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Chewing and Eating Everything!

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#1 ·
Hey everyone...thought that I'd ask a question about chewing. Cassidy is nearly 11 months now but, he's determined to chew on just about everything in spite of a plethora of chew toys that have been carefully chosen for him.

We found that stuffed toys were just plain evil as they went within a half hour and the batting in them make for some lovely tummy issues (vomiting). Those were quickly removed.

He has a bin full of nylon and strong rubber chew toys/bones but, prefers to chew on anything left around. (Rawhide gives him digestive issues so, they are out as are pig skin etc.).

He's also a little vacuum cleaner. We've nick-named him "Hoover". He finds rocks and twigs and just about anything else he can get into his mouth to chew on outside and SWALLOWS. More tummy upsets/bowel upsets.

Of course, we quickly remove them from his mouth and offer him his chew toys instead but, 2 minutes later, he's back to something he shouldn't be chewing on or eating.

Any suggestions? He's way past teething so...???? Not understanding why or what to do with him. The tummy upsets and loose bowel movements from this habit is becoming annoying and frustrating.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
yeah this can be quite worrisome and dangerous. Here is one of the best articles I've found. Pica as it's called can be the result of a number of issues. Don't underestimate the advice about seeking a vet first off to rule out physical problems and if it becomes more serious a vet behaviorist. , which are hard to find. Management becomes a key issue . http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/pica-eating-things-that-aren’t-food And although I don't give a lot of credence in ASPCA advice, this article is pretty good http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/pica-eating-things-arent-food
 
#3 ·
Thank you so much, Dave. I am going to read these articles tomorrow but, I truly appreciate the help.

As for Cassidy and the vet checks....there are chairs with our name tags on the backs just for us now. I think we've bought 2 vets new cars and a few vacations already! :frusty: I don't think it's physical but, more of a behavioural thing. I may need a behavioural therapist soon to stop from putting my head through a wall! ;)
 
#5 ·
Thank you, Colbie...I was wondering about antlers. Having had tummy distress with rawhide and pig's skin, I was thinking about the antlers but, not wanting to risk more digestive issues. Maybe, I will try it. :)
 
#6 ·
Thank you, Dave for those articles. Taking my lunch break to read them.
I see him in these articles. Loads of vet checks have been done...especially, for parasites and we've talked over food with the vet and getting food from him.

I think it's the old "I'm going to play you when I'm bored" game. I think I haven't tried the treats in a ball thing yet. Though we've carefully steered away from most treats (tummy upsets), perhaps a bit of canned food (instead of peanut butter) or some of his kibble in the ball/kong (he has 3 or 4 of those) might be in order. I'm also going to try th Elk Antlers and see what works.

Thank you, Dave! :)
 
#9 ·
Thank you, Dave for those articles. Taking my lunch break to read them.
I see him in these articles. Loads of vet checks have been done...especially, for parasites and we've talked over food with the vet and getting food from him.

I think it's the old "I'm going to play you when I'm bored" game. I think I haven't tried the treats in a ball thing yet. Though we've carefully steered away from most treats (tummy upsets), perhaps a bit of canned food (instead of peanut butter) or some of his kibble in the ball/kong (he has 3 or 4 of those) might be in order. I'm also going to try th Elk Antlers and see what works.

Thank you, Dave! :)
If he'll use a Kong appropriately (Kodi won't) you can certainly used canned food in it. Then put it in the freezer, and it will last MUCH longer! :)
 
#11 ·
Hello! I wanted to bring this thread to light again, instead of starting a new one. Possibly an update on how the chewing is going?

I'm having the same problem, not so much the chewing on things inside but the eating of EVERYTHING outside!!!(and well inside like clothing tags and underwear) My pup gets so distracted with outside that he forgets he has to do his potty, if the wind is blowing around seeds and floaties from the tree he is chasing them and eating them. Anything that is on the floor he WILL and has eaten, it is so bad that he had a toy rope and a fairly large size chunk ripped off and he ate it before I could lunge to grab it out of his mouth.. He puked it up later that night. Yesterday he got hold of a empty toilet paper roll and ate half of the cardboard before my other half could make it out of the shower. When we are outside it's a constant battle to get him away from picking up everything, we have tried numbers of advice and ticks, he loves treats and will stop for a second to receive a treat but that is only a temp fix. We tried putting baby carrots in his mouth while walking and he just two chomps it and gone onto the flower bed we are passing. We have tried bringing his fav toys along, his best carry chew toys, his rawhide bones. He rather pick up a pine cone and ditch all the rest and chew that!

