Chewing everything

[JES72]

Stanley will be one years old next week and still a big chewer. Chews on everything and needs to be watched all the time. He’s chewed up the hall carpet outside the bathroom while I quickly brush my teeth. I’ve been away this week and so hubby has had to watch him. I’ve just had a message to say that Stanley’s chewed through his watch strap while he was in the shower.
Stanley has lots of chew toys, frozen kongs and pigs ears.

 

[Karen]

Is there a discernible pattern to it? Is it only when you are inaccessible to him - eg, in shower/bathroom - or does he do it when you are in the room as well?

 

[HAH]

Great question from Karen, and also - you’re not alone, @JES72 ! We’ve had this with Stilton, he’s a mouthy boy and has chronic ear problems on and off. It’s taken us a while to draw a straight line between increased chewing and ear pain flare ups - so if you haven’t checked this with the vets, it’s a good one to rule out.
There’s a lot of self soothing in chewing, so if you can pin down the antecedent it’ll help with how to manage it. Stilton tends to chew when he’s bored and wants distraction, so we use frozen yoghurt lick mats and have worked on building up environmental cues to settle - the main help being age! Now he’s 2.5 he’s far less chewy than at 1.5. I’m not sure this is particularly helpful, except that it is classic adolescent behaviour.

 

[M.F.]

You will look kindly on those little teeth marks in years to come! Snowie left teeth marks in our wooden stair and a wooden door. We love them now!

But I wasn’t happy when he chewed my specs!

 

[Selina27]

We love them now!

I am today wearing a fleece top with holes in - made by a certain crocopup 9 years ago!

Totally with you on the specs! Cass demolished 3 pairs of mine - might that be a record?

@JES72 - is it possible to make sure there is nothing of value that Stanley can chew while your back is turned? I can't remember if he is crate trained, but if he is can he be popped in there while he outgrows this phase if you can't supervise him?

 

[JES72]

Its often when he thinks he's not getting enough attention. And also when he knows I'm near but not near enough like in the bathroom. There are certain oppertunistic favourites like Hubby's crocs. And also oppertunistic. There are times it may be because he's hungry or board and wants a walk. I think there are many different reasons which I hope he will grow out of. Homer was very oppertunistc if there was anything made of wool around and we went though a couple of cashmere cardigans and many socks. Stanley's chewing is more wood related like all the furniture in the house! He'll also steal my keys or post from the dresser to get a reaction.