How to Repair Wood Trim Chewed by Dog
Introduction
Wood trim is a decorative molding attached to the edges of wooden boards. It is usually found in older homes and can also be seen in newer houses with traditional designs. Many animals will chew wood for pleasure and to reduce stress or relieve boredom. Dogs are one of the most common chewers of wood. When they chew, they enjoy the sensation and taste of biting into something hard and firm, similar to their natural food sources like bones or rawhide chews. Some other animals that might chew include rabbits, mice, rats, and hamsters.
For this reason, today, I will discuss a technique to repair wood trim chewed by a dog.
How Does Wood Trim Prevent Pet Chewing?
When an animal needs to bite or gnaw on something hard and solid, chewing wood trim is a healthy alternative to your furniture or personal belongings. The best defense against this destructive behavior is prevention. With deterrents placed on the item you don’t want to be chewed, and with the right chew toys available, it’s possible to keep your pet from chewing things they shouldn’t be chewing.
Finding Alternatives to Chewing Wood Trim
One way to prevent your pet from chewing on wood trim is to give them something they would rather gnaw on. This will keep their attention focused on chew toys instead of household items. For example, cats usually prefer a good cat scratching post over any other object around the house as a place to sharpen their claws.
A door handle or a door frame is one of the most common places for pets that chew wood trim. Dogs tend to gnaw on these areas because they can smell other animals that have passed before them, which may trigger territorial instincts in your pet. If you notice this behavior in your dog, you will need to put something else on the area, such as a dog blanket, to redirect them away from the door and onto one of their toys (such as a Kong) instead.
This should help while also keeping Fido warm when he needs it indoors. Beyond certain parts of the home, some dogs actually have an affinity for chewing wooden furniture such as beds and chairs. Therefore, instead of simply leaving a dog alone with one of these objects, you should put an appropriate chew toy on the furniture as a distraction so that they do not think it is their own. However, some dogs will get bored with the same old chew toys and turn to your furniture instead.
If this seems like something that may happen in your household, you can also consider taking off those legs or arms for them to work on and enjoy.
Step-wise Guide on How to Repair Wood Trim Chewed by Dog
- Clean the area thoroughly with a sponge that has been dipped in bleach or disinfectant. Allow it to dry completely before moving forward.
- Use medium-grit sandpaper for sanding the damaged area of trim lightly. This will remove some loose areas, making filling them easier later in this project.
- Remove debris and dust from the trim using a vacuum cleaner attachment or tack cloths. Allow it to dry again before continuing with this step-by-step guide.
- Fill holes and gaps in your damaged wood trim using a wood filler for exterior purposes. Apply the product generously into each hole, filling it fully as you go along until you have filled it.
- Use a damp sponge to remove excess wood filler that may have oozed out of the holes and gaps you are repairing. Then, lightly sand the area using medium-grit sandpaper once again, allowing it to dry first before moving on to the next step in this easy-to-follow guide.
- Apply your choice of wood stain or varnish, making sure you read all directions carefully before applying this product onto your damaged wood trim. Follow them exactly as they are laid out for the best results when doing so.
- Allow it to dry completely, ideally overnight, then reinstall your wood trim onto its respective area on your walls or doors, etc. This way, you can get your house back in shape and bring it back to life properly.
- Once the area has completely dried, apply a polyurethane wood finish over the wood trim making sure to read all directions carefully first before doing so and allowing it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any furniture or other items onto that same damaged piece of wood trim once again. This way, you can safely reinstall your wall surface material without damaging your newly repaired piece of wood trim by doing so prematurely without waiting for it to dry fully beforehand.
Precautions While Performing the Process of How to Repair Wood Trim Chewed by Dog
Remove Pet
Depending on the type of dog, you should remove your pet dog before attempting to repair the wood trim chewed by your pet. For example, if your dog is a Labrador Retriever and has eaten up most of the wooden battens or other types of wooden items in your home, it is time for an early morning walk! Also, if your dog leaves behind a puddle whenever he comes back from outside into his own house, you should place a few pieces of furniture in front so that he does not get to the damaged wood trim on your wall.
