Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pet owners are taking to the internet to share pictures of the destruction caused by their furry companions after they destroyed Kmart’s supposed ‘chew-resistant’ pet beds.
Despite Kmart’s claim on their website that the $42 bed is constructed from “chew-resistant material,” numerous mischievous dogs have proven otherwise by reducing these beds to mere tatters.
The product has received mixed reviews online, as several owners claim that their dogs have been unable to penetrate through the material.
“Save Your Money! Don’t Fall for the ‘Chew-Resistant’ Claim on Kmart’s Pet Bed,” warns one customer on Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook Group.
Kmart’s $42 ‘chew-resistant’ dog bed has been destroyed by some dogs. Credit: Markdown Addicts Australia/Facebook.
Know someone that loves dogs? Spoil them with these ‘pawsome’ gift ideas!
Hilarious! Dog Owners Can’t Stop Laughing at This Hilarious Video of a Berner’s Mud Adventure
She also posted a picture of her dog snoozing comfortably on a pile of stuffing from the bed he had happily chewed through and scattered across her backyard.
The dog’s mischievous actions brought joy to thousands as they have also experienced the same cheeky behavior with their own dogs. Many confessed that their own furry friends had pulled off similar escapades with the Kmart dog bed.
“Sorry for laughing, but that was the funniest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Thanks for the heads up!,” one group member said.
Another member added, “my bed didn’t even make it past one night. I actually took it back and got a refund.”
A third member added, “Even my tiny chihuahua was able to tear the bed apart.”
Need a new dog bed?
“Chew resistant”, not chew proof
Some people have come to the defense of the Kmart dog bed, emphasizing that the bed was marketed as chew “resistant,” not chew “proof.”
This means that the bed was designed to discourage dogs from chewing rather than completely stop this behavior.
“I’m sure the bed put up a good fight. But remember that the bed was advertised as resistant, not chew-proof,” one individual said.
Another agreed, saying, “”Exactly! Being resistant simply means it’s more challenging to chew, but not completely chew proof.”
Other dog owners who have purchased the $42 chew resistant bed have also shared their experience. Credit: Markdown Addicts Australia/Facebook.
Is your dog getting older? Discover the signs you must watch out for!
Don’t touch me! You won’t believe what this chocolate lab did when his owner tried to pet him!
However, not everyone had a problem with the bed, with many dog owners saying that theirs was still in one piece.
One pet owner shared their experience, “”I have a dog who is an avid chewer, and we own two of these beds without any problems. However, I took precautions by securing the zipper so it cannot be undone.”
Another customer added, “”I was about to purchase a $300 ‘chew-proof’ bed, fully expecting my dog to destroy it anyway, when I saw that Kmart also sold them.”
Dog behaviorist Lara Shannon recommends getting “less enticing” mesh beds with steel frames instead of ‘chew-resistant’ beds.
“It’s been a whole month, and to my surprise, it remains unchewed and entirely intact.”
The woman’s post sparked a wave of responses from dog owners, as dozens of them shared the destruction their pets have caused on cushioned beds purchased from various retailers, including Kmart.
How to stop my dog from chewing?
Dog behaviorist Lara Shannon says that owners should take a second look at anything that claims to be chew-resistant. She’s also shared some tips to stop your dog from destroying their beds, as well as other objects in the house.
According to Shannon, the biggest reason why dogs chew up their beds or other items is because they are bored, closely followed by anxiety.
“Chewing can be a form of attention-seeking behavior. As dogs are naturally opportunistic and love to chew, if there is an object available, dogs are likely to seize the opportunity and chew it,” she explained.
Dog behavioraist Lara Shannon (pictured) warns dog owners to be ‘mindful’ about purchasing any pet products advertised as ‘chew-resistant’. Credit: Pooches At Play/Instagram.
Dognapped! How does a groomer give the wrong dog to the owner?
Adorable surprise! This couple’s love story includes a tail-wagging twist!
“A crucial aspect is to ensure that you provide enough mental and physical enrichment for your dog throughout their day.”
“Make sure that your dog gets enough exercise regularly and leave them with chew toys or gadgets that keep their minds active and relieve their anxiety.”
Leaving your dog with chew toys can help occupy your dog, reducing their desire to chew on other objects.
Shannon suggests leaving dogs with chew toys or Kong toys filled with frozen food as a means to engage and occupy them.
“It takes time and drains their energy. It will also provide them with a sense of fulfillment and reduce their desire to chew on other objects out of boredom,” she explains.
What if my dog is anxious, not bored?
If you have an anxious dog, Shannon recommends talking to a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to gain the necessary tools and solutions that can help alleviate the anxiety and make your dog feel more comfortable.
Additionally, Shannons said dog owners should avoid unintentionally playing games like chase or tug-of-war when trying to retrieve an item that your dog has chewed through.
“If you turn it into a game, you have inadvertently rewarded their behavior with attention, and the behavior is being reinforced. So it will continue to happen over and over again,” Shannons explains.
Shannon also warned dog owners to be ‘mindful’ of pet products that claim to be ‘chew resistant’, as it is a ‘game claim.’
For dogs prone to chewing their beds, Shannon suggests considering “less enticing” mesh beds with steel frames, which are commonly found in pet stores.
These types of beds can provide a more durable and less appealing chewing target for dogs.
