Anxiety and Stress

Chewing releases endorphins, which make your dog happy. When your doggo is happy, it is less likely to suffer from anxiety and stress. Chewing provides effective stress relief for dogs by helping them relax and self-soothe. This improves your dog’s mental health.

Chewing is like yoga for dogs. It calms them and gives them a sense of peace. Whenever your dog is anxious, it might try to find something to chew.

Kills Boredom

You might not enjoy chewing your food or find it boring, but it is something your dog enjoys. Chewing is a fun activity for every dog. It helps your dog deal with boredom.

Dogs do not get easily tired and need something to play with every time. Having a chewing toy or a long-lasting chewy treat can keep your dog occupied. The right chew can hold your dog's attention longer, providing both entertainment and mental stimulation. This also makes your dog playful and active.

Tip: Get your dog new chewy toys and treats regularly to keep the excitement alive.

Dental Benefits

Do you know that chewing is healthy for your dog’s teeth? Chewing strengthens your dog’s teeth and jaw as it provides a great form of exercise. Chewing also helps remove plaque from your dog's teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and promoting better oral hygiene.

The chewy treat your dog loves helps remove tartar buildup and reduce odor-causing bacteria. As your pet can not brush its teeth, this chewy stuff helps in cleaning your dog’s teeth and mouth.

Pawsitive Behavior

As we have learned, chewing now makes your dog happy and helps maintain its dental health. All this eventually leads to good behavior in your pet and simulates positivity.

If your dog is happy, less stressed, and not suffering from any dental health issues, it will likely behave well. This is all possible just because of a small chewy treat.

Choosing the Right Chew Toys

Selecting the right chew toy is essential for your dog’s safety, satisfaction, and health. Dog owners should always consider their dog’s size, breed, and unique chewing habits before choosing a chew toy. For example, durable chew toys made from tough rubber are perfect for dogs who love to chew for extended periods and need both mental and physical stimulation. These toys are long-lasting and help keep your dog entertained and active.

On the other hand, softer chews like bully sticks are ideal for smaller dogs or those with sensitive stomachs, offering a gentler option that still promotes dental health. No matter which type you choose, always supervise your dog during chewing sessions to prevent choking hazards and ensure their safety. The right chew toys can help reduce bad breath, remove tartar, and support your dog’s overall well-being by providing both physical and mental stimulation. By making thoughtful choices, you can help your dog enjoy the benefits of chewing while keeping them safe and healthy.

Natural vs Synthetic Dog Chews

Dog chews are perfect to fulfill your dog’s chewing needs. The dog chews can be natural or synthetic. Both varieties offer distinct benefits for your pup. When choosing chews, consider your dog's size and chewing habits to ensure safety and effectiveness. Let’s see which one is better when it comes to a comparison.

Incorporating chews into your dog's routine can help support their mental and physical health.

Natural Dog Chews

Natural dog chews are highly fibrous and nutrient-dense. They not only help in cleaning your dog’s teeth but also provide nourishment. They are highly nutritious and can be used as a training treat for your pup.

Some of the popular natural dog chews include:

• Bully Sticks or Pizzle Sticks

• Antlers

• Pig Ears

• Yak Cheese

• Beef Trachea

• Sweet Potato

• Tendons

Safe chews, such as those listed above, can also be paired with lick mats for added enrichment. Lick mats are a great tool to engage your dog in soothing licking activities, and spreading healthy options such as canned pumpkin on a lick mat can help keep your dog occupied and calm.

Extra: Do not overfeed your dog with natural dog chews; otherwise, this can upset your pet's stomach.

Synthetic Dog Chews

Well, natural things are always better than synthetic ones, but synthetic dog chews have their own advantages. One benefit of synthetic dog chews is that they won’t fill up your pet’s tummy.

If your dog has eaten its food but still wants to chew something, then you don’t have to worry about overeating. Your dog won’t get fat by chewing something synthetic.

We all know that natural dog chews are better than synthetic ones. So, go for them. Both natural and synthetic chews can support your pet's health when selected appropriately. However, if you are worried about your dog’s weight, then you can choose synthetic dog chews to prevent unnecessary weight gain.

Tailoring Chews to Your Dog

Every dog is unique, and tailoring chews to your dog’s individual needs is key to maximizing the benefits of chewing. Dog owners should pay close attention to their dog’s chewing habits and preferences. For instance, aggressive chewers may need extra-durable chews to withstand their powerful jaws, while dogs with dental issues or sensitive teeth might do better with softer chews that are gentle on their mouths.

Offering a variety of chews can keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated, reducing the risk of destructive behaviors around the house. Chews can also be a valuable tool during training sessions, helping to reinforce positive behaviors and support your dog’s cognitive function. By understanding your dog’s instincts and providing chews that match their needs, you’ll help your furry friend stay happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Whether your dog is a gentle nibbler or an enthusiastic chewer, the right chews can make all the difference in their daily routine and overall well-being.

Bottom Line

We have now seen how chewing can benefit your dog. Never stop that cute little creature from chewing anything. Get your pup some of the healthiest dog chews to munch on and keep its teeth healthy.

Chewing helps support your dog's mental health and positive behavior. If you want your dog to be friendly and energetic, then let it chew as much as it wants. It will keep it engaged while strengthening its jaw muscles.

While chewing provides crucial mental stimulation, regular physical exercise is also essential for your dog's overall health.