It involves digging or the destruction of items, such as furniture, doors, or toys by chewing. Pets, in particular dogs, can have the tendency to show destructive behavior. This is often caused by an anxiety. In puppies, chewing is a way to relieve the discomfort of teething. Destructive behavior can be caused by different psychological conditions, such as separation anxiety, fears, and boredom. But is can also be caused by a medical condition. It is advised to observe your pet's behavior in detail and then consult a veterinarian, who can give advise to reduce the destructive behavior of your pet.
How to Recognize
Destructive behavior occurs when the dog is chewing an item which is not desired is chewed. There is also secondary destructive behavior. This is often caused by some sort of anxiety or aggression. In puppies, chewing is a way to relieve the discomfort of teething. This behavior should change when the permanent teeth appear.
Causes of Destructive Behavior
Destructive Behavior can be caused by different psychological conditions, such as separation anxiety, fears, and boredom. Destructive behavior can also be caused by a medical condition. Destructive behavior and secondary destructive behavior can also lead to problems with the dog’s teeth, skin, intestines or stomach. It is advised to observe your pet's behavior in detail and then consult a pet behavior specialist, who can give advice to reduce the Destructive Behavior of your pet.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of destructive behavior include chewing on furniture, digging holes in the lawn, chewing houseplants or chewing on small items in your home. Symptoms of secondary destructive behavior include destroying items to obtain the attention of the pet parent or destroying items while the pet parent is present.
Possible Conditions
If your dog spends a great deal of time chewing the furniture, portions of its own body or displays signs of pica (eating items which are not food), this may be due to obsessive compulsive behavior. If the behavior is due to separation anxiety, the pet may chew on home items, personal items of the pet parent, destroy the walls and/or use the bathroom in the home.
Treatment for Destructive Behavior
The destructive behavior may be treated via increased levels of exercise, new chew toys or additional time spent with the pet parent. If you have any additional questions, you can discuss them with your pet behavior specialist to determine a plan of action.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.