“Why does my dog eat paper towels?” In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about your dog eating paper towels, including what to do if your dog ate a paper towel just recently. We’ll then teach you the two commands that will ensure your dog stays away from used, greasy paper towels from now on.

Next, we’ll explain if dogs will pass a paper towel, and what to do if they have diarrhea or other problems doing so. Finally, we’ll instruct you on specific issues like finding a paper towel in dog poop or how to handle it if your dog ate paper towels with bacon grease, plus more. Keep reading!

Dog Eating Paper Towels

If you have a dog eating paper towels, it needs to be addressed as the behavior can lead to blockages and is also frequently a sign of underlying issues. Dogs may be attracted to paper towels due to their texture, the remnants of food smells, or to relieve boredom, anxiety, or curiosity. If your dog ate a paper towel, watch them closely and take steps to prevent this in the future.

My Dog Ate a Paper Towel, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate a paper towel, first assess how much they ingested. Small pieces will likely pass through their system, but larger amounts, especially of thick or quilted paper towels, could cause a blockage. Monitor your dog for signs of distress such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or difficulty passing stools.

If any of these symptoms occur, or your dog ate paper towels in significant amounts, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Puppy Ate Paper Towel

If your puppy ate a paper towel, the concern is higher due to their smaller size and more delicate digestive systems. Even a small amount of ingested paper towels can cause a blockage in a puppy. Watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you observe any unusual behavior or symptoms.

Puppies are naturally curious, so it’s very important to keep paper towels and other potentially harmful items out of their reach.

Train the “Leave It” Command

1. Start with a less tempting item, like a toy. Place it on the ground and cover it with your hand. When your dog goes to sniff it, say “Leave it.”
2. Once your dog stops trying to get the item and turns their attention away, reward them with a treat from the other hand.
3. Gradually increase the temptation level of the item, eventually working up to items like paper towels.
4. Practice this command in different environments and situations to ensure your dog understands and obeys the command reliably.

Training your dog with the “Leave It” command can be very effective in preventing them from picking up or eating things they shouldn’t, like paper towels.

Train the “Drop It” Command

1. Give your dog a toy they like and let them play with it. Then, offer a treat and say “Drop it.”
2. When your dog drops the toy to get the treat, praise them and give them the treat.
3. Repeat this process until your dog begins to drop the toy on command, without the immediate presence of a treat.
4. Slowly transition to higher-value items, such as paper towels, under controlled circumstances to ensure your dog understands the command regardless of the object.

The “Drop It” command is crucial in instances where your dog has already picked up something they shouldn’t have, including paper towels.

If your dog ate a paper towel, they’ll likely be fine, but keep an eye on them to ensure their safety. While training your dog on these commands will help, it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.

And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog eating paper towels and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating a paper towel ever again!

Why Does My Dog Eat Paper Towels?

Your dog eats paper towels possibly due to their texture, which can be fun to chew, or because they might carry the scent of food. It’s frequently also done to relieve issues such as boredom, curiosity, or anxiety. You should discourage the behavior, as a dog eating paper towels is dangerous and can lead to intestinal blockages.

My Dog Ate One Paper Towel

If your dog ate one paper towel, monitor them for signs of gastrointestinal distress. One paper towel may pass through a dog’s system, but it can still pose a risk of blockage, especially in smaller breeds. Watch for vomiting, difficulty defecating, or changes in appetite, and consult your veterinarian if any of these symptoms occur.

Prevention is always the best option, so to avoid future problems train your dog on the “leave it” and “drop it” commands. You can learn both now in the first section.

It would be a good idea to get this taken care of right away as it will also keep your dog safe during other similar situations. You then won’t have to worry about things like if your dog ate a paper towel roll, if your dog ate a napkin, if your dog ate toilet paper, or if your dog ate cardboard.

Dog Ate Bounty Paper Towel

If your dog ate a Bounty paper towel, a brand that touts its durability and absorbency, the risk of it causing a blockage is higher. Even one sheet can expand significantly in the stomach. Closely monitor your dog and seek veterinary advice if you observe any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior.

Dog Ate Paper Towel with Bacon Grease

If your dog ate a paper towel with bacon grease, the situation is more concerning. The grease can cause gastrointestinal upset, and the paper towel itself can lead to a blockage. Be especially on the lookout for symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, and contact your veterinarian for advice due to the added complication of the grease.