I know this could just be because he is a puppy, but I feel like if I just let him do it, and not correct the behavior it will stick and make it much harder to break in the future.

He has already had every chew imaginable, the earth is just more fun to chew and eat! Anyone else have or had a puppy that was a actually vacuum!!!
 
#12 ·
At your puppy's age, it is just being a puppy. He wouldn't be normal if he wasn't chewing and mouthing at this point. Of course take anything dangerous away from him, and manage it as much as possible by keeping things he might chew out of his reach. Distract and offer appropriate replacement chew items. This too shall pass. :)
 
#14 ·
stuffed animals

We found that stuffed toys were just plain evil as they went within a half hour and the batting in them make for some lovely tummy issues (vomiting). Those were quickly removed.
If he likes the stuffed animals (And completely understand why you don't!) take a look at the skinneeez ones - they're stuffing-less! While I've had to repair Perry's raccoon several times, it's not a big issue because even if he puts a hole in it, there's no stuffing inside to come out and it's his absolute favorite toy.

Perry also loves the rope toys, but still looking for one that he doesn't unravel quickly.
 
#16 ·
Thanks to
Ricky Ricardo
I did re-read this thread and took a solid week on really focusing on outdoor activities and making myself and what I had better then anything else in the yard, we are half way there on the command "leave it", and walking though the yard and removing as much possible danger beforehand is a huge help. Thankfully Duke has mastered coming back when being called, so if he is half way across the lawn and I see trouble I quickly get on the deck and say DUKKKKKKEEE COMEEE HERE BOY! Sure enough he comes running has fast as lighting!

SOO HUGE PROGRESS! I feel like by the time I have a full gown puppy I will be the most knowledge havanese owner ever!

Thanks everyone! :x
 
#17 ·
Sounds like great progess!!! Please be aware, however, that lovely "puppy recall" is very likely to fade or completely disappear as he reaches adolescence and starts to "test his wings".

The ONLY way to maintain a really reliable recall throughout a dog's life is to call them to you, over and over and over, all theough the dog's life, then grab their collar, give them a yummy treat and a pat, and LET THEM GO again. If they get the idea that the only rime you call them is to get them away from something, or to get them to DO something (go inside, go back on leash, go in their crate... you name it!) you'll have a very hard time convincing them to come to you reliably. A good 80-90% of recalls should be recall, treat, pet release. Then when you NEED it in an emergency, you can count on it.
 
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#19 ·
Such great progress! Oh goodness the adolescence period that sounds a little scary I was just reading some threads about it!

We are going to be doing a lot of training classes, I plan on putting Duke into Agility courses, and right now in his puppy classes what you just all said(about is what they taught us. I call him a lot and reward him and let him go, he has a pretty good idea that when he is called he comes and good things happen! We do this in the house, outside, at friends/parents, at the training center all over! Not just when he is up no good :wink2:
 
#18 ·
If the vet can't find anything wrong, then if it were me, I would switch food to something like Primal frozen raw. It has everything a dog needs for nutrition. They come in small meal size "bricks" that you can thaw all meals for each day the night before, or even an hour before. Tux LOVES it. It is expensive, but I know he is getting the best and to date there have been no digestive issues. Primal Pet Foods: Wholesome Raw Food for Dogs and Cats

He still likes to chew on a cow tail, and was obsessive about tasting EVERYTHING when he was a young pup, but nothing like what you describe at 11 months of age. If he is still devouring the planet after a month or two of the Primal, then I would seek out a vet specialist if at all possible to make sure it isn't an illness.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Does any one have any luck with chew deterrents? We have left our 2 a couple of times for between 1 and 4 hours and they have now started chewing on door facings, Sheet rock walls and furniture. Like others they have every chew toy imaginable and each other to chew on. The house distruction is getting to be to much.

Look forward to your thoughts
 
#21 ·
Does any one have any luck with chew deterrents? We have left our 2 a couple of times for between 1 and 4 hours and they have now started chewing on door facings, Sheet rock walls and furniture. Like others they have every chew toy imaginable and each other to chew on. The house distruction is getting to be to much.

