Dog chewing the crate bars

If your dog is chewing the crate bars, first check their mouth for bleeding, a damaged tooth, or anything caught between the teeth. Bar chewing can cause injuries, so don’t leave your dog to keep doing it. The behavior may be related to teething, boredom, frustration, or anxiety, and the right response depends on what happens before and during crate time.

Check for injury and crate damage

When your dog is calm and it’s safe to do so, look for bleeding, chipped teeth, swelling, or a sore mouth. Don’t force open your dog’s mouth if they resist or seem painful. Contact a veterinarian promptly if you see an injury, your dog is pawing at their mouth, or they have trouble eating.

Check the crate too. Look for bent bars, sharp edges, loose parts, or damage that could catch a tooth or paw. Stop using a damaged crate until it’s repaired or replaced safely.

Look for a pattern

Notice when the chewing starts and what your dog does alongside it. Chewing mainly when left alone, especially with frantic scratching, panting, drooling, or attempts to escape, can point to significant distress. Chewing after long stretches in the crate may signal a need for a potty break, movement, or more appropriate activity. Puppies may also chew during teething, but bar chewing still needs to be prevented because of the injury risk.

A short note about timing, how long your dog was crated, and what happened beforehand can help you spot patterns. A camera can also help if you can monitor your dog safely.

Make crate time safer and easier

• Review the routine. Give your dog a chance to relieve themselves and move around before crating. Avoid leaving a dog crated longer than is appropriate for their age, needs, and comfort.
• Check the setup. The crate should let your dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Remove a divider if it makes the space too small; for a growing puppy, use one only as directed to keep the usable space appropriate. Follow the crate maker’s instructions.
• Build comfort gradually. Practice brief, calm sessions with the door open, then closed for short periods while you remain nearby. Reward relaxed behavior. If your dog becomes distressed, make the next step easier rather than waiting for them to “cry it out.”
• Use enrichment cautiously. A suitable food-stuffable toy may help some dogs settle, but only use items your dog can handle safely without breaking or swallowing pieces. Supervise first, and don’t leave anything in the crate that your dog chews apart or could choke on.
• Don’t rely on a cover to stop bar chewing. A cover may help with visual stimulation for some dogs, but it can be unsafe if your dog pulls it through the bars or chews it. Keep airflow clear and follow the crate manufacturer’s guidance.

Avoid yelling, punishment, or forcing your dog to stay in the crate while they are panicking. These responses can make the crate more frightening without addressing the cause.

When to get professional help

If chewing is frantic, happens whenever your dog is alone, or comes with escape attempts or other signs of distress, talk with your veterinarian. A veterinarian can check for medical issues and help you decide whether a qualified behavior professional is appropriate. Severe separation-related distress usually needs a gradual, individualized plan; simply buying a stronger crate may not resolve it.

If the crate is damaged, has sharp or loose parts, or no longer fits your dog safely, stop using it and replace it with a suitable, intact option. If the crate is sound but your dog keeps chewing, address the routine and behavior rather than assuming a different crate alone will fix the problem.