Why Do Dogs Chew Their Beds? 7 Reasons & How to Stop It Fast

It’s hard to beat the frustration dog owners feel when they return home to a ripped pet bed, stuffing strewn about, and a dog that looks either proud or guilty. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “why do dogs chew their beds?” you’re not alone. Bed chewing is a common canine behavior that affects dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments.

While it may seem like your dog is simply being destructive or mischievous, there is usually a specific reason behind this behavior. For example, some dogs may start by scratching their bed before escalating to chewing, as both actions stem from similar instincts or needs. To help your dog stop chewing, first understand why they do it. This way, you can find a solution that tackles the root cause instead of just the symptoms.

Why Do Dogs Chew Their Beds? Understanding the Causes and Behavior

Dogs don’t chew their beds out of spite or malice. This behavior comes from instincts, needs, or feelings that make your pet use its mouth to interact with the world. Dogs often destroy their beds by chewing, but they also scratch, dig, or tear them apart.

To learn more about how dogs ruin their beds and how to prevent it, read our article on why dogs do this. Understanding why your dog behaves a certain way, such as chewing or being destructive, can help you find better solutions. This helps you safeguard their bedding and ensure they stay comfortable and happy.

Here are the seven common reasons why dogs chew their beds and some practical solutions for each.

1. Teething and Developmental Stages

Why It Happens

Puppies, much like human babies, go through a teething phase as their adult teeth develop and replace their baby teeth. This process usually occurs when puppies are 3 to 8 months old. It can cause a lot of discomfort. To find relief, puppies often chew on soft things, like their beds.

Adult dogs might also sometimes go back to chewing as they develop or age. This can happen because of changes in their dental health.

Solutions

• Provide appropriate chew toys: Offer a variety of textures, including rubber toys designed specifically for teething puppies.
• Freeze washcloths or dog-safe teething toys: The cold helps numb sore gums while providing relief.
• Use bitter apple spray: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays to the edges of the bed to discourage chewing.
• Rotate toys regularly: Keep your puppy’s interest by introducing new chew items while temporarily removing others.
• Consider elevated beds: These beds offer less chewing surface, which may help during teething.

2. Anxiety and Stress

Why It Happens

Dogs with anxiety, like separation issues, noise fears, or stress from changes, often chew on beds. Sometimes, they completely destroy their beds as a coping mechanism. This destructive behavior helps them cope. Chewing helps release endorphins. These endorphins can calm your dog when they’re stressed.

Signs that anxiety may lead to your dog’s bed-chewing include:

• Destructive behavior when you’re away.
• Excessive drooling.
• Pacing.
• Other signs of distress.

Solutions

• Create a secure environment: Establish a safe, comfortable space where your dog feels protected.
• Try calming aids: Consider pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil) or pressure wraps (like ThunderShirts) to reduce anxiety.
• Implement desensitization training: Gradually expose your dog to anxiety triggers in a controlled, positive manner.
• Maintain consistent routines: Predictable schedules help anxious dogs feel more secure.
• Consult a veterinarian: For severe anxiety cases, your vet might recommend behavioral therapy or anti-anxiety medications.

3. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Why It Happens

One of the most common origins of canine bed-chewing behavior is simply boredom. Dogs, especially high-energy or intelligent breeds, need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. Many pet owners ask, “why do dogs chew their beds” when they have plenty of toys? The answer often lies in their need for mental stimulation and comfort. If they don’t have enough ways to use their energy, they might chew on beds to keep themselves busy.

Solutions

• Increase daily exercise: Make sure your dog gets the right amount of exercise. This depends on their breed, age, and health.
• Provide mental enrichment: Use puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent games to engage your dog’s mind.
• Rotate toys weekly: Keep a selection of toys and rotate them to maintain novelty and interest.
• Schedule playdates: Social interaction with other dogs can help burn energy and reduce boredom.
• Consider doggy daycare: Structured daycare programs can give dogs left alone all day the stimulation they need.

4. Natural Instincts: Nesting and Denning

Why It Happens

Dogs retain many behaviors from their wild ancestors, including nesting and denning instincts. Unspayed females often shred bedding. They do this to make nests during heat cycles or false pregnancies. Many dogs naturally dig and arrange their sleeping areas.

These instinctual behaviors can show up as bed chewing. This is common with materials that look like natural nesting items, such as soft or plush bedding.

Solutions

• Provide appropriate outlets: Offer blankets or specific “digging beds” where this behavior is acceptable.
• Consider spaying: For female dogs, spaying can reduce hormone-driven nesting behaviors.
• Choose appropriate bedding: Select beds with durable, less plush materials that do not trigger nesting instincts.
• Create a den-like environment: Crate training can satisfy denning instincts when done correctly.
• Establish clear boundaries: Consistently redirect inappropriate chewing to acceptable alternatives.