My Dog Ate a Piece of Paper Towel

If your dog ate a piece of paper towel, the risk of complications depends on the size of the piece and the size of your dog. Smaller dogs are at a higher risk of obstruction from even small pieces. Observe your dog and consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of distress.

My Dog Ate 2 Paper Towels

If your dog ate 2 paper towels, the risk of intestinal blockage is significant. Carefully monitor your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting, lethargy, or changes in bowel habits. Contact your veterinarian for advice, as they may recommend measures to help pass the material or monitor for complications.

My Dog Ate Half a Paper Towel

If your dog ate half a paper towel, it still poses a risk of obstruction, especially in smaller breeds or dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Watch for any signs of discomfort or changes in bowel habits and consult with your veterinarian, as they may suggest monitoring or an examination.

Dog Ate Greasy Paper Towel

If your dog ate a greasy paper towel, the grease can cause gastrointestinal upset, and the paper towel itself poses a risk for obstruction. Be on the lookout for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or discomfort, and reach out to your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed.

In summary, if your dog eats paper towels, the primary concern is the risk of gastrointestinal blockage. The type of paper towel and the amount ingested can vary the risk level. Always monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress and seek veterinary advice if necessary. To prevent this behavior, keep paper towels out of reach and provide suitable alternatives for your dog to chew.

Will a Dog Pass a Paper Towel?

Whether a dog will pass a paper towel depends on several factors, including the size of the dog, the amount and type of paper towel eaten, and the individual dog’s digestive health. While some dogs may pass small pieces of paper towel without issue, larger amounts or thicker, quilted paper towels pose a higher risk of causing gastrointestinal blockage.

Dog Ate Paper Towel, How Long to Pass?

If your dog ate a paper towel, the time it takes to pass, if it does at all, can vary. Generally, if a paper towel is going to pass through the dog’s digestive system, it might take between 10 to 24 hours. However, this is not guaranteed, especially if the dog has consumed a large amount or if the paper towel is particularly thick or absorbent.

Monitor your dog closely during this time for any signs of distress or changes in bowel habits and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

To prevent future issues, teach your dog the “leave it” and “drop it” commands, both of which you can learn now in the first section.

Can Dogs Eat Paper Towels Safely in Any Amount?

Dogs cannot safely eat paper towels in any amount. While a small piece might not cause immediate harm, there is no safe quantity for a dog to consume. Paper towels can pose a choking hazard and risk of intestinal blockage, and their absorbent nature means they can expand in the stomach and intestines, leading to potential health complications.

Can Dogs Digest Paper Towels?

Dogs cannot properly digest paper towels. Their digestive systems are not equipped to break down this material. While small pieces may occasionally pass through without causing harm, larger pieces or quantities of paper towels can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction and other digestive issues.

Dog Ate Paper Towel, Now Has Diarrhea

If your dog ate a paper towel and now has diarrhea, this could be a sign that the paper towel is irritating their digestive system. It’s also possible that the diarrhea could indicate a partial blockage. Keep an eye on your dog’s overall behavior and bowel movements. If the diarrhea persists, or if your dog shows signs of discomfort, lethargy, or vomiting, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

How Much Paper Towel Can a Dog Eat?

There is no safe amount of paper towel for a dog to eat. Even small amounts can cause issues, particularly in smaller dogs or dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Larger quantities increase the risk of an intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening. It’s best to ensure that all paper towels are kept out of your dog’s reach and to intervene quickly if they do ingest any amount.

Paper Towel in Dog Poop

Finding paper towel in your dog’s poop indicates that they have ingested paper towel, but it has passed through their digestive system. While this might seem like a good sign, it’s important to continue monitoring your dog.

There could still be more paper towel in their system that hasn’t passed, or there could be lingering effects in the digestive tract. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health following this discovery, consult with your veterinarian.

In summary, while some dogs may pass small amounts of paper towel without serious issues, it is not something that can be relied upon. The risks of gastrointestinal blockage or irritation are significant, especially with larger amounts or thicker paper towels.

It’s important to keep paper towels away from dogs and to monitor them closely if they eat any. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health after they’ve eaten paper towels, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for advice.

I’m sure you’re ready to begin now that you have all of your questions about your dog eating paper towels answered, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Dog Eating Paper Towels? Why Does My Dog Eat Paper Towels?”