What does it mean when a dog bites shoes?

A dog biting shoes may mean that it is going through a teething phase. As the gums are itchy, the dog may bite shoes to relief the discomfort. Secondly, it could be a sign of mineral deficiency, which leads to behaviors such as biting shoes, eating grass, eating paper, eating feces, and eating wall plaster. Additionally, when a dog is bored, it may treat shoes as toys and engage in chewing behavior. Also, since shoes carry the owner's scent, the dog may bite them when the owner is not at home to express their longing.

Teething

Dogs usually start teething at around three months old. During this period, the gums are very itchy and painful, causing the dog to randomly chew objects. It is recommended not to scold the dog too much during this time and provide it with chew toys and doggie chew toys to help relief the discomfort.

Mineral Deficiency

If a dog lacks essential minerals, it will find ways to compensate for the deficiency. Chewing shoes is one of those ways. Such dogs may also exhibit behaviors like eating grass, paper, feces, and wall plaster. If these behaviors are observed, owners should promptly stop them from doing so, as random eating can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and necessitate mineral supplementation and other nutrition.

Boredom

Sometimes, dogs feel bored due to prolonged periods of being left alone at home. With ample energy to burn, they may find objects to play with and chew on. It is essential for owners to spend time with their dogs and provide them with toys to keep them occupied. By doing so, the dog's energy will be depleted, making them behave well at home.

Missing the Owner

Since shoes carry the owner's scent, it makes the dog feel familiar and close. When a dog misses its owner, it may bite the owner's shoes or sleep beside them as a way to express its longing.