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The Joy and Purpose of Chewing: Understanding Your Dog's Natural Behaviour

Meet Hudson and Moose, two gorgeous Labrador Retrievers who have managed to destroy every ordinary toy I've ever given them.



In these photos, you'll see their preferred chew toy: a Nylabone that they both adore and enjoy grinding on.


 

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Why Dogs Chew



Now, let's dive into the topic of why dogs chew. Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs that serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. Additionally, dogs chew for fun and stimulation, but most importantly, it provides them with a way to alleviate stress and anxiety.



Chewing is not only a natural behaviour but also a healthy one that burns energy. Imagine being a dog with the sensory acuity of your hands but in the form of a mouth. Just as humans instinctively use their hands to explore something new and unfamiliar, dogs rely on their mouths. They pick up objects, feeling their textures and strength. It's worth noting that each of their sharp teeth is as sensitive as a human fingernail, if not more so. They can perceive every bump and scrape as they carefully manipulate the chew toy, searching for the perfect angle to leave their mark.



Now, picture yourself as a human spending a significant amount of time and exerting that much energy using your hands, with our relatively weak fingernails. You would end up sore, exhausted, possibly even bloody, and yet achieve very little. However, for a dog, the sensory overload is endless, and they often become engrossed in their self-induced chewing frenzy. It's like having an everlasting, crunchy potato chip!



Okay, maybe I get a little carried away with my silly analogies. LOL! But if you ask me, dogs chew simply because they can. And honestly, I might do the same—it's a stress-free way to satisfy those munching urges. ROFL!


 

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Share your experiences with your dog's chewing habits and let us know their favourite toy in the comments below. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more pet care tips and adorable pictures of our furry friends. Plus, if you enjoyed this post, give it a thumbs up and share it with fellow dog lovers!

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