Why Do Dogs Chew TV Remotes? And What Can You Do About It?

If your dog has destroyed your TV remote, you’re definitely not the only one.

We’ve even seen owners say things like:

“I’ve replaced probably 10 remotes over the past year because remotes are like crack to my dog.”

It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it keeps happening.

But dogs usually aren’t chewing remotes just to be naughty. There’s often a reason behind it.

Why Do Dogs Chew Remotes?

Anxiety or Stress

For some dogs, chewing can be a way of coping with stress or anxiety.

This can happen when they’re left alone, when there are changes around the house, during storms, or when they’re feeling unsettled.

Because your remote smells strongly like you, it can be especially appealing to an anxious dog.

Boredom

A dog with nothing to do will often find something to do.

Unfortunately, that can mean your TV remote.

Remotes are easy to grab, interesting to chew and usually left somewhere accessible like the couch or coffee table.

Teething

Puppies chew constantly while they’re teething.

The rubber buttons and hard plastic casing of a remote can feel satisfying on sore gums, which can make it an easy target.

Your Scent Is All Over It

Think about how often you handle your TV remote.

It spends hours in your hands, on the couch beside you or sitting near where you relax.

That means it carries a lot of your scent.

For dogs that are very attached to their owners, this can make a remote more interesting or comforting than a random household object.

The Texture Is Tempting

Remote controls are basically a mix of hard plastic and soft rubber buttons.

To a dog, that can make them feel a bit like a chew toy.

Once they’ve chewed one before, they may also remember the texture and go looking for it again.

How Can You Stop Your Dog Chewing the Remote?

The best option is to remove the opportunity.

Keep the remote in a drawer, on a high shelf or in a remote holder when you’re not using it.

It can also help to give your dog appropriate chew toys and make sure they’re getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.

If the chewing seems to happen when they’re anxious, unsettled or left alone, it may be worth addressing the underlying stress as well rather than only replacing the things they chew.

And if the behaviour suddenly becomes much worse or seems unusual for your dog, it may be worth speaking with your vet.

Dog Already Won?

If your remote has teeth marks, missing buttons or is now completely beyond saving, the good news is you usually don’t need to replace the TV.

You just need the right replacement remote.

At Remote Shop Australia, we stock replacement TV remotes for Samsung, LG, Hisense, Panasonic and many more brands.

Search your TV model, find a compatible remote and get back to watching TV without waiting weeks for an overseas replacement.

RemoteShop.com.au — one of Australia’s best choices for fast replacement remotes.

And maybe keep this one somewhere a little higher.