Why Does My Dog Chew Things When Left Alone? Causes and Fixes

You open the door to find a chewed cushion, a gouged door frame or a pile of shredded mail. It’s frustrating, but chewing is a normal dog behavior, and it’s usually a sign that a need isn’t being met.

The first step is working out why your dog chews when you’re out. The right fix depends on the cause.

The most common causes

• Teething. Puppies, especially between about 3 and 7 months old, chew to relieve sore gums and explore the world.
• Boredom. Young or high-energy dogs without enough exercise and mental work find their own entertainment.
• Separation stress. Dogs who struggle to be alone may chew and scratch, often around doors and windows.
• Noise triggers. A storm, construction or fireworks while you’re out can set off stress chewing.
• Hunger. Dogs who are hungry may raid bins or chew food packaging.
• Habit. If chewing a shoe was fun once, it’s likely to happen again.

Clues to the cause

What you notice	What it may point to
Damage around doors, windows and crates	Separation stress
Chewing anything, anywhere, even when you’re home	Boredom or teething
Chewing mostly on bad-weather days	Noise triggers
Food packaging, bins and counters targeted	Hunger or scavenging
Barking, pacing or drooling on camera	Stress rather than boredom

A pet camera or phone recording is the easiest way to see what’s really happening. If the signs point to stress, our guide to separation anxiety signs will help you dig deeper.

How to help

Meet your dog’s needs first

• Exercise before alone time. A walk with plenty of sniffing helps many dogs rest.
• Add mental work. Short training games and food puzzles tire dogs out as much as physical exercise.
• Feed on schedule and consider a food puzzle for part of breakfast.

Offer better things to chew

• Choose chew toys sized for your dog, durable enough not to break into small pieces.
• Rotate toys every few days so they stay interesting.
• Try a lick mat or stuffed food toy for quiet time.
• Supervise new chews before leaving your dog alone with them.

For more ideas, see our list of calming activities for dogs.

Manage the space

• Put away shoes, remote controls, cables and anything small enough to swallow.
• Use a dog-proofed room, gate or comfortable crate if your dog is relaxed in one.
• Close curtains if passersby get your dog worked up.

Skip punishment after the fact

Dogs can’t connect a scolding with something they chewed hours ago. Punishment adds stress, which can make chewing worse. Clean up calmly and focus on prevention.

Safety first

If your dog swallows part of a toy, a sock or anything sharp or toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away. Throw away damaged chews, and never leave dogs with toys that fit entirely in their mouth.

When to talk to your vet

Talk to your veterinarian if chewing starts suddenly in an adult dog, if your dog licks or chews their own paws or skin a lot, or if they hurt themselves trying to escape. Dental pain, skin problems and other health issues can all play a role.

Not sure whether stress or boredom is behind your dog’s chewing? Take the free 2-minute Dog Anxiety Quiz.