Why, all of the sudden, is my dog doing this?

Question

My dog is 10 years old, and we always have done a good job keeping up with her dental care (brush 2-3 times per week). All of the sudden, she is starting to chew through wires throughout the house. Luckily, she has not chewed through any 'Live wires', but I am afraid she will do that.
What would cause a dog to start doing this at 10 years old?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Does your dog like to chew? Maybe she just happened to try one and he really liked it... every dog's got their own preferences - mine likes to chew on my mechanical pencils. Or she might be starting to go senile. Or maybe there's something that is bothering her that is causing her to chew - she's anxious, she's bored or something feels funny in her mouth...
In any case, have you tried giving her a rawhide, nylabone and some other chew toys? If you can find something she likes better, she might leave the wires alone. Also buy some "bitter apple" spray and use it on all the wires that she can reach.

Answer 2

As a dog gets older and they start to lose certain senses and develop age related medical problems, behavior issue can arise. Things like chewing and peeing in the house can be quite comman. Reasons can be pain and frustration. Some dogs in pain because of medical problems unknown to the owner will start to chew objects to help to relieve the stress and frustration. It can also be seen as a way your dog is trying to tell you that something is wrong. I would suggest taking your dog to the vet for a conplete physical. Watch your dog carefully for any signs of pain or discomfort, such as: slowness getting up, constantly laying on one side, limps, increased water intake, iritablitiy and lameness. Frustration can also be the cause. Has there been a change in the home that may be causing some stress? Such as: moving, new members in the household, members missing in the household, outside noises, members fighting, renovations in the home, etc.? When a dog becomes stressed they need to relieve that stress. We would take a bath, read a book or do whatever calms us when we are stressed. Dog can only do doggy things, like chewing. The main thing is to find the problem. There is always a reason. In the mean time, make sure that all electrical cords, and other objects not sutible for chewing are removed. Place your dog in a secure area when she in not supervised. A kitchen or bathroom works well that can be blocked off with baby gates. The key is to find the reason she is acting this way and to fix the problem. Like I said there is always a reason.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Dogs normally chew things as habit. If your dog did not, I would take the dog to the vet. There is something bothering your dog's teeth. Kind of like when a baby teethes. May have a bad tooth, or as simple as something stuck in the gum. Remember that dogs can't use dental floss. Hope that is all it is. And, feel lucky. I have a Jack Russel, who has effectively chewed the arms and legs off of every action figure my kids have ever gotten. He also poops what looks like everlasting gobstoppers from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Sorry, just trying to make light a little.

Could be, but don't know what kind of dog you have, that it is pent up aggression. However, after 10 years of same ole same ole, doubt that he/she is restless unless something has changed in the home.

Answer 4

I have older dogs...my oldest is 16, and as time goes by, she does things that she never ever did before. Digging in the carpet is her thing now. You didn't say what size your dog is, but if it's a big dog, 10 is quite old. My dog is small so 16 is old for her. She does some of the strangest things as she ages! I think it's just a sign of growing old, maybe a little dementia. Heck we all get that way as we age! Maybe you might want to check with your vet. Just be careful to keep anything dangerous away from her! Good luck!

Answer 5

Dogs, like people, pick up different habits throughout their lives and one of their favorite things to do is chew things. The dog probably got bored one day and tried wire-chewing and liked it. Try to keep wires out of her reach. Some dogs will respect Bitter Apple and Phooey spray. Unfortunately my dogs consider those to be condiments.

Answer 6

You need to retrain your dog's behavior around wires. After a long walk bring your dog (still on lease) near a wire like she likes to chew. If she looks at the wire, correct her. Once she gets used to not looking at wires, train her off lease. You will have to do this many times before she will get over this bad habit.

Answer 7

I'm not really sure why she'd be doing that, but maybe she's having trouble with one (or more) of her teeth. ?? You might want to have them looked at. You can also buy a bitter-tasting spray if the problem persists, and this may deter her from chewing things you don't want her chewing.

Answer 8

Some thing has changed not dental related. You are the pack leader arn't you? Doggy wants craves attention! Somebody taking your attention away from dear old doggy? and doggy does not like being pushed aside? Leaving doggy un attended longer than normal ? Dogs are creatures that require normal arrival and departure times and stimulation from the alpha pack member "YOU" Go out and play and pay attention doggy just wants some kind of attention from you..

Answer 9

My dad is a vet and I have seen this example alot in dogs that are upset about something. Did you get a new animal, start leaving him alone more often, or not paying much attention to him? It seems to be that animals are not unlike young children. They will act up to get attention when it is not forth coming like it used to be.

Answer 10

Dogs can become senile just like people. They start behaving strangely, doing things they've never done before. It probably has nothing to do with his teeth at all. You should talk to your vet about cognitive disorders in dogs and see if he/she can recommend a medication if your dog's behavior becomes in more unusual.