Chewing

Destructive chewing and your dog

You like your new shoes, and so does your dog. But he doesn't want to wear them, he wants to chew them! Not only can your companion canine's destructive behavior be an expensive problem, it can mean that he is bored, anxious or teething.

When dog scratching becomes a problem

Does your dog frantically scratch and chew on his skin? Are his nails wrecking havoc on your hardwood floors? Or perhaps he's unintentionally scratched your children in an innocent game of fetch-the-tennis ball. If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, your beloved Spot is a problem scratcher--and you're probably itching to find a solution.

Cats and catnip

If you have a cat, there's a good chance you've witnessed firsthand one of the great feline mysteries known as the "catnip response." When presented with the leaves of Nepatia cataria, most domestic cats will engage in a variety of behaviors — including chin rubbing, rhythmic kicking with their back feet, sniffing, licking and chewing the plant, and rolling onto their sides. The reaction can last from about 5 to 15 minutes, after which point the cat will lose interest and walk away.

Crate training a puppy

Many new dog owners balk at the mere mention of the training crate. However, crating a young dog on a humane schedule will teach him bladder and bowel control, and helps protect him from his normal puppy instincts to chew through everything in his path.

Dog and puppy teething

Dog teething stages

You've fallen in love with your new puppy, but his teething is causing some problems. When dogs are four to six months old, their milk teeth begin to drop out and are replaced with adult teeth. During this period, your four-legged youngster will start teething and chewing. This helps ease the pain of the new teeth penetrating the gums. Unfortunately, your pet can't always distinguish between what he should and shouldn't chew. Indeed, many a sofa leg and sneaker have fallen victim to a teething pup.

Cat and kitten teething

Cat teething stages

You've fallen in love with your new kitten, but his teething is causing some problems. When cats are four to six months old, their milk teeth begin to drop out and are replaced with adult teeth. During this period, your four-legged youngster will start teething and chewing. This helps ease the pain of the new teeth penetrating the gums. Unfortunately, your pet can't always distinguish between what he should and shouldn't chew. Instead of grinning and bearing it, you can minimize the damage, and help relieve your pet's discomfort with these tips.