They must know how important they are and that they mean we’re leaving because you can’t stop finding your dog chewing your car keys and fob! Maybe your pup has already destroyed a set, maybe not, but either way, I’m sure you’re eager to get this handled before it causes you any further headaches.

In today’s article “Dog Chewed Car Keys or Fob? Here’s What to Do + How to Stop It” we’ll cover the exact steps to prevent this behavior, why dogs chew car keys and fobs to begin with, the dangers of it, and what to do if you need to replace your car fob or keys because your dog chewed them up. Let’s get started below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Car Keys and Fobs

To stop dog chewing car fobs and keys:

1. Keep your keys and fobs hidden away where your dog can’t see or get to them.
2. Be sure your dog always has a safe outlet for their chewing such as a toy that will keep them busy.
3. Spray a deterrent, like a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water on a cloth and gently wipe your fob and keys with it.
4. The scent of vinegar will be gone after about sixty minutes, but your dog will continue to be deterred.
5. Give a firm, calm “no” or “stop” right away when you notice your dog is once again biting your car keys.
6. Don’t get mad or scream, because if they’re acting like this due to anxiety (which is a very common explanation), this will only make their difficulties worse.
7. Put them in a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for around 10 minutes.
8. If you observe your dog beginning to go towards your keys or fob, redirect their attention to one of their toys.
9. Give them praise, a treat, and praise when they pick a toy rather than chewing on your car keys.
10. Ensure that anyone else in the home is also following these instructions.
11. Stay patient and consistent.

This should get your dog to stop chewing on your keys and fob, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issue (typically anxiety) or it will only begin showing itself in other (likely worse) ways.

And to do that, we must first talk about what makes dogs tick and has for thousands and thousands of years now. You’ve likely heard before that all dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But every time that your dog chews on your keys, they are without a doubt telling you that they don’t respect you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t chew your keys and continue to do so even after being told to stop. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — immediately — and they would do so happily.

Make it clear to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable one who must be respected, and you’ll make all of these wonderful transformations a reality.

You’ll be better off for obvious reasons. But your dog will be too because you’ll have freed them from all of the confusion and worry that their anxiety or other problems are currently placing on their little shoulders every moment of every day.

Sounds terrific, wouldn’t you agree?

“Absolutely, yeah, but how do I do this then?”

You should watch a wonderful free video series which is on this very subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains everything in ways that are very simple to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets right to the point so that you can start seeing these critical changes in your dog in no time.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because no, you’re not going to have to yell or be mean to your dog. Dan never uses those types of methods. Not just because loving teaching techniques are the right thing to do, but also because they’re the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Car Fobs and Keys?

Dogs chew on car fobs and keys mainly because of anxiety, boredom, or teething. Chewing can provide relief for anxious dogs, as it releases feel-good chemicals in their brains. For bored dogs, the novelty of an unfamiliar object can be intriguing and provide an outlet for pent-up energy.

Lastly, for teething pups, the hard surface of car keys can provide soothing relief for sore gums. It’s essential to address the root cause of the chewing behavior to prevent it from becoming a learned and enjoyable habit.

Anxiety is often the first reason dogs chew on car keys or fobs. Separation anxiety, for example, can trigger destructive behaviors when dogs are left alone. They might seek out objects with your scent, like your car keys, as a way to feel closer to you. In this case, addressing the underlying anxiety is crucial to stop the unwanted behavior.

Boredom can also lead dogs to chew on car keys or fobs. When dogs don’t have enough mental or physical stimulation, they look for other ways to entertain themselves. Chewing on unusual objects, such as car keys, can be an interesting diversion. Providing your dog with regular exercise and interactive toys can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive chewing.

Teething is another reason why dogs may chew on car keys or fobs. Puppies go through a teething stage, usually between three and six months of age, when they lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth. The hard surface of car keys can provide relief for their sore gums. However, it’s essential to provide appropriate teething toys to prevent this behavior from becoming a learned habit.

Placing your keys and car fob where your dog can’t get to them is a good start and will keep them protected, but you need to remember that this isn’t going to do anything to address the root cause of the problem. Your dog will just move on to soothing whatever their issue is by finding other things to destructively chew.

You’ll find that your dog chews your AirPods, chews your jewelry, chews your glasses, or chews your pens and pencils. Pretty much anything of yours will make for a nice target. I’m sure you can see now why it’s important to handle this problem at its core. To learn the exact steps to follow to do that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Are Car Keys Dangerous for Dogs to Chew On?

Car keys are dangerous for dogs to chew on. Car keys and fobs can pose a choking hazard, cause dental damage, or lead to poisoning from the materials or battery inside the fob. It’s crucial to intervene quickly if you find your dog chewing on car keys or fobs to prevent potential harm.

Choking is a primary concern when dogs chew on small objects like car keys. Keys can easily become lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract, leading to breathing difficulties or even death. If you suspect your dog has swallowed a key, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dental damage is another potential danger of dogs chewing on car keys. The hard metal surface can cause fractures or chips in your dog’s teeth, which can be painful and lead to infection.

Lastly, car fobs pose a risk of poisoning to dogs. The batteries inside car fobs contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. Additionally, some key fobs have electronic components coated in substances that can cause poisoning. If your dog has chewed on a car fob and you’re concerned about potential poisoning, seek veterinary assistance right away.

My Dog Chewed Up My Car Keys/Fob, How Do I Replace?

If your dog has chewed up your car keys or fob, you’ll need to replace them to regain access to your vehicle. To do this, contact your car’s dealership, a local locksmith, or an online key replacement service. Keep in mind that the replacement process and cost may vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

You should now have all the knowledge necessary to keep your keys safe from your furry friend! Best of luck with everything, and thank you for reading “Dog Chewed Car Keys or Fob? Here’s What to Do + How to Stop It!”