Chewing is an essential part of a dog’s life, but it can also become a problem when a pup starts to chew on inappropriate objects. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it doesn’t mean that you should allow your pup to chew on whatever they please. In fact, there are certain tastes that dogs hate and can help discourage them from chewing on certain objects.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Chewing is an instinctive behavior for dogs that helps them explore their environment, relieve stress, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Puppies also chew to help relieve the pain associated with teething. Dogs are naturally drawn to chew on items that have an interesting smell, texture, or taste.
What Taste Do Dogs Hate?
There are a few tastes that dogs hate and that can help discourage them from chewing on certain objects. The most common tastes that dogs hate are spicy, sour, and bitter.
Spicy
Dogs tend to avoid spicy foods because they possess a compound called capsaicin which is an irritant for dogs. Capsaicin is found in hot peppers, jalapenos, and other spicy foods.
Sour
Sour tastes are also disliked by dogs because they contain citric acid which can be irritating to a pup’s digestive system. Sour tastes can be found in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
Bitter
Bitter tastes are also avoided by dogs because they contain compounds that are toxic to dogs. Bitter tastes can be found in herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and parsley.
How To Use These Tastes To Stop Chewing?
Using the tastes that dogs hate can be a great way to help discourage them from chewing on certain objects. Applying a small amount of a spicy, sour, or bitter taste onto an object can help deter a pup from chewing it. It is important to note that this should only be done in moderation as too much of these tastes can be harmful to a pup’s health.
What Are Some Alternatives To Discourage Chewing?
In addition to using the tastes that dogs hate, there are also some other ways to help discourage a pup from chewing on certain objects. Providing your pup with plenty of appropriate chew toys is a great way to help keep them from chewing on inappropriate items. Making sure that your pup gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can also help to reduce their desire to chew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chewing?
Chewing is an instinctive behavior for dogs that helps them explore their environment, relieve stress, and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
What Tastes Do Dogs Hate?
Dogs tend to avoid spicy, sour, and bitter tastes because they can be irritating or toxic to a pup’s health.
Can I Use Hot Sauce To Stop Chewing?
Hot sauce should not be used to stop a pup from chewing because it contains capsaicin which is an irritant for dogs.
What Are Some Alternatives To Discourage Chewing?
Providing your pup with plenty of appropriate chew toys, making sure that they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and using the tastes that dogs hate can all be great ways to help discourage a pup from chewing on certain objects.
Can I Use Bitter Apple To Discourage Chewing?
Yes, bitter apple can be used to discourage a pup from chewing because it contains a bitter taste that dogs tend to avoid.
Can I Use Lemon Juice To Discourage Chewing?
Yes, lemon juice can be used to discourage a pup from chewing because it contains citric acid which can be irritating to a pup’s digestive system.
Can I Use Oregano To Discourage Chewing?
Yes, oregano can be used to discourage a pup from chewing because it contains compounds that are toxic to dogs.
Do I Need To Use All Three Tastes To Discourage Chewing?
No, using just one of the tastes that dogs hate can be enough to help discourage a pup from chewing on certain objects.
Conclusion
Chewing is an essential part of a dog’s life, but it can also become a problem when a pup starts to chew on inappropriate objects. Using the tastes that dogs hate, providing them with plenty of appropriate chew toys, making sure that they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and using other alternatives can all be great ways to help discourage a pup from chewing on certain objects.