What chewing does for dogs

When you find a munched-on pair of shoes, does it make you wonder why dogs have the urge to chew?

Wild dogs stay nourished by chewing carcasses, nuts, berries and bugs. But chewing also confers other physical, psychological and emotional benefits.

The abrasive action of chewing is beneficial for a dog’s dental health, while between-meal chewing can aid digestion and help maintain a healthy gut microbial population.

Chewing also has the ability to both stimulate a bored dog and calm an anxious pooch. Chewing even helps maintain cognitive function in our dogs as they’re living longer.

You can embrace your pup’s penchant for chewing by providing canine-safe, chewable objects. Ask your veterinarian for tips.