Dog chewing bed and you’re not sure why or how to stop it? Skip to the stop chewing steps + DIY deterrent spray by clicking here. But we’ll cover it all, and the good news is that you’re not alone. Many dog owners face this issue, including when their pet starts destroying their bed at night.

In this guide, we’re going to explain why dogs chew their beds, how night anxiety can play a role, and what you can do to help. From understanding the cause to helping senior dogs relax at night, we will walk you through practical steps to stop the chewing and keep your dog comfortable.

Why Does My Dog Chew His Bed?

When a dog chews their bed, it is rarely just about the bed itself. Chewing is a natural behavior that can serve different purposes, from relieving teething discomfort in puppies to easing stress in anxious dogs. Some dogs chew to burn off excess energy, while others do it simply because it feels satisfying.

It is important to note that even adult dogs may chew out of habit if they were never taught what is appropriate to chew. In some cases, the texture or smell of the bed itself can also be tempting. Understanding your dog’s motivation will help you choose the best solution.

Signs It Is More Than Just Chewing

If the bed chewing is paired with pacing, whining, or destructive chewing on other items, stress or separation anxiety might be involved. If your dog also chews excessively on non-bed items, it could indicate boredom or a need for more mental stimulation. For some dogs, bed chewing happens when they are overexcited after play or when settling down.

How to Stop Dog Chewing Bed

The key is to make the bed unappealing for chewing while giving your dog a better outlet for the behavior. You can do this in a few simple steps:

1. Supervise and redirect. If you catch your dog chewing the bed, calmly guide them toward a suitable chew toy and praise them when they use it.
2. Use a DIY deterrent spray. Apply this safe, pet-friendly chew deterrent spray to the bed to reduce its appeal. Make your own by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then lightly misting the bed’s edges. Test a small area first to avoid staining.
3. Increase exercise and mental enrichment. A well-exercised dog is less likely to look for trouble. Incorporate walks, training sessions, or puzzle toys into their daily routine.
4. Reinforce calm behavior. Reward your dog when they rest quietly on their bed without chewing.

With consistency, these small changes can teach your dog that their bed is for sleeping and relaxing, not for chewing. But it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (stress, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.

And until you address those, you’ll continue to have problems, just in other areas.

“Well, how do I do that then?”

You address your dog’s issues at their root by developing their intelligence, that’s how! When they’re truly given the mental stimulation they need — in a loving, fun, instructional way — all their behavioral problems will quickly become a thing of the past.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games with your dog all developed by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her incredible results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end all your dog’s bad behavior while also teaching them to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk by your side. It’s all very simple and will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains how her system works here, go take a look!

Dog Chewing Bed at Night

If your dog saves their bed-destroying energy for after dark, it can be especially frustrating. Nighttime chewing often has different causes than daytime chewing, so figuring out the reason is the first step toward solving it.

Night Anxiety or Restlessness

Many dogs chew their beds at night because they feel anxious or unsettled when the house is quiet and dark. This is especially common in puppies, recently adopted dogs, or senior dogs experiencing cognitive decline. The chewing acts as a self-soothing behavior. Providing a consistent bedtime routine, extra exercise during the day, and a comfort item such as a blanket with your scent can help reduce nighttime anxiety.

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

If your dog has not had enough physical exercise or mental enrichment during the day, they may look for something to do at night — and their bed becomes the target. Make sure your dog gets age- and breed-appropriate exercise, along with puzzle toys or training sessions to keep their mind active. A tired, content dog is far less likely to turn to destructive chewing after everyone else has gone to bed.

Habit or Learned Behavior

In some cases, dogs chew their bed at night simply because they have gotten into the habit. If the behavior has been unintentionally rewarded in the past (for example, by getting your attention or a new bed), they may keep doing it. To break the cycle, offer an appropriate chew toy before bedtime and use a safe deterrent spray on the bed if needed. Over time, they can learn that the bed is for resting, not chewing.

With patience, consistency, and the right combination of comfort, exercise, and redirection, you can help your dog settle down peacefully through the night.

Night Anxiety in Dogs

Night anxiety in dogs typically manifests as restlessness, whining, pacing, and other stress-related behaviors that specifically occur during the night. These symptoms can stem from various causes, including environmental changes, health issues, or age-related factors.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs at Night?

Several factors can contribute to nighttime anxiety in dogs. These include environmental changes such as moving to a new home, disruption in the household routine (like visitors coming over), or a lack of adequate exercise during the day.

Health-related issues like vision or hearing loss, pain, or cognitive dysfunction in older dogs can also lead to anxiety. Learn the steps you can take to deal with this issue by going back to the first section now.

Senior Dog Anxiety at Night

Older dogs are particularly prone to nighttime anxiety. Conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which affects memory, perception, and awareness, can make them anxious and disoriented at night. They might even lash out by barking at or biting your other dogs.

Vision or hearing impairments can also contribute to their anxiety. Recognizing these age-related changes and adapting the dog’s environment and routine can help alleviate their stress.

Symptoms of Nighttime Anxiety in Dogs

The symptoms of nighttime anxiety in dogs can be quite pronounced. Apart from restlessness and pacing, they might exhibit unusual behaviors like hiding, excessive barking or whining, and even destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

Changes in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty settling down or waking up frequently during the night, are also common indicators of anxiety.

In conclusion, addressing nighttime anxiety in dogs involves understanding the underlying causes and recognizing the symptoms. Creating a secure and comfortable environment, maintaining a consistent daily routine, and ensuring they get enough physical and mental stimulation can significantly help in managing your dog’s anxiety at night.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about your dog’s nighttime chewing answered, so I’ll let you get going on things. Good luck, and thanks for checking out our article “Why Does My Dog Chew His Bed at Night? (+How to Stop!)”.