If you’ve ever walked into your bedroom to find a snowstorm of pillow stuffing, you’ve probably wondered, “Why do dogs chew on pillows?” It’s a question many puzzled pet owners have posed. This behavior can be frustrating, costly, and at times, a bit perplexing. Luckily, we’re here to help demystify this canine conundrum.

In this article, we delve into the reasons behind your dog’s fascination with pillows, from loneliness to relaxation. We’ll also discuss strategies to stop your dog from turning your cushions into their personal chew toys, and how to manage potential damage. In addition, we’ll explore unusual scenarios like dogs chewing pillows while asleep or seemingly eating them.

Ready to unearth the secrets of your pet’s pillow passion? Let’s get started below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Pillows

To stop dog chewing on pillows:

1. Keep the door to your bedroom closed so your dog can’t get in.
2. Store the pillows high on a shelf or in a closet if you don’t want to keep your bedroom shut.
3. Make sure your dog can always find a proper outlet for their chewing such as a toy they have fun chewing on.
4. Spray a deterrent, such as a 50/50 blend of distilled white vinegar and water onto your pillows.
5. The smell of vinegar will not be detectable after 1 hour, but your dog will continue to be deterred.
6. The vinegar/water mix is safe for nearly all fabrics, but you should avoid using it on wool, silk, or other natural fabrics to be safe.
7. Give a firm but calm “stop” or “no” the second when you catch your dog is again chewing up the pillows.
8. Do not get mad or yell, because if they’re acting like this due to anxiety (which is incredibly likely), this will only make their problems worse.
9. Put them in a short time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for approximately 10 minutes.
10. If you see your dog beginning to go after the pillows, point their attention to a favorite toy.
11. Give them a small treat, pets, and praise when they choose their toy rather than chewing on the pillows.
12. Be sure that anyone else in the home is also following these procedures.
13. Stay consistent and patient.

These steps will get your dog to stop chewing on pillows, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So how do I make them last then?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog chews on pillows and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog chewing on the pillows ever again!

Dog Chewing Pillows: Why They Do It

If you’ve found your dog chewing on pillows, you’re probably wondering why they’re doing it. Here are some common reasons behind this behavior:

1. Teething: If your dog is a puppy, they might be teething. Chewing on pillows can help alleviate the discomfort that comes with new teeth coming in.
2. Boredom: Dogs often chew when they’re bored. If your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they might turn to chewing pillows as a way to entertain themselves.
3. Separation Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety often chew on items that smell like their owners, like pillows, when they’re left alone.
4. Dietary Needs: Sometimes, dogs chew on non-food items because they’re lacking certain nutrients in their diet.

Understanding why your dog is chewing on pillows can help you address this behavior effectively. Go back to the first section now and we’ll explain how to do that, while also getting your dog to stop chewing on your pillows.

In the meantime, provide appropriate chew toys, ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, and addressing any potential dietary issues. These can all help curb this behavior while you work on addressing the core reason behind it.

Dog Chewing on Pillows When Home Alone

If your dog is chewing on pillows when home alone, they might be trying to cope with feelings of boredom or anxiety. Dogs are social creatures and can get lonely or stressed when left alone for extended periods. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and can be a way for them to relieve stress or keep themselves occupied.

Chewing can also be a sign of separation anxiety, a condition where a dog becomes overly anxious when separated from their owner. Symptoms can include destructive behavior, such as chewing on pillows, excessive barking or whining, and inappropriate elimination.

Here are a few more reasons why your dog might be chewing on pillows when home alone:

1. They might be teething. This is more common in puppies, but adult dogs can also engage in excessive chewing if they’re dealing with dental issues.
2. They might not be getting enough exercise. Dogs need regular physical activity, and if they’re not getting enough, they might resort to destructive behaviors to burn off energy.
3. They might be bored. Dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Without enough to do, they might turn to chewing for entertainment.

While it’s normal for dogs to chew, destructive chewing can become a problem. If your dog is chewing on pillows when you’re not home, you should go back to the first section now where we’ll teach you how to address the problem at its root cause, while also stopping your dog’s destructive chewing.

Not doing so will just lead to your dog’s problem getting worse, and beginning to show itself in even more areas. You’ll soon find that your dog is chewing on the bed sheets, chewing on the door mat, chewing on the TV remote, chewing their bed during the night, or chewing on the rug.

Why Do Dogs Chew Pillows to Relax?

Dogs chew on pillows to relax because the act of chewing can be inherently soothing for them. This comfort can stem from various factors, including a sense of security, the release of pent-up energy, and even the scent of their favorite human on the pillows. Now, let’s delve deeper into these reasons:

1. Comforting Habit: Dogs often find the repetitive action of chewing calming. Just like some humans might enjoy knitting or reading to relax, dogs can find solace in the rhythm of chewing.
2. Release of Energy: Chewing can be a way for dogs to release pent-up energy. If they’re feeling restless or anxious, chewing on something like a pillow can help them channel that energy and achieve a state of relaxation.
3. Scent Connection: If the pillows carry your scent, your dog might find chewing on them relaxing because your smell brings them comfort and a sense of security.
4. Teething Relief: For puppies, chewing can provide relief from the discomfort of teething. It’s a natural response that can soothe their aching gums, helping them feel more at ease.

