Our dogs have a tendency to chew on things.
One material they seem to have a leaning toward is wood trim.
Unfortunately, besides the damage to your décor, this is hazardous behavior.
Owners have to take control of this situation quickly.
We not only want to keep our furnishings and details intact, but we also want to keep our animals safe and healthy.
Here is some info for how to stop a dog from chewing wood trim.
Why Your Dog Chews on Wood Trim
Your dog relies on their sense of smell and taste to make sense of the world.
As a dog lover, you’ve probably noticed how trees always snag your dog’s eye.
Wood is a natural attraction.
The same applies to your wood trim, the legs on your couch and chairs, and so on.
Dogs lick and chew out of any number of habits, including curiosity and boredom.
The destructive behavior starts early when they’re puppies.
When a baby is teething, we give them a soothing device to help with the pain.
In early years, a teething puppy will chew on just about anything, but the natural attraction to wood leads to trouble.
The teething pup’s simply looking to minimize its discomfort.
But you want to ensure they don’t carry this destructive activity into adulthood.
Reasons Dogs Chew
Here are reasons why wood trim is irresistible to your dog.
Boredom
Boredom might be the most common reason for the behavior.
Dogs left alone often indulge in misbehavior.
Some people mistakenly think the dog is trying to send a statement.
But they don’t have an understanding of emotions like revenge.
The dog is more likely lonely or stressed and looking to entertain themselves.
Going at your wood is a way to pass away the time.
Dental Issues
Puppies may chew on wood trim to relieve teething pain.
An adult dog might do it if they’re sufferers of loose or pained teeth, swollen gums, or other issues.
Stress or Anxiety
Often, wood chewing is a manifestation of their mental state.
For instance, being alone can lead to confusion and stress.
If destructive behavior comes out only when the dog’s alone, you’re looking at separation anxiety.
Their wood trim chewing is a way of remaining calm.
Instincts
As many dogs were practically bred for hunting, these animals have instincts that lend toward chewing.
This trait developed from grabbing and holding objects in their mouths.
Pica
Pica is a condition where dogs feel compelled to chew and eat things like cloth, shoes, wood trim, walls, dirt, or rocks.
They may even indulge in insects.
Pica is often diagnosed in canines with intestinal parasites or are suffering from poor nutrition.
If you’re finding your pet’s eating just about anything that’s not food, get them to a vet.
Wood Trim and Your Dog’s Health
Persistent chewing on wood trim is a health risk for your canine.
It’s a costly habit for you but equally important to curtail the behavior for your dog’s health.
Otherwise, the behavior’s likely to escalate and increase harm.
The threats include your dog getting wood splinters in their gum or between their teeth.
They can swallow pieces large enough to result in infection or digestive complications.
A vet may now need to perform unwanted and expensive surgery.
Lastly, some wood treatments include chemicals and dyes.
Some woods, like black cherry or red maple, are dangerous for dogs.
They may ingest toxic compounds chewing on wood trim.
Ways to Stop Wood Trim Chewing
There are measures you can take to keep your dog from chewing wood trim.
Set Up Barriers
Put obstacles between the dog and objects with wooden trim in them.
Make use of baby or pet gates to keep the dog out of areas they are unable to stay away from.
One highly recommended option is crating.
Dogs like protective spaces and instinctively go looking for them.
If you go the crating route, get one that’s sized for your dog and try to ensure they have their toys and other comforts.
Give Them Chew Toys
Dogs don’t like boredom.
It’s important to give your dog activities that keep them entertained.
Chew dogs are excellent ways to keep dogs from chewing on your personal items.
A chewable toy that’s durable and that won’t damage teeth, or something the dog won’t swallow will make your pet happy.
If chewing is a problem, have several different chew toys strategically placed around the house.
The average dog loves to play and will search for their chew toy.
There is a range of products to choose from.
Mix hard and soft with squeaky and woven rope items.
Try a feeder puzzle.
Dogs love to figure things out.
You can also consider interactive toys so that you or older children can engage with the dog.
Regular play with humans is a great pastime for your animal.
Exercise and Attention
Dogs require a certain amount of mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis.
Activity keeps your dog relaxed and stress-free.
The opportunity to run, play, and walk prevents boredom and anxiety.
An active dog is less likely to engage in the chewing of wood trim.
You’re preventing bad habits before they grow.
Socialization
Dogs love being with their family.
Many love socializing with new people and other animals.
If amicable, let them engage as much as possible.
A busy dog doesn’t have time to get bored and won’t have to deal with boredom through destructive behavior.
Do Not Play “Go Get the Stick!”
It’s a fabulous, famous, and almost idyllic pastime owners and dogs share.
But chasing a piece of wood only encourages your dog to see wood as a plaything.
Go with a frisbee or ball instead.
Use a Deterrent on Your Wood Trims
Dogs, like any creature, will keep their mouths a great distance from things that taste bad.
So getting your dog to stop chewing your trims may be as simple as applying an application to alluring surfaces.
The sprays are safe on surfaces.
Something like a bitter apple spray on baseboards, furniture, and other favored chewing spots will keep your pet at bay.
Another solution is creating your own deterrent. Use a 2:1 ratio of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.
Add a squeeze of lemon and — voila! — you’ve got a mixture no dog will want to sniff, let alone gnaw on.
Spray a touch of your mix on wood trims.
No dog will want anything to do with the trim after that.
Training and Supervision
The application of firm and fair discipline is the best way to get a canine to stop bad behavior.
Firm “No’s” whenever they are seen indulging in bad ways work if they understand who’s boss.
Take them away from the wood and give them a toy instead.
Help the dog see what you’d prefer them to play with.
Training will take longer than installing gates but will lead to better behavior.
Do not get in the habit of physical discipline or yelling at your pet.
Dogs are better equipped at learning commands without negative punishment.
Stick with positive reinforcement, reward their good behavior, and be firm and consistent.
Gradually, you’ll wean them off the treats.
Eventually, your dog will keep away from wood trimmings of their own volition.
Conclusion
Your wood trim details are important to the overall aesthetic of your home.
Your dog chewing on it interferes with that and also risks their long-term health with the habit.
So, if you’re seeing teeth marks in your moldings, get to work breaking that habit.
This article is chock full of info you can utilize to keep your dog and property safe.
First, try to get a grip on why your dog is chewing on furnishings.
It isn’t just about mischief. It could be pain, stress, or loneliness, to name a few.
You can then begin the process of behavior modification.