Grommet Dog

why does my dog chew on every zipper and metal grommet she can find?

Its like she is obsessed. She chews on it until the zipper comes off and then leaves it alone. She doesnt swallow the zipper or anything-- its like she thinks they are alive or something.

You don't say how old your dog is, but I would guess that if she's a puppy (under the age of 2), she's teething and the coolness of the metal soothes her gums. You can help by keeping all metal things out of her reach and by buying her an appropriately sized Kong toy and filling it with peanut butter. Freeze it and give it to her and she should be busy for awhile.

If she's not a puppy, but is an adult dog, you don't say whether this is a new habit or a long-standing one. If it is new, I'd suggest you call your vet and find out if there is a medical condition that would cause her to be attracted to metal. Your vet shouldn't charge you for the telephone call.

If she's an adult dog and this is a long-standing habit, then you have to teach her that metal is NOT to be eaten. When you catch her at it, take it away from her and give her something that is okay for her to chew on - like the kong toy mentioned above. If you don't catch her at it, don't say anything about it - she won't understand the connection between your scolding and her behavior, even if you wave the zipper under her nose. The important thing is to keep all these things out of her reach at all times.

Good luck!