Understanding these reasons can help you manage your dog’s pillow-chewing habit more effectively, and perhaps redirect their chewing to more appropriate items like chew toys. To find out how to tackle your dog’s problem at its root cause, while also stopping their chewing problem, go back to the first section of this article now.

Dog Chewing Couch Pillows: How to Fix Damage

If your dog has been chewing your couch pillows, you might be left with some unsightly damage. Here’s how you can try to fix the damage:

1. Sewing: If the damage is small, you might be able to sew the pillow back together. Use a thread that matches the color of the pillow for the most discreet repair.
2. Patching: For larger holes, you could consider using a patch. Choose a fabric that complements the pillow or opt for an exact match if you can find it.
3. Replacing the Stuffing: If your dog has pulled out a lot of the stuffing, you might need to replace it. Most craft stores sell pillow stuffing or foam that you can use to refill your pillows.
4. Professional Upholstery Repair: If the damage is extensive or the pillows are particularly valuable or sentimental, you might want to consider hiring a professional upholstery repair service. They can often make repairs that are virtually undetectable.

Remember, while fixing the damage is important, addressing the root cause of the chewing is equally crucial to prevent future damage. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll teach you in very easy-to-follow steps how you can do just that.

Dog Chews Pillows While Sleeping

If your dog chews pillows while sleeping, it might be somewhat puzzling. This behavior can be a result of various factors including comfort-seeking, boredom, or even dental problems.

Comfort-Seeking Behavior

Dogs sometimes engage in behaviors such as chewing for comfort. The soft material of a pillow can be soothing to them, especially when they’re settling down to sleep. It’s similar to how some dogs circle or paw at their beds before lying down.

Boredom

If your dog isn’t fully asleep and begins chewing the pillow, it could be a sign of boredom. Dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, and if they’re not getting enough, they might turn to chewing as a way to entertain themselves.

Dental Problems

Chewing can also be a sign of dental problems in dogs. If your dog is chewing pillows, it might be because they’re experiencing discomfort in their mouth. This could be due to teething in puppies, or dental issues in adult dogs such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Addressing the Behavior

To address this behavior, you may need to first rule out any potential health issues by consulting with a vet. If your dog is simply bored, ensure they’re getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. If they’re chewing for comfort, consider providing them with a dog-safe chew toy or blanket to soothe them instead of a pillow.

More serious explanations are also very possible. Remember, it’s important to understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior in order to effectively address it. We explain exactly how you can do that all yourself in the first section of this article.

Dog Ripping Up & Destroying Pillows

If your dog is ripping up and destroying pillows, it can be a source of frustration for you. This behavior can be caused by a variety of factors, from boredom to separation anxiety, and even instinctual behavior.

Boredom or Lack of Exercise

If your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they might turn to destructive behaviors like ripping up pillows. Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Separation Anxiety

Some dogs may destroy items like pillows when left alone due to separation anxiety. If your dog only rips up pillows when you’re not home, it could be a sign they’re anxious and stressed about being alone.

Instinctual Behavior

Believe it or not, ripping up pillows can also be an instinctual behavior. In the wild, dogs tear into their prey. While your domestic dog doesn’t need to hunt for food, they might still have the instinct to “dissect” soft items like pillows.

Teething

If you have a puppy, they could be destroying pillows because they’re teething. Chewing can help relieve the discomfort associated with teething.

Addressing the Behavior

To address this behavior, it’s important to provide plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. If separation anxiety is the issue, go back to the first section of this article now where we discuss how you can deal with that. Providing dog-safe chew toys can also help deter them from destroying your pillows.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when addressing behavioral issues. It may take some time for your dog to break the habit, but with positive reinforcement and appropriate alternatives, you can help guide them towards more suitable behavior.

Dog Eating Pillows: What’s Going On?

If your dog is eating pillows, it’s likely an expression of a condition called pica, which is the ingestion of non-food items. Pica can stem from various causes, and understanding why your dog is doing this can help you address the issue effectively.

Another common reason dogs engage in this behavior is due to boredom or lack of stimulation. When left alone or without sufficient activities to engage in, dogs might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing and eating pillows.

Anxiety, especially separation anxiety, is one more potential cause. When dogs are anxious or stressed, they might turn to behaviors like chewing or eating objects as a coping mechanism.

Here are a few more reasons why your dog might be eating pillows:

1. Teething: In puppies, teething can lead to increased chewing. While this usually subsides as they grow, it’s important to provide appropriate chew toys to prevent them from resorting to pillows.
2. Dietary deficiencies: If your dog’s diet is lacking in nutrients, they might start eating non-food items. If you suspect this, consult with a vet to ensure your dog’s diet is balanced.
3. Health issues: Certain medical conditions can lead to pica. If your dog’s pillow-eating behavior is accompanied by other signs of illness, a vet check is in order.

Eating pillows is a behavior that shouldn’t be ignored, as it can lead to serious health issues like intestinal blockages. If you’re struggling to manage this behavior, you should contact your veterinarian. They can provide strategies to manage this behavior and help identify any potential underlying issues.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to not replacing your chewed up pillows all the time, so I’ll let you get going on things now. Best of luck with all of this, and thank you for checking out our article “Why Do Dogs Chew on Pillows? (+ How to Stop Easy!)”