Why Does My Dog Chew on the Towel? Understanding the Behavior and How to Stop It

It’s a common scenario: you leave your dog alone for a moment, and when you return, you find your towel shredded to bits. While it might seem like your dog is out to ruin your belongings, the truth is that chewing on towels is often a sign of underlying needs or issues that your furry friend is trying to communicate. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs chew on towels and offer some effective products and strategies to help curb this behavior.

Reasons Why Dogs Chew on Towels

1. Teething in Puppies: Puppies, especially those under six months, are notorious for chewing on anything they can find. This is because they are teething, and gnawing on objects helps soothe their sore gums. Towels are often soft, accessible, and easy to grab, making them an ideal target for teething pups.
2. Boredom and Lack of Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent creatures that need both physical and mental exercise. When left alone with little to do, they may resort to destructive chewing as a way to entertain themselves. Towels, particularly those with interesting textures or smells, can become an attractive item for a bored dog to chew on.
3. Anxiety and Stress: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety. Chewing can serve as a coping mechanism that helps them alleviate stress. Separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or changes in their environment can trigger chewing on household items, including towels.
4. Seeking Comfort: Some dogs chew on towels because it provides them with a sense of comfort, similar to how children cling to a security blanket. The act of chewing can be soothing, and the soft texture of a towel might remind them of their mother’s fur or the sensation of nursing.
5. Attention-Seeking Behavior: If your dog notices that chewing on towels gets your attention, even if it’s negative, they may continue to do it. Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction, and sometimes bad attention is better than none at all.
6. Natural Instincts: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, rooted in their instincts. In the wild, dogs chew to help keep their teeth clean and to explore their environment. This instinct can carry over to domestic life, where towels become a substitute for bones, sticks, or other chewable items found in nature.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies: Some dogs chew on non-food items, a behavior known as pica, due to a lack of essential nutrients in their diet. If your dog is consistently chewing on towels, it might be worth evaluating their diet to ensure they are receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Products and Strategies to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Towels

Now that you understand some of the reasons behind your dog’s towel-chewing habit, let’s explore some effective solutions and products that can help redirect their behavior and save your towels from destruction.

1. Chew Toys: Providing your dog with a variety of chew toys is one of the best ways to deter them from chewing on towels. Look for toys that are durable, safe, and cater to your dog’s chewing preferences. Options include:
   • KONG Classic Dog Toy: Known for its durability and hollow center, which can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, the KONG toy provides a satisfying chewing experience that can keep your dog entertained for hours.
   • Nylabone Power Chew: Designed for aggressive chewers, Nylabones are tough and come in various shapes and flavors, making them an excellent alternative to towels.
   • Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone: Infused with real flavors like bacon or chicken, this chew toy appeals to your dog’s senses and offers a satisfying texture.
2. Anti-Chew Sprays: Anti-chew sprays are designed to deter your dog from chewing on specific items by using bitter or unpleasant-tasting ingredients. When applied to towels, these sprays make them less appealing to your dog. Some popular choices include:
   • Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray: This tried-and-true formula has been used by dog owners for decades. Its bitter taste discourages chewing without harming your pet or your belongings.
   • Rocco & Roxie No Chew Spray: Formulated with a bitter blend that’s safe for dogs and fabrics, this spray can help deter your dog from chewing on towels and other off-limit items.
3. Puzzle Toys and Interactive Feeders: Puzzle toys and interactive feeders engage your dog’s mind, providing them with mental stimulation that can reduce boredom and anxiety. These toys challenge your dog to solve problems in exchange for treats, making them less likely to chew on inappropriate items.
   • Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: This plush toy comes with squeaky squirrels that your dog can pull out of the tree trunk, satisfying their natural hunting instincts.
   • KONG Wobbler: This treat-dispensing toy wobbles unpredictably, encouraging your dog to work for their food while keeping them entertained.
4. Training and Positive Reinforcement: Training your dog to understand what’s appropriate to chew on is key to curbing destructive behaviors. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog when they chew on designated toys instead of towels. Redirect them to a toy whenever they begin chewing on something off-limits, and consistently praise them when they make the right choice.
5. Increase Physical and Mental Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for your dog’s overall well-being and can significantly reduce problem behaviors. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like fetch or agility training can help burn off excess energy, making your dog less likely to resort to chewing on towels out of boredom.
6. Comfort Aids for Anxiety: If your dog’s chewing is linked to anxiety, consider comfort aids such as calming collars, anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt, or natural calming supplements. These products can help reduce your dog’s stress levels and decrease their need to chew on household items for comfort.
7. Dietary Adjustments: If you suspect that nutritional deficiencies are contributing to your dog’s chewing behavior, consult with your veterinarian about potential dietary changes. A well-balanced diet can help satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs and reduce pica-related chewing.

Conclusion

Understanding why your dog chews on towels is the first step in addressing this behavior. Whether it’s due to teething, boredom, anxiety, or natural instincts, there are effective products and strategies that can help redirect your dog’s chewing habits. Providing appropriate chew toys, engaging their mind with puzzle feeders, and addressing their physical and emotional needs can go a long way in keeping your towels—and your relationship with your dog—intact. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can help your furry friend develop healthier chewing habits that are both satisfying and safe.