One of the most unpleasant things is to see how your dog eats the wall until it opens a hole for it as if it were his favorite dish in the whole world. And surely you have asked yourself a thousand times Why does my dog eat the wall?
There are different hypotheses to explain why a dog chews walls, a compulsive activity more common than we think. The first thing is to know that it is not an isolated behavior, that it has its reasons. Second, a detailed assessment of the situation, the dog, and the environment must be made. And third and very important, knowing that it is a problem that can be reversed.
Some of the common reasons for this behavior will be expanded upon in this new article on our site where we will unravel the mystery of why my dog eats the wall:
Fears and insecurities
Dogs are very sensitive creatures to noise and end up creating phobias of fireworks or storms, among other things. Dogs that sleep indoors may develop wall chewing after experiencing dramatic events such as those listed above.
Remember that dogs are like little children. These loud noises that come suddenly can trigger fears and emotions causing stress in your dog, and he/she in his/her attempt to escape from the situation is very likely to start digging in the walls or eating them.
It can also happen that if your dog, for example, has been bitten by an insect, has been intoxicated or, in short, has had a traumatic experience in this room, it will definitely want to get out of there, so it will try to go through the wall if necessary.
Solution:
If your dog has a deep fear, the first solution is the most obvious and simple, do not force him to be in that place. Find another space close to your presence and in which he can feel comfortable and comfortable
However, if it is a general situation that does not diminish even with your presence, we should choose to try to decrease their stress levelFirst try to leave the door open so that he feels that he can come and go as he pleases and that he is not trapped between those walls. Later, and especially in storms or nights when fireworks are used, play relaxing music for dogs and use a relaxation toy such as the kong.
Predatory behavior
We must not forget that the dog's hearing and sense of smell are much more developed than those of the human being. Some dogs bite walls due to their predatory nature, since they perceive through these senses, the presence of another creature such as some bug, cats, snakes, mice, termites, on the other side of the wall or inside
Solution:
Impregnate the wall with a strong odor that your dog rejects. We want to keep it away from the area, so spraying a little citrus-scented spray or spice can work. Your dog can go from one wall to another, keep in mind that this is only a temporary measure while you train your dog not to eat, in general, any wall in the house.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety in dogs is a very common problem. Basically your dog suffers from anxiety because he feels that you have abandoned him. That happens every time you leave home. Many dogs experience anguish and anxiety when separated from their family members.
Whether you're watching TV in another room, leaving work early and coming home at night, or going on vacation and leaving him with Grandma, your dog can't help but feel a little sidelined and even rejected. His way of draining those emotions will be by eating the walls including other types of destructive behavior.
Solution:
- Modify your walking routines.
- Exercise your dog to eliminate stress.
- Spend quality time with him.
Don't forget to use the kong to combat separation anxiety as well as other teether-type toys and/or candy dispensers. This type of activity tends to relax them and keep them entertained, so it is highly recommended and positive. It will help him distract himself and wait for your arrival almost without realizing it. If when you arrive you see him chewing on the wall, correct the behavior with a firm "No" but without aggression. Then you must distract his attention with a game like the ones mentioned above.
Demotivation and boredom
A bored dog is a dog capable of turning the house upside down. Dogs love to chew, so before doing nothing, they will prefer to eat the walls. According to some studies, many dogs can chew on drywall as it provides sensory reinforcement.
For your dog, chewing on the wall is a form of distraction and this helps to keep him occupied until you go to play with him. Remember that dogs require attention and they need activity (especially outdoors) and games to discharge all their internal energy. Otherwise, the download will be done but in bite mode on each wall of the house.
Solution:
A good daily dose of physical exercise and love. Take him out for longer walks and deplete his energy stores in a positive and he althy way. You'll see a happier dog and intact walls in no time.
However, if it is a habit that has lasted for a long time, it may take some time at first to completely eliminate it. In these cases it will be ideal to help you with different intelligence toys at home as well as other activities that promote mental development
Poor feeding
A dog's body needs a balanced mixture of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and good taste. Analyze the way you are feeding your dog, because this may not be the most appropriate. Perhaps you have offered him the same food all his life and it no longer provides him with the same emotion or the same nutritional contributions. Your dog may be chewing on the wall to tell you, in his own way, that he doesn't like the menu anymoreand that it's time to change it
Solution:
Get another type of dog food, always of high quality. Vary the dishes and add a tablespoon of olive oil to the feed, this, in addition to being very nutritious, will give a different touch to the usual flavor. You can also offer occasional wet food and recipes you make yourself. Try to make the feed of the best quality and as natural as possible. Pamper him with delicious cookies and treats and exercise him so he doesn't gain weight.
