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My dog chews everything. How to stop destructive chewing and anxiety?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 months and 29 days old | 35 lbs

My dog chews on almost everything. We have tried crate training but that doesn’t appear to be working. She has destroyed so much that my partner is ready to throw her out. Any suggestions on how to curb her habit before they throw her out?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Camellia may have generalized anxiety, or separation anxiety. This can cause dogs to have destructive behaviors, such as chewing excessively, tearing up furniture or clothes, etc. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian about medications that can be given to help reduce anxiety at home, and make dogs much more calm at home. These can include Trazodone, Prozac, Clomicalm, etc. Many dogs tolerate these medications very well and can save them from being relinquished to shelters. I hope this is helpful! Please consider there before rehoming Camellia, as her underlying problems will not go away on their own, and changing homes can actually worsen her signs.

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