Why Is My Maltese Chewing So Much [8 Reasons]
Are you tired of coming home to find your favorite shoes or furniture chewed up by your beloved Maltese? You’re not alone!
Many dog owners struggle with excessive chewing behavior in their furry companions. But why is your Maltese chewing so much, and what can you do to stop it?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind this common issue and provide some tips and tricks to help curb your Maltese’s chewing habit.
Why Is My Maltese Chewing So Much
The following are some of the most common reasons why Maltese dogs chew:
1. Boredom
In order to maintain good health and happiness, Maltese dogs need both mental and physical stimulation.
Boredom, which can result in a destructive activity like chewing, can be caused by a lack of stimulation.
To keep your Maltese entertained, give them lots of toys and playtime. For you to keep their toys interesting, rotate them frequently.
To keep them entertained and stimulate their minds, you may also think about giving them puzzle toys or toys that give them treats.
2. Teething process
Maltese puppies experience a teething phase during which their teeth erupt and they are compelled to chew by instinct.
Make sure to provide your Maltese with appropriate chew toys in the interim so that this behavior will stop once their adult teeth erupt.
Chew toys made especially for puppies that are teething can be beneficial.
Don’t give them objects like socks or twine that could be harmful or cause intestinal obstructions.
3. Signs of separation anxiety
Maltese dogs are sociable animals and might become anxious if they are left alone for an extended period of time. They may get relief from this stress by chewing.
Talk to your vet about ways to make your Maltese feel more at ease when you’re not home if you think separation anxiety is the root of their chewing.
Leaving them with a reassuring object, like a cherished toy or blanket, is another option.
Another technique to assist kids in adjusting to being alone is to gradually extend your absence from them.
Learn more about separation anxiety in Maltese dogs.
4. Hunger
For optimal health, Maltese dogs require frequent meals and access to clean water.
Your Maltese may turn to chew if they aren’t getting enough food or water to quench their thirst or satisfy their hunger.
Make sure they are fed according to their size and age-appropriate schedule, and that they have access to fresh water all day.
5. Learned habit
A Maltese dog’s tendency of chewing can develop, especially if the practice is allowed to continue uncontrolled.
It could take some time and effort to break the behavior if your Maltese has been chewing on things for a while.
To avoid Maltese dogs chewing on incorrect objects, make sure to direct their attention to acceptable chew toys.
To break any habit, consistency and encouraging feedback are essential.
6. Attention Seeking
Maltese dogs will occasionally chew on things only to catch their owner’s eye.
Make sure to lavish your Maltese with affection and praise when they behave politely if they are chewing to get your attention.
When they chew on improper objects, do not, however, pay them any attention as this may encourage the practice.
7. Anxiety
Maltese dogs can become anxious in a number of circumstances, including thunderstorms, around unfamiliar people or animals, or when their routine is disturbed.
They may get relief from this stress by chewing.
Talk to your veterinarian about methods to make your Maltese feel more at ease, like medication or behavior modification strategies, if you think anxiety is the root of their chewing.
Learn more about dog anxiety.
8. Lack of Exercise and Curiosity
Maltese dogs require regular physical activity in addition to cerebral stimulation in order to keep healthy and expend surplus energy.
Your Maltese may turn to chew as a way to release pent-up energy if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Make that kids get enough daily walks and playtime.
Maltese dogs are inherently curious creatures, and they might chew on things just to inspect them.
This is particularly true of pups that are discovering their environment. Make sure your Maltese has a ton of chewable, safe toys to play with.
How to stop Maltese dog from chewing things
Here are some tips to stop a Maltese dog from chewing things:
- Provide plenty of chew toys that are appropriate for their size and chewing habits. This can help redirect their chewing behavior to an appropriate target.
- Supervise your dog when they are playing or wandering around the house, and keep them away from things they shouldn’t chew on.
- Consider crate training your dog to keep them confined when you can’t keep an eye on them.
- Use deterrent sprays or taste repellents to discourage them from chewing on objects they shouldn’t.
- Exercise your dog regularly to help reduce their energy and boredom, which can lead to destructive chewing behavior.
- Consider talking to a veterinarian or dog trainer to see if there are underlying health or behavioral issues that could be contributing to the chewing behavior.
Remember to be consistent in your training and patient with your Maltese dog.
Chewing behavior can take time to redirect, so it’s important to stay committed to training and providing appropriate chewing outlets for your dog.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many reasons why Maltese dogs may chew on objects, ranging from boredom and teething to anxiety and breed tendencies.
By identifying the underlying cause of the behavior and addressing it appropriately, you can help your Maltese learn appropriate chewing behavior and keep your home and belongings safe from damage.
