The Science Behind Chewing
Chewing is one of the most natural behaviours a dog can engage in. Historically, long before chew toys and treats existed, dogs relied on repetitive jaw movement to process food, release tension, and self-soothe. Today, modern research suggests what many pet parents already observe: chewing helps dogs feel calmer, more focused, and more emotionally balanced.
Chewing as a Natural Stress-Regulation Tool
From a biological perspective, chewing is a self-regulating behaviour. When a dog chews, rhythmic jaw movement activates parts of the brain associated with calm and focused behaviour. This repetitive action helps shift the nervous system away from a heightened “fight-or-flight” state toward a more relaxed state.
Chewing is an instinctive activity to tell dogs it's okay to slow down. You may have seen your dog seek out something to chew (like a toy or a shoe) during stressful moments such as being left alone, encountering unfamiliar environments, or winding down after excitement.
Neurochemicals: What’s Happening Inside the Brain
Chewing stimulates the release and regulation of key neurochemicals involved in emotional balance:
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Serotonin: Supports feelings of calm, emotional stability, and well-being. Science suggests that chewing releases more serotonin in the blood while being in a distress state to reduce anxious behaviours.
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Dopamine: Reinforces positive behaviours and provides a sense of reward. Chewing is like a positive feedback cycle: the act of chewing reduces stress, which results in a rewarding sense of relief, and that reward encourages the dog to continue chewing to bring back an emotional balance.
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Cortisol: While cortisol itself is a stress hormone, repetitive behaviours like chewing help prevent prolonged cortisol spikes, allowing levels to return to a balanced baseline.
Why Chewing Helps During Anxiety and Separation
Chewing is especially beneficial during situations that challenge a dog’s emotional resilience:
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Separation from their human
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Loud or unpredictable environments
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Transitions (new homes, routines, or schedules)
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Overstimulation from play or social settings
These are the type of moments where chewing acts like an emotional anchor. It gives the dog something predictable and controllable, helping them self-regulate rather than escalate into anxious behaviours like pacing, whining, or destructive chewing.
Chewing doesn’t suppress emotion but rather it channels it into a behaviour that supports calm.
The Difference Between Destructive Chewing and Intentional Chewing
Not all chewing is the same.
Destructive chewing often occurs when a dog lacks appropriate outlets for stress relief. You may have recognize this behaviour when you come home to chewed furniture after leaving your dog alone. Intentional chewing using safe, long-lasting chews can provide an appropriate stress-relief outlet.
When dogs are regularly given appropriate chewing tools, they’re less likely to seek relief through furniture, shoes, or household objects. The behaviour itself isn’t the problem, the lack of a proper outlet is.
Calm Is a Behaviour To Be Learned
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to manage stress. Just like us, they need tools to help out. Chewing is one of the simplest, most biologically appropriate ways to help dogs regulate their emotions in a healthy way.
Chewing isn’t about keeping dogs busy, it's about helping them feel confident and safe.
Thanks for reading and we hope you find success in your journey to encourage calm in your dog!
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