“Oh, come on now!” Your dog chewed up your credit cards again! Why in the world does your dog chew up your debit cards and credit cards? What’s causing them to do this, and is it safe? Can dogs eat credit cards without getting hurt? How do you fix a chewed credit card or get it replaced?

Today, we’re going to give you all the answers you need for this frustrating problem. Even better, we’re going to tell you how to stop your dog chewing up your credit cards once and for all. Soon, this aggravation will all be behind you. Keep reading below for our article “My Dog Chewed Up My Credit Cards.”

How to Stop Dog Chewing on Credit Cards

To stop dog chewing on credit cards, immediately give a calm but firm “no” or “stop” if you catch them in the act or sniffing around them. Do not yell, clap, or get angry as your dog is doing this out of anxiety, and those reactions will only make their problem worse. Next, place them into a time-out in their crate or a closed-off room with no toys for 10 minutes.

Let them out, then redirect them to a proper outlet, like a quiet chew toy. If they take it, immediately reward them with pets, praise, and a small treat. Moving forward, you should take more care to keep your cards stored where your dog can’t get to them even when you’re not around, like in a drawer.

You can dissuade your dog from chewing on credit cards and debit cards by making a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture to a cloth, then dab it around your credit cards. While your chip and magnetic strip should be fine to touch with the mix, it’s not necessary to cover the entire card so you should only stick to the unimportant plastic areas.

The smell will go away after about an hour once the mixture has dried on your cards, but just those few small dabs will be enough to deter your dog and keep them away from your cards.

But while these steps will get your dog to stop chewing on your credit cards, you need 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 these changes 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 your credit cards 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 your credit cards ever again!

Why Did My Dog Chew Up My Credit Cards?

Your dog chewed up your credit cards because they’re experiencing anxiety, and the act of chewing releases endorphins that soothe them. Your credit cards are particularly attractive to them because they smell like you (which also comforts them), and many dogs enjoy gnawing, nipping, and biting on plastic.

It’s also possible, though not as likely, that your dog is simply bored and wants to have some fun, or that they’re teething and trying to ease their pain (if they’re still under six months old).

You should not allow your dog to chew on your credit cards or debit cards because in addition to the anxiety you’d allow to be continuing, there are also significant health risks (which we’ll cover in the next section). Do not give your dog old credit cards or anything similar to chew on thinking that it will placate them. Dogs should only chew on toys specifically made for them.

A dog that has been given the impression that they can chew on whatever they want will soon be seeking out more objects of yours. You’ll find your dog is chewing up purses, chewing up keychains, and even going after clothing items, like chewing on suit jackets.

To stop your dog from chewing up your credit cards and other expensive, much-needed items, go back to the first section now where we’ll give you the exact steps to follow.

Can Dogs Eat Credit Cards?

Dogs cannot eat credit cards. They can easily break your credit cards or debit cards into small little pieces. Credit cards are not digestible for dogs, and if your dog swallows these slivers, they can become lodged in your dog’s intestines causing painful dangerous blockages.

You need to take action right away if you catch your dog chewing on your debit cards, credit cards, licenses, ID badges, access cards, or anything similar. All represent similar dangers to your dog but will be treated and prevented in the same manner. Go back to the first section now where we’ll cover that.

How Do You Fix a Chewed Credit Card?

To fix a chewed credit card, first determine if there’s any damage to the magnetic strip. If this area is simply bent, you can fix it with an iron, a cutting board, and a paper bag. Warm the iron on a low and dry setting (about level 2). Place your card with the numbers facing down inside the bag.

Lay the bag with the card inside on the cutting board. The numbers should still be facing down. Iron back and forth over your card, doing your best to focus where the magnetic strip is, for about 30 seconds. Your card should now be flat, but you may need to repeat this a few times if not.

Most dogs, though, will do too much damage when chewing a credit card or debit card for it to be fixable. Contact your bank or credit card provider right away through your app or their website. They should make it very easy to request a replacement at no charge to you. They want you to continue spending, so they’ll normally have a new card to you in less than a week.

I’m sure you’re ready to quit finding your credit cards and other important things chewed up, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Good luck, and thank you for reading our article “My Dog Chewed Up My Credit Cards.”