Know Your Dog’s Chewing Style
If you want to repair the wood trim chewed by your dog, you should know what kind of chewer he is. Some dogs are sturdy chewers, and others aren’t quite as sturdy at chewing. Knowing your pet dog’s chewing ability, you will understand how good or bad his damage to the wall may be. If he has eaten away a lot of the wood on your walls, it would be wise to hire a professional to fix up your house or get some of those “baby-gates” from [your local store name]. That should keep him off for now. Yet if he just lightly nibbled on some corners of your wall, chances are you can fix it up yourself.
Make Your Dog’s Chewed Wood Trim Look Like New Again!
After examining the damage done by your dog and ensuring that he is out of the house for a while (or maybe forever), it is time to clean up the wood trim chewed by your pet dog. The best way to get rid of the dried saliva and other bacteria on your wall is with a high-pressure water hose or some sanitation solution (Please see our guide on anti-bacterial products ); also, if this is your first time repairing wood trim chewed by a dog.
Tips on How to Get Your Pet to Stop Chewing the Trim:
If your dog is chewing the wood trim in your home, there are a few things you can do to try and get him to stop. First, if it’s really bothering you because it needs replacing or repairing, you should definitely find someone who can help repair or replace it. If you don’t have the funds for this at the moment, though, here are some tips on how to get your pet to stop chewing the wood trim:
- Make sure all smells associated with delicious food are removed from anywhere near where he chews- This most likely won’t work if he isn’t getting enough food up at mealtime, but maybe once every day or so, mix in a little rice or chicken broth into his food.
- Give your pet something he can chew on in addition to the trim- If you have other dogs, make sure they don’t seem like they’re putting a lot of effort into eating their kibble and that there aren’t any tasty treats lying around where you normally keep spare toothpicks or things like that. Buy a few rawhide bones from the store and put them out, so he has something else to do with his time while also getting rid of that chewing urge.
- Put some bitter apple spray on affected areas with double-sided tape- This will not cure your dog’s desire to chew wood trim, but it might help temporarily at least get him to stop chewing it when he tries to lick the wood.
- Play with your dog outside and give him a bone or toy after he eats- This might seem annoying, but it’ll keep him busy while also getting his mind off chewing the wood trim.
You Can Check it Out to Disinfect Wood Furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wood Trim Be Repaired?
Wood trim is wood used to cover or decorate the edges of walls, doors, windows, cabinets, floors, and other surfaces.
It is made from various types of wood, such as pine or cedar. They are usually found in architectural styles like colonial and traditional.
However, if you notice that your wood trim has started to chip away or peel off, it may be time for a replacement. The most common reason for this would be moisture getting into the material over time which causes damage due to water seepage and mold growth. If this happens, then many things can be done to fix it, including:
• Using polyurethane sealant on the surface of the trim piece;
• Applying a new coat of paint on top of the existing one;
• Adding an epoxy coating onto the surface with a new layer underneath (this will give it more protection against future damage);
• Replacing any damaged pieces with new ones.
What Is the Best Wood Filler?
A wood filler is a material used to fill small gaps in wood or metal. Many types of wood fillers include epoxy, polyurethane, silicone, and even caulk. The best wood filler for this job would be a thick layer of epoxy or polyurethane. It will do the job quickly and last for years to come.
Are Wood Putty and Wood Filler the Same?
No, wood putty and wood filler are not the same. Wood putty is a type of caulking that can be used to fill cracks or gaps in walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, cabinets, windows, and doors. It is made with either acrylic resin or polyurethane resin.
Wood filler has been known to cause air bubbles which can lead to structural damage, so it should never be used on a dry surface without thoroughly mixing it first.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when you’re trying to build or remodel a house but have to deal with your pet ruining things that belong in the home. If you can find someone who wants to help fix or replace any of the wood trim that’s been ruined, you’ll be glad for everything they’ve done in no time! Good luck getting your pet on board with this plan because it will take some time and patience, but if you work hard enough at it, I’m sure you have a clear idea about how to repair wood trim chewed by a dog. Thank you, and have a nice day!
