Researchers at the University of Sydney are analyzing the functional reasons behind dogs' behavior, which manifests in their constant need to chew on various objects — from sticks and bones to shoes and human hands. This is reported by the scientific portal phys.org, citing information from the University of Sydney.
“Chewing objects is natural behavior for dogs, as in the wild they spend significantly more time chewing than hunting. At first glance, this may seem like a way to maintain dental health. However, despite its importance for the well-being of dogs, there is currently no precise scientific data on this,” said the publication, quoting the study leader Professor Paul McGreevy.
The scientist noted that in the field of veterinary behavior, the constant chewing activity of dogs is often associated with stress and increased anxiety, which can occur when an animal is left alone or in a confined space for a long time.
“The need to chew may indicate underlying welfare issues for the dog. Additionally, it can lead to injuries to the teeth and gums or the swallowing of foreign objects if dogs get inappropriate items to chew on, such as stones, sticks, and fabrics,” the scientist added.
To explore this issue more deeply, Paul McGreevy's group is conducting a survey of dog owners about which specific items their dogs choose and which they receive from their owners to satisfy their chewing needs. Furthermore, researchers are collecting data on the frequency of providing such items and the animals' behavior before and after receiving them. Information about the condition of the dogs' teeth and intestines is also being recorded.
The researchers believe that further analysis of the collected information will help accurately determine the reasons for such behavior in dogs and develop methods that ensure the safety of pets in cases where this behavior is undesirable.
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