Finding your dog chewing on a piece of construction paper can be both confusing and concerning. In “Dog Ate Construction Paper? Here’s What to Do!”, we shed light on why dogs might be drawn to construction paper and how you can put a stop to it.

We’ll also discuss whether it’s safe for your dog to chew on construction paper and if they can pass it without any issues. This article will provide you with the knowledge and tools to prevent your pup from making a meal out of your arts and crafts supplies. Let’s get started below!

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Construction Paper

To stop your dog chewing construction paper:

1. Keep construction paper stored away in your art supplies cabinet or as out of reach as possible.
2. Be sure your dog always has a proper outlet for chewing like a toy they enjoy.
3. Spray something to deter your dog, like a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe where you store the construction paper with it.
4. The smell of vinegar will be gone after about 1 hour, but your dog will continue to be deterred.
5. Give a calm but firm “stop” or “no” right away when you see that your dog is once again eating or chewing construction paper.
6. Do not get angry or scream, because if they’re doing so due to anxiety (which is the most likely explanation), this will only make their difficulties worse.
7. Put them into a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for roughly ten minutes.
8. If you catch your dog beginning to go after the construction paper, point their attention to a toy.
9. Give them praise, a small treat, and praise when they select their toy instead of chewing on construction paper.
10. Ensure that everyone else who lives in your home is also using these steps.
11. Be patient and consistent.

This should get your dog to stop chewing construction paper, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issue of behavior problems or it will only begin showing itself in other (likely worse) ways.

And to do that, we must first talk about what makes dogs function and has for thousands and thousands of years now. You’ve probably heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But every time that your dog chews construction paper, they are without a doubt telling you that they don’t trust you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t chew on construction paper and continue doing so even after you’ve told them to stop it. They wouldn’t display any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so immediately.

Prove to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable one worthy of respect, and you’ll make all of these great things a reality.

You’ll win for obvious reasons. But your dog will be the real winner here because you’ll have freed them from all of the confusion and worry that their behavior problems are currently burdening their little shoulders with every moment of every day.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

“Sure, absolutely, but how do I do this then?”

You should watch a wonderful free video series by a renowned trainer named Dan which is on this very subject: how to be your dog’s pack leader. In Dan’s series, he explains all you’ll need to know in ways that are very easy to follow and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these important changes in your dog before things get any worse.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at your dog. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving teaching methods at all times. Not just because they’re the right thing to do, but also because they’re the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

Why Do Dogs Eat Construction Paper?

Dogs eat construction paper for a variety of reasons, such as anxiety, boredom, or teething. Anxiety is often the main culprit, as dogs may chew on paper to help calm their nerves. It’s a way for them to self-soothe and can be particularly common in dogs that suffer from separation anxiety.

Boredom is another reason dogs might turn to chewing on construction paper. If they’re not getting enough mental or physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing on items around the house, including paper products. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental engagement to keep them occupied and entertained.

Lastly, teething might be the cause, particularly in puppies. Chewing on construction paper can help soothe their sore gums and alleviate discomfort. While puppies will grow out of teething, it’s essential to address the chewing behavior immediately.

Even though the teething phase will eventually pass, it’s important not to let it become a learned behavior now, as they will still find it pleasurable and soothing even as an adult.

Placing construction paper where your dog can’t access it is a good way to begin, but it’s important to recognize that this won’t resolve the core issue. Your dog will simply redirect their chewing to other objects destructively in an attempt to ease their problem.

Your dog might eat wrapping paper, eat newspapers, eat food wrappers, or even eat paper plates. Almost anything they can get their paws on will make for an appealing target. I’m sure you can see now why addressing the root cause of the issue is so important. To learn the exact steps to accomplish that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew Construction Paper?

It’s not safe for dogs to chew construction paper, as it can pose several risks. One concern is the potential for choking or gastrointestinal blockage. If a dog ingests large pieces of paper, it could get stuck in their throat or digestive tract, which can lead to serious health issues or even death.

Another issue with construction paper is the chemicals and dyes used in its production. Some of these chemicals can be toxic to dogs, especially if ingested in large amounts. While small amounts may not be harmful, it’s best to avoid allowing your dog to chew on construction paper altogether.

Lastly, chewing on construction paper can damage your dog’s teeth and gums. Constant chewing on hard or rough surfaces can wear down their teeth and cause injury to their gums, which can lead to long-term dental problems.

Can Dogs Pass Construction Paper Safely?

In some cases, dogs might pass small pieces of construction paper without issue. However, the risk of complications, such as blockages or choking, is still present. The size of the paper pieces, the dog’s size, and individual health factors can all impact whether the paper passes safely.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a significant amount of construction paper, it’s essential to monitor them closely for signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or lethargy. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms or if you’re concerned for their well-being, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian right away.

In conclusion, prevention through training is the best course of action. Now that you know what to do if your dog ate construction paper, I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Ate Construction Paper? Here’s What to Do!”