Dogs are domesticated mammals and are considered one of the world’s most popular and beloved pets. They are known for their loyalty, affection, and obedience and have been domesticated for thousands of years. As a pet parent, you will see your dog chewing on wood furniture. You wonder why dogs chew on wood furniture. Dogs may chew on wood furniture for various reasons, including boredom, anxiety, teething, or a nutrient deficiency.

 Dogs are naturally curious creatures and like to explore their surroundings through their mouth. Chewing on wood furniture can be a common behavior in dogs, but it can also be destructive and costly. In this article, I will share some reasons why dogs chew on wood furniture and some tips on how to stop this behavior.

Reasons why dogs chew on wood furniture.

Here are some reasons why dog chew on wood furniture

Teething

Puppies go through a stage of teething just like human babies do, and during this stage, they like to chew on anything they can get their teeth on, including wood furniture. This behavior helps relieve the discomfort of their growing teeth and gums.

Boredom

Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking mental and physical stimulation may start to chew on furniture out of boredom. This is especially common in high-energy dogs requiring lots of activity and attention.

Separation anxiety

Some dogs may chew on furniture when their owners are not home to cope with separation anxiety. This is a serious behavioral issue that a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist should address.

Attention seeking

Dog chewing on wood furniture behavior could be his way to get their owner’s attention. This behavior is often a sign that the dog is not getting enough socialization, exercise, or training.

In all cases, supervising the dog when they are in the same room as the furniture, providing plenty of opportunities for them to chew on appropriate items, and consistently redirecting their chewing to those items can also help to prevent furniture chewing. For dogs with separation anxiety, counter-conditioning, desensitization techniques, and training to build confidence can be helpful.

How to stop a dog from chewing on wood

To stop a dog from chewing on wood furniture, the first step is identifying the reason behind the behavior. Here are some tips to help how to stop dog chewing furniture:

Provide plenty of chew toys

Offer your dog a variety of toys made specifically for chewing, such as bones, rawhide chews, and rubber toys. This will give them something positive to focus on and help satisfy their urge to chew.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Make sure your dog is having enough mental and physical exercise. This can include daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys. Dogs who are tired enough are less inclined to chew on furniture.

Supervise the dog

When you can’t be with your dog, ensure they are in a safe and secure area, such as a crate or a room without access to wood furniture.

Redirect the chewing

If you catch your dog chewing on furniture, interrupt them with a loud noise, like clapping, and immediately redirect their attention to a chew toy.

Train the dog

Teaching your dog basic obedience commands and positive reinforcement techniques can help redirect their chewing to appropriate items and reinforce good behavior.

Address underlying behavioral issues

Suppose your dog’s chewing on furniture is due to separation anxiety, boredom, or attention seeking. In that case, it’s important to address these underlying behavioral issues with the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

It’s important to remember that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it may take time and patience to stop the behavior completely. However, by providing your dog with plenty of positive alternatives and consistently redirecting their chewing, it is possible to stop a dog from chewing on wood furniture.

Effective home remedies to prevent dogs from chewing on wood furniture

Here are some home remedies that you can try to help stop a dog from chewing on furniture. These stop dog chewing furniture home remedies are:

Bitter apple spray

This spray is a bitter-tasting extract safe for dogs and a common home remedy for deterring furniture chewing. Simply spray the solution on the furniture; the bitter taste will discourage your dog from chewing on it.

Lemon or vinegar spray

Another home remedy to stop dogs from chewing wood is spraying using lemon juice or vinegar. Mix equal water, lemon juice, or vinegar in a spray bottle, and apply it to the furniture. The sour taste will discourage your dog from chewing on the furniture.

Hot sauce spray

A hot sauce spray can also be used as a deterrent for furniture chewing. Mix hot sauce with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the furniture. This is a homemade spray to keep dogs from chewing furniture. The hot taste will discourage your dog from chewing on the furniture.

Deterrent mats

You can also use deterrent mats with a spikey surface to discourage your dog from chewing on wood furniture. Place the mats on top of the furniture or near it to discourage your dog from getting close to it.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Providing your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is a great way to reduce their urge to chew on furniture. Engage in daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys to stimulate your dog mentally and physically.

Dog chewing wood; nutrient deficiency

Sometimes, a dog’s chewing behavior on wood furniture may be due to a nutrient deficiency. Some common nutrient deficiencies that can lead to excessive chewing and gnawing include:

Zinc deficiency

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many physiological processes, including skin and coat health. A zinc deficiency can cause skin irritation and chewing on surfaces, including wood furniture.

Protein deficiency

Protein is a key nutrient for dogs, and a lack of it in their diet can lead to chewing behavior as they try to fulfill their nutritional needs.

Fatty acid deficiency

Fatty acids are important for skin and coat health, and a deficiency can lead to dry, itchy skin and chewing on surfaces, including wood furniture.

What can I spray on wood to stop the dog from chewing?

Here are some sprays that you can use to deter a dog from chewing on wood furniture:

• Bitter apple spray
• Vinegar or lemon juice spray
• Hot sauce spray
• Deterrent sprays specifically made for furniture chewing
• Essential oil sprays (e.g., citronella, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil)

Note:

It’s important to remember that not all dogs may respond to sprays, and you may need to try a combination of deterrents to find what works best for your pet. Additionally, some sprays may cause skin or eye irritation, so it’s important to test the spray on a small area of your furniture first and supervise your dog around the sprayed area.

Conclusion

Dog chewing on wood furniture can be caused by various factors such as boredom, anxiety, teething, or a nutrient deficiency. To stop this behavior, it’s important to address the underlying cause. Providing your dog with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation, using positive reinforcement training techniques, and redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to appropriate toys can help prevent furniture chewing. If necessary, seeking the help of a veterinary behaviorist is also recommended.