Thinking about this procedure makes me cringe! Poor kitties!!! I feel very strongly that declawing your cat is a very cruel and inhumane thing to do. I have spoken with many people about declawing and there is a big misconception of what really happens when a cat is declawed. When a cat is declawed, the last digital bone is amputated which does include the nail bed and the claw on the front toes. I can’t even imagine the pain that these poor kitties go through when this is done. It makes me sad to think about it.
Let’s talk a little bit about why cats like to scratch on things. Cats like to pull their claws over and through surfaces that have resistance. Cats natural tendency to do this helps them exercise muscles that they would use while hunting and mouse chasing. This is also a way for them to relieve stress, mark their territory and remove worn pieces of nails. There really is a logical reason that cats scratch. Yes, it’s so frustrating when your expensive furniture gets ruined due to a scratchy cat. I do get it. My cat tries to sneak in a few scratches here and there on our couch.
There are things you can do to lessen this tendency with your cat. Trim your cats nails, provide scratch posts and cat toys, use deterrents such as double sided tape on furniture or there is a brilliant product called Soft Claws that can really make a difference. My cat responds very well to me clapping. When I see her start to scratch on the corner of the couch, I clap loudly and say “NO.” She doesn’t it at all and usually will run away all ticked off at me, but she didn’t scratch. Get creative. Be patient and love your kitty. Please save the paws! Don’t get a cat before researching cat behavior so that your not resentful toward your pet about behavior that is a natural instinct for them. I know that people will disagree with me on this topic and I just beg that before you go through with declawing your cat you talk to your vet and do your research. Let me know your thoughts!
Puppies and dogs of all ages like to chew. It is normal dog behavior. When puppies are getting incoming teeth, chewing is a way to relieve teething pain. When dogs chew it is a natural way for them to have clean teeth and strong jaws. Also, when a puppy is bored, what do they usually do? They probably will start chewing on things that is not theirs and destroy such items. Yes, your favorite sandals that you just bought for your trip, crayons the kids left on the floor, socks or even the new dog bed you just bought your dog. They will be torn into pieces and the dog will be excited to show you the destruction he accomplished. Chewing helps dogs deal with their pent up energy and boredom. I am not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but I have had dogs for the past 20 years. I have trained them to be well behaved and I have learned a lot along the way, so I will share my experience with you.
Dogs can have anxiety just like us humans. Every dog is different. What might work for on dog may not work for another. Kind of like kids. It is common for dogs that have separation anxiety will chew only when they are left alone. The dog may bark, cry and whine, not be able to settle down to rest while your gone. Some dogs will pace back and forth or chew on their kennel. My Sister-In-Law had a dog that if she left it alone out of the kennel, it would eat holes in the walls. That is extreme anxiety if you ask me!!
I have never had a puppy or dog chew my furniture. People don’t believe me when I tell them that but it true. I try to be very in tune or attentive to my dogs. When you have a new puppy it is important to never leave it unattended to explore without supervision. They are curious, want to play and have fun and will find the one thing you don’t want them to have and turn it into their toy or chewy. So dog proof your house. Put things away that your dog should not have. This includes dirty laundry. Dogs love to chew on socks and eat underwear as disgusting as that is, it’s true. Not only is eating underwear disgusting it is dangerous for the dog and could result in surgery for your dog if the underwear gets tangled in the intestines. Oh, don’t forget to put away magazines and books. That is another favorite for the pups.
It is really important to provide lots of toys and chew bones for your dog. If you pay attention to your dog while chewing on his toys, note which toys keep him the busiest the longest. Those are most likely his favorite. I always keep a few of the favorite toys and chew bones available to my dog. I find that if I rotate my dogs toys every couple of days he is much happier and more interested in them. It’s almost like I am introducing new toys. It is very important to remember safety when giving your dogs bones. Do not give your dog cooked bones. They can cause chipped teeth and small pieces of bone can get stuck in their throat. Instead of cooked bones, offer them edible bones, chewies or treats. You should still observer your dog even with edible bones, chewies and treats because dogs can bite off more than they can chew. My dog loves bully sticks, natural chews, compressed raw hide, pig skin rolls and ears. You get the idea. I never give my dog rawhide as they are not able to fully digest rawhide. I buy him only compressed rawhide.
It is important for dogs to learn what they can and can’t chew on. I use a crate for my dog when I am gone to prevent him for destroying things when I am not home. Give your dog their own basket of toys and let them drag a toy out of the basket. My dog thinks this is the greatest thing ever! It is extremely important that you do not confuse your dog by giving him unwanted items to chew on. If you do not want your dog to chew on shoes, then do not give him an old shoe to chew on. He can’t differentiate which shoe you consider to be an old shoe and a which one is a new shoe. It’s best to make shoes off limits.
My eight month old puppy has lots of energy. There are days that he seems to be completely out of control. When he is being his crazy cute self and it is obvious that he needs some stimulation I will take him for a walk, go on a car ride, go to the park, go to PetsMart or Rural King, or play fetch. He loves to play with other dogs the most though. He doesn’t know a stranger and isn’t afraid of anyone or anything. Fifteen minutes of play time can really calm your dog down. Dogs are like kids. They want your love and attention. Take the time to play and train your dog. They are smart animals with a lot of love to give you. Most dogs will do anything to please their human! Please tell me how you keep your dog from chewing on unwanted things. Now go love on your dogs and remember they love you even when they chew on your stuff.
