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Why does my dog chew everything when alone? Is it anxiety or training?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 45 lbs

My dog is a hound mix he's a year old and every time I leave the house and leave him in one of our spare rooms, he chews on everything and anything he can get a hold of, even chewed up my window sill. Just wondering if this is normal, and he just needs to be trained or if something is wrong with him

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2017

Bear is a cutie. He may be starting to show some signs of seperation anxiety. I would try crating him when you leave to see if he will settle in a crate. Also give him approriate, safe toys to chew on. If he is ok with other toys, it may just be teething and puppy hood. If he is upset every time he is left alone, look at the following article about seperation anxiety. If you think that is some of his issue, consider a visit with a veterinary behaviorist or vet that specializes in behavior as he is young enough that you may be able to limit this disorder. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so sorry to hear that you are having a hard time getting Beat to stop chewing inappropriate objects, young dogs are notorious for such behaviour. Puppies absolutely do like to get into things they shouldn't, as frustrating as this can be. To keep Bear safe from the possible harmful effects of eating furniture, trash or cardboard, and to keep the mess at a minimum I would suggest a tall trash can with securely closing lid. And removing any chewable objects you can in his environment when you go out. One reason why puppies are known for their destructive tendencies is they are in need of more stimulation, or experience anxiety when separated from you. There currently are several toys on the market which will interact with Bear and release treats, that can be used while you are out. Bear could also possibly benefit from more exercise, as well as puppy socialisation classes. Though less likely, there is also a possibility that Bear could have something else wrong that causes him to seek out strange foods, rather then have interest in her own. For instance, metabolic disorders, parasites, and vitamin deficiencies can all be underlying causes. In order to rule out these causes a trip to the veterinarian would be needed. The vet would check on the parameters of Bear's blood, and check a fecal sample for parasites. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Bear feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on April 12th, 2018

    Hi there! It's possible that Macy is simply bored and looking for something to do when you're not home, or she may have separation anxiety - this is a common cause of destructive chewing that only happens when you aren't home. I would recommend putting her in a crate when you're gone, and giving her something extra-special to chew on such as a bully stick, cow or pig ear, rawhide chew, etc. I would also recommend setting up a video camera to record her the next time you leave her home alone - this will help you determine if she's anxious and upset, or simply bored. If you do see signs of anxiety (barking, whining, howling, pacing and restlessness, etc.) then I would recommend consulting with your veterinarian about medication options to help with this.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 31st, 2017

    Since Mikka is still very young, only about 10 months old, it's to be expected that she will chew on things when she is by herself - to prevent this, she needs to be confined to a crate or a puppy-proofed room when you're not home. I'm not sure what kind of toys and treats you have been giving her to keep her busy, but some of my favorite options are bully sticks, large rawhide chews, cow or pig ears, and puzzle toys such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. If these things don't seem to help, she may have separation anxiety - this is a common reason that dogs may destroy things when you're gone, especially if this never happens when you're home with them. In that case, I would recommend discussing the situation with your vet, as she may need prescription medication to treat her anxiety in addition to the strategies discussed above.

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