Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper?

Dogs put all kinds of weird things in their mouths: discarded pizza on the sidewalk, grass during a long walk, or most disgustingly, their poop. But the oddest choice may be more common than you think.

Dogs ingest toilet paper for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, eating toilet paper can result in serious health complications and large medical bills. Preventing or ending this behavior can help your dog live a healthier, happier, and longer life.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper?

Whether they’re chomping it or scattering it across the bathroom floor like snow, dogs eat toilet paper for a variety of behavioral or medical reasons.

Puppies indulge their curiosity as they investigate their environment with their mouths. Biting, chewing, and eating toilet paper can be a sign of a puppy in search of relief from teething pain. Adult dogs may also be attracted to toilet paper out of curiosity, as tasting different textures helps them understand their world.

Dogs may crave paper because they’re missing crucial minerals, like iron, in their diet. Dogs lacking proper nutrition or enough caloric content for their size often try to ingest other substances to satisfy their appetites.

Other medical conditions could be to blame as well. Dogs dealing with gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, or worms turn to toilet paper out of hunger. Dogs may also eat toilet paper because of a medical condition called “pica,” an eating disorder that makes dogs (and humans) crave non-edible substances, often due to anemia or zinc deficiency.

Anxiety can also lead dogs to chew or shred paper in an effort to soothe themselves. Dogs may also eat toilet paper simply because they’re bored. If a dog isn’t receiving the attention that they crave, they may eat toilet paper to be noticed. To a dog, even negative reactions count as attention. Some dogs will eat toilet paper simply because they think that it’s fun.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Toilet Paper

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Whether your dog is eating toilet paper for behavioral or medical reasons, there are several simple ways to prevent your dog forming this habit.

Clean Up Their Environment

The first step to eliminating this dangerous habit is ensuring that you dog can’t easily access toilet paper in your home. Hide all extra toilet paper rolls and tissues behind baby-locked cabinets or keep them out of reach. Keep the bathroom door closed at all times.

Since dogs are often attracted to toilet paper rolls because they spin around, it may be helpful to invest in a special toilet paper dispenser that prevents dogs from accessing toilet paper.

If you aren’t able to supervise your dog at home, you need to either set up gates to cut access to the bathroom or crate your dog. If they’re munching toilet paper straight out of the trash can, keep cans securely sealed and out of reach. You can also try keeping the trash can behind a closed door.

Provide Ample Opportunities for Mental and Physical Stimulation

Routine exercise and ample playtime provide dogs with outlets for all their extra energy. Try increasing your dog’s exercise by taking them on longer walks or playing tug-of-war together.

“If they’re bored, they’re going to be looking for something to do,” says Mary Ann Zeigenfuse, owner of Best Friends Obedience. “A tired dog has happy owners because they’re less likely or less inclined to get into trouble.”

Since dogs require both physical and mental stimulation, Zeigenfuse recommends getting dogs involved in sports like agility, retrieving, and AKC Scent Work so highly energetic dogs can use their hunting instincts and obedience skills.

Teach Dogs Basic Obedience Skills

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To stop this behavior, you must teach your dog basic obedience commands like “leave it” and “give.” Basic obedience training is key to teaching dogs that just because an object is accessible, that doesn’t mean it’s meant for them. “It’s all about the dog listening to your words and listening to you,” says Zeigenfuse.

Once your dog has completed obedience training, reinforce these behaviors at home. If you catch them with toilet paper in their mouth, put your hand under their mouth and say “give.” If your dog goes for the toilet paper, say “leave it,” and give them a toy instead.

When a dog attracts your attention because they have toilet paper, dogs see it as a prize, making it a high-value toy. Likewise, if they pick up a toy and don’t receive attention, that object becomes less valued. Giving dogs an alternative toy positively redirects their attention, and therefore their behavior.

How Eating Toilet Paper Harms Your Dog’s Health

Eating toilet paper can lead to serious digestive issues in dogs. At the very least, they may experience an upset stomach, as the toilet paper passes through their system. This could cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and lethargy.

It can even lead to a trip to the emergency room, as toilet paper can cause blockages in dog’s intestines that require surgery. Signs of a blocked intestine include weight loss, bloating, pain, or an inability to eat.

What To Do if Your Dog Eats Toilet Paper

If your dog is eating toilet paper, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Since this can point to underlying health conditions, it’s important for your dog to undergo a physical examination. Your veterinarian will be able to perform any test needed to come to a diagnosis. If the root cause is a health problem, your veterinarian can provide advice and dietary recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

If the cause isn’t due to a medical condition, it’s likely a behavioral problem, and you may need to consult a dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist for advice. You could also consider getting in touch with your local AKC club to get started in dog sports and training classes.

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