Look forward to your thoughts
I don't believe in leaving dogs loose when I am not home. There is too much trouble they can get themselves into. When they were younger mine stayed in an ex-pen when I wasn't home. When they got older and more trustworthy, they were allowed to stay gated in my office.
 
#22 ·
I also have antlers for Bella, and she like it, but I read from a breeder that nyla ones are the only thi g she gives her puppies, so I went and bought some, she loves them and I am not worried about her breaking a piece off and choking. Give them a try, they have flavor according to the package.

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#23 ·
Also wanted to mention that Bella loved to find every cord in the house, one of my friends who has mini poodles suggested a product called Fooey it's a bitter spray for places that they chew on, I have been using it, and it seems to help. I have puppy proofed the house, where I can, a d I spray that on the places she was chewing on, give it a try. Warning if you get it on your hands , beware, it's safe but really gross tasting! Ask me how I know that? Lol





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#24 ·
Also wanted to mention that Bella loved to find every cord in the house, one of my friends who has mini poodles suggested a product called Fooey it's a bitter spray for places that they chew on, I have been using it, and it seems to help. I have puppy proofed the house, where I can, a d I spray that on the places she was chewing on, give it a try. Warning if you get it on your hands , beware, it's safe but really gross tasting! Ask me how I know that? Lol
My older dog didn't mind the bitter no-chew sprays at all (though I did find them useful at times for the girls) For Kodi, the only thing that worked was the hottest hot sauce I could find! For areas that the hot sauce might stain, I apllied painter's tape first, then put the hot sauce on that. Yes, it hurts their mouth, but far better that than an electrical burn from a chewed cord! Kodi tasted it ONCE, and from then one would back away if he just smelled it on something!
 
#25 ·
As far as dogs roaming free in the house we had done the progression from crate to pen, pen to bathroom and after that to great room. Never for any extended periods of time. (2 hours max) and never whole house. Only damage before was shredding the occasional magazine we forgot to pick up or a puppy pad. The door facing chewing happened in the bathroom once and did not happen again after a good scolding for many weeks. Then a couple of weeks ago it started again. Will try the deterrents and see if that works before resort to going back in crates which the no longer use.

Thanks for the info.
 
#27 · (Edited)
Remember that it is REALLY important to keep dogs used to crates. If they don't think of crates as a comfortable place to relax, it can be an awful experience for them if they need to be crated if they are sick or injured.
 
#26 ·
Sophie is a chewer also (but thankfully does not typically try to swallow things just spits them out although of course that is no guarantee something won't go down at some point). She was terrible about it scared me to death. With her IBD she can't eat so many things so am always freaked out she'll find something on the ground. I got her a smuzzle which is awesome once they get used to it. But I've seen her change so much in the last few months (I did and still do sometimes worry it's not maturing but not feeling well but I think it's mostly growing up). She used to dig holes in the yard and pull out any little rock she found and run off with it. So had to watch her like a hawk. This year (she is 2 now) she digs holes and has not once tried to take a rock out just does the digging. So I let her since it's good exercise and having gone through so much hell in her short life she gets to do pretty much anything she wants as long as it won't hurt her. :) But of course always there supervising her.

Her chewing on things has dramatically decreased also in other areas. So there is hope! :D She can't have any kind of chewy with her tummy issues like antlers, etc so we have found toys she likes that are safe. But then I work from home so have not left her home alone more than 7 min or so yet so I'm sure that would be a different story and level to the chewing issue!
 
#31 ·
Our Daisy is eight months old and has the same issues with chewing - she now has started attacking her bed and taking the stuffing out of that. She loves antlers and I have just started using a kong with a treat stuffed in it (hard cookie type). She has destroyed 2 pairs of glasses - how did she find them? But we love her, what a happy little dog!
 
#32 ·
Well, in case misery loves company...I had a repairman here this afternoon working on my microwave. Oreo should be named Hoover when it comes to sucking up anything on the kitchen floor, and this afternoon after the repairman left, Oreo was going through his usual floor cleaning routine. About an hour later, as he was sitting in the family room at my feet, I heard him chewing on something. I looked to see what chew bone he had, and not seeing anything, I asked him to "drop it". He promptly replied, and spit out a SCREW! I am just hoping it was the only one, and that he hadn't swallowed another that I didn't see. I never even heard or saw a screw hit the floor, and I was with the guy the whole time. Nothing gets past Oreo! Just when you thing you might be getting over the hump...bam! Sneaky little rascals!!
 
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