[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Many dog owners will know that dogs tend to chew up things more when they are left alone. I know why; but do you?

[Karen W.]

 Because they miss you and want to be with you.. just like a child!! They get upset cause they wanted to go... Sometimes they get bored and just chew because their pups and need the toofy exercise... but mainly when you leave them alone they are upset and its kind of a separation anxiety.. at least thats my thought about it..

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Because they miss you and want to be with you..

Not quite.

[neilep]

What else is a dog to do ?
Except chew chew chew !!


Is it due to loneliness ?..

.......exploration ? ie: just like a baby learns they stick things in their gob to discover what it is ?....


.....a stress reliever....?...akin to biting one nails ?

[turnipsock]

We used to have a dog that would lift things off the radiators as he knew people would chase him. If it was a sock, he could swallow it before you caught him.

I lost one of my Argyle socks that way...or so I thought. It turned up a few days later in my sock drawer. My mum had picked up the sock and washed it...after it had been through the dog. I still have the pair and use them on occasion. The socks have last longer than the dog.

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

turnipsock - there was an occasion when I got a bit worried about 1 of my dogs. He was lethargic and not eating - not like Shaman at all. I didn't bother with the vet straight away as I though it may be a tummy upset.

The next day, sure enough, I found Shaman being sick and he threw up a dishcloth! I'd used it to wipe up some spilled grease when I did a roast and he must have liked the smell of it.

Thankfully there was no harm done.

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Anyway, to put you dear folks out of your misery, here's the answer.

When a dog chews it releases the same brain chemical as when it is being petted. So, by chewing, the dog gets the same sort of happy feelings as when it is being made a fuss of.

[Karen W.]

Because they miss you and want to be with you..

Not quite.

So they like the affection  and the chewing releases that and gives them the same feeling as you would petting them... so it all goes back to that really.. there need to feel that affection hormone working... eases the lonesome feeling by providing the let down of that certain chemical we get with affection... do you think that would work for me........oooooooooooh Doc your on to something.... I eat or chew gum constantly when I am lonesome.. its not being bored its being lonesome.. there is a difference for me I never have had a problem eating when bored.. but when I am feeling lonesome for human touch and affection.... and don't have it.. I eat... That is why I have gained weight! OH MY GAWWWWWWWD....!!!! I bet thats my problem.... well It was solved for a while as I felt great... then lost that affection and have back slid into the gutter of food.... or chewing to release that chemical.. I wonder if that is the same for humans.. Poor whittle doggies... How have they proved this chemical let down from chewing ??  How would one go about testing it on a human....

I will remember that for me dog!

WOW!! An Epiphany moment!!!!

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

I don't know about humans.