{"id":278,"date":"2020-08-20T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:s\/\/www.mybeevet.com\/blog\/?p=278"},"modified":"2020-08-20T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-08-20T16:00:00","slug":"pets-need-to-chew-and-scratch-what-you-can-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mybeevet.com\/blog\/pets-need-to-chew-and-scratch-what-you-can-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Pets Need to Chew and Scratch: What You Can do About it!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dog<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A ripped up corner of the couch, a freshly-chewed pair of shoes, shredded tissues on the floor \u2013 these are all commonplace in the life of a pet owner, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all know that dogs and cats love to chew and scratch, but these behaviors can quickly turn dangerous<\/a> (and it\u2019s annoying for owners). Learning the reasons behind these instincts is the first step toward finding a solution \u2013 and saving your home and property in the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Need to Knead (and Scratch!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scratching is a deep need for all cats, and they do so for a variety of reasons. Scratching on a vertical surface is a way to stretch the muscles in their legs and paws. It also helps remove the outer nail sheaths, and it\u2019s an important way to leave scent markings (cats have scent glands in between their paw pads). <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Chew on This<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The need to chew is hard-wired into most dogs. In the wild, a dog not only explores the world with their mouth, but both the front and back teeth are used to kill and eat prey. The teeth are kept clean and tartar-free by crunching bones, cartilage, and sinew, and working the jaw and neck muscles with lots of chewing helps keep them strong and supple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern dogs probably don\u2019t tear apart many carcasses, but that doesn\u2019t mean chewing isn\u2019t an important way to clean your pet\u2019s teeth<\/a> and provide an outlet for energy.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Chewing and Scratching Solutions for Pets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The urge to chew and scratch is natural for your pet. Instead of punishing them, redirect their attention in order to curb the behavior.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n