5. Health Issues and Discomfort

Why It Happens

Dogs may bite sleeping areas due to health issues. Dental issues, joint pain, stomach troubles, or skin problems can cause a dog to chew its bed. If you notice this behavior along with other signs of discomfort, you should consult your vet to rule out underlying health problems

If your dog starts chewing its bed suddenly or shows other signs like a poor appetite, low energy, or behavior changes, it could be due to a health problem.

Solutions

• Schedule a veterinary examination: Rule out potential health problems with a thorough checkup.
• Address dental health: Regular dental care can prevent oral discomfort that leads to inappropriate chewing.
• Consider orthopedic bedding: For dogs with joint pain, specialized orthopedic beds can provide relief.
• Monitor for allergies: Some dogs may chew bedding if they’re allergic to materials or laundry detergents used.
• Follow treatment plans: Adhere to veterinary recommendations for any diagnosed conditions.

6. Nutritional Factors

Why It Happens

Dietary issues can contribute to bed-chewing behaviors in several ways. Dogs might chew on things that aren’t food for a few reasons. They could be lacking important nutrients, have pica, or feel hungry because they don’t get enough calories or have meals at the wrong times.

Solutions

• Evaluate your dog’s diet: Ensure you’re feeding a complete, balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
• Establish regular feeding schedules: Consistent mealtimes help regulate hunger and reduce food-seeking behaviors.
• Consider slow-feeder bowls: These extend mealtime and increase satiety, potentially reducing destructive behaviors.
• Consult with a veterinary nutritionist: For persistent issues, professional dietary advice may be beneficial.
• Rule out parasites: Internal parasites can cause increased hunger or nutritional deficiencies despite adequate feeding.

7. Learned Behavior and Attention-Seeking

Why It Happens

Dogs are very observant. They quickly learn what actions get a response from their owners. If your dog learns that chewing their bed gets them attention, they may keep doing it. This could even be negative attention, like scolding. This behavior often extends beyond their own beds, with many dogs also chewing and nibbling on human bedsheets for the same reasons. They just want your focus and interaction.

Solutions

• Avoid reinforcing the behavior: Don’t inadvertently reward bed-chewing with attention.
• Redirect appropriately: When you catch your dog in the act, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.
• Reward positive behaviors: Provide attention and praise when your dog is calmly lying on their bed without chewing.
• Use positive reinforcement training: Teach and reward the “leave it” command.
• Ensure adequate attention: Schedule regular, focused interaction time with your dog to meet their social needs.

Prevention Strategies for Canine Bed-Chewing Behavior

Choosing Chew-Resistant Beds

While addressing the root cause of your dog’s chewing behavior is essential, selecting the right bed can help minimize damage during the training process. 

• Durable materials: Look for beds made from ballistic nylon, canvas, or other tough fabrics.
• Reinforced stitching: Double-stitched seams withstand more abuse than standard construction.
• Chew-resistant designs: Some brands like K9 Ballistics specialize in beds designed for heavy chewers.
• Elevated beds: Cot-style beds with metal frames offer fewer surfaces to chew on.
• Washable covers: Removable, machine-washable covers make cleaning easier and extend the bed’s life.

Training Techniques

Consistent training is key to modifying your dog’s chewing behavior:

1. Supervise and intervene: Watch your dog closely during training. If you see them chewing, redirect their attention right away.
2. Teach the “leave it” command: This essential command helps stop destructive behavior before it starts.
3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for interacting with appropriate chew toys instead of their bed.
4. Be consistent: Everyone in the house should stick to the same rules. This helps prevent confusion for your dog.
5. Consider temporary management tools: During training, you may need to use bitter sprays. Take away the bed when you’re not watching. You can also use a crate for safety.

Environmental Management

Creating an environment that discourages bed-chewing while meeting your dog’s needs:

1. Address the underlying cause: Implement solutions specific to your dog’s motivation for chewing.
2. Provide alternatives: Ensure that plenty of appropriate chew toys are always available.
3. Exercise adequately: A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.
4. Create a routine: Predictable schedules help dogs feel secure and can reduce stress-related chewing.
5. Consider professional help: For lasting issues, a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can give you specific advice.

Conclusion

Understanding why dogs chew their beds is crucial for effectively addressing this common but frustrating behavior. Identify which of the seven causes drives your pet’s chewing. Then, you can apply targeted solutions. This way, you’ll tackle the root problem instead of just managing the symptoms.

Remember that patience and consistency are key when modifying any dog behavior. Many dogs can learn to keep their beds intact. With good management, training, and attention to their needs, success is possible. If your dog keeps chewing its bed, talk to a vet. They can check for health issues. You might also consider getting help from a professional dog trainer.

To address your dog’s bed-chewing, use a well-rounded strategy. This will help keep their bedding safe and ensure they feel good both physically and emotionally.