Do you have more than one remote control in your living room? If so, you’re not alone! Many families have several remote controls to run various types of electronics in their homes. Remotes are used for the TV, the satellite, cable and other types of set top boxes, sound systems, and more! So, it’s no wonder that dogs seem to have developed a fondness for chewing remote controls!
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For some reason, dogs are attracted to remote controls of all makes, sizes and shapes. Some experts believe the remote’s shape may remind the dog of one of their chew toys. Others believe the remote smells like their pet parents, so dogs are naturally attracted to them. But why do dogs chew remote controls?
Dogs Chew Remotes for Different Reasons
As mentioned earlier, a remote may be similar in shape and size to a chew toy. So, it would follow that a dog could become confused about whether or not it is his toy.
Dogs may also decide to chew on items that belong to their favorite people. Has your dog ever gone after your shoes, slippers, underwear, etc.? That’s because these items smell like you, and he wants to be close to you. That’s a funny way for dogs to show their love and devotion, but it’s natural canine behavior.
Dogs love to chew! This is a behavior that comes from our domesticated dogs’ wild ancestors. Plus puppies will chew when new teeth are coming in. Grown dogs may chew things up due to separation anxiety or boredom.
Is Chewing the Remote Bad for my Dog?
In short, yes. Chewing the remote means that it’s possible for a dog to swallow small bits of plastic, chew through batteries, and more.
Plastic bits can be sharp and cause cuts in a dog’s mouth and throat, or even in the stomach and digestive tract.
Batteries contain acids that can burn your dog’s skin and mucous membranes. For instance, many alkaline batteries contain potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. These are substances that can cause liquefactive necrosis (cell death) when they come in contact with tissues.
For these reasons, if your fur baby happens to chew up a remote control and you can’t account for all the pieces of the remote or the batteries, then it’s time to call the vet. This could be a medical emergency.
The best way to avoid your dog chewing up the remote controls is through training. The training is for you and your family to learn to keep remote controls in places where your dog can’t reach!
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Gemma Cliffin BSC BVSC MRCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Dr Gemma Cliffin MRCVS is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain-management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.
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