Ever come home to find your dog has helped themselves to a roll of wrapping paper? In “Dog Ate Wrapping Paper? What to Do & How to Stop It!”, we discuss the reasons why dogs are attracted to wrapping paper and what you can do to curb this behavior.

We’ll also explore the safety concerns of dogs chewing on wrapping paper and whether they can pass it without issue. This article will provide you with practical tips to keep your canine companion safe and your holiday decorations intact. Keep reading below!

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Wrapping Paper

To stop your dog chewing wrapping paper:

1. Keep wrapping paper hidden away or as inaccessible as possible.
2. Be sure your dog always has available an acceptable outlet for their chewing like a toy they can relax with while keeping themselves busy.
3. Spray a deterrent, like a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar onto a cloth and wipe down the wrapping paper with it.
4. The vinegar scent will not be detectable after about an hour, but your dog will continue to be repelled.
5. Give a firm, calm “stop” or “no” right away when you catch your dog is again trying to eat wrapping paper.
6. Don’t get mad or scream, because if they’re misbehaving like this stemming from anxiety (which is very probable), this will only make their difficulties worse.
7. Put them in a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for approximately 10 minutes.
8. If you notice them starting to go for the wrapping paper, point them to a toy.
9. Give them praise, a small treat, and praise when they pick their toy rather than chewing or eating wrapping paper.
10. Be sure that everybody in the home is also using these steps.
11. Remain patient and consistent.

Still, to make real, long-lasting progress you need to ultimately address the problem at its root. Right now, your dog is basically doing whatever they want, losing control of their emotions, and most importantly: not listening to you or your commands to stop an unwanted behavior (chewing wrapping paper).

To properly cover that, we must first discuss what makes dogs function deep down. I’m sure you’ve heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But every time that your dog chews wrapping paper, they are clearly telling you that they don’t respect you as the head of the family pack.

If they did, they wouldn’t continue to rip up, chew, and eat your wrapping paper even though you’ve commanded them many times to quit. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so immediately.

Show your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a deserving and capable one who they must respect, and you’ll make all of these wonderful things your reality.

Obviously, you’ll win. But your dog will be the even bigger winner here because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the confusion and worry that their disobedience problems are currently burdening them with 24/7.

Sounds like a great thing, don’t you think?

“Absolutely, sure, but how am I supposed to do this?”

You should watch an incredibly helpful 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 everything in ways that are very simple to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these crucial changes in your dog before things get any worse.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t stress, because no, you’re not going to have to yell or be mean to 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 Wrapping Paper?

Dogs eat wrapping paper primarily due to anxiety, boredom, or teething. Anxiety can cause dogs to seek out objects to chew on as a coping mechanism, and wrapping paper might be an accessible target. Boredom might also be a factor, as dogs will often turn to chewing as a way to pass the time and stimulate their senses.

Curiosity can also play a role, as dogs may be attracted to the bright colors and interesting textures of wrapping paper. Additionally, if the paper smells like food, dogs might be enticed to chew on it.

Lastly, teething might be the reason for a puppy’s interest in chewing wrapping paper. Puppies go through a teething phase, which can be uncomfortable for them, and chewing on objects may provide some relief.

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.

Keeping wrapping paper away from your dog is a decent start, but it’s vital to realize that this won’t address the underlying cause. Your dog will just search for other objects to chew destructively in an effort to calm their problem.

Your dog might chew on food wrappers, chew on paper plates, chew on plastic, or even chew on construction paper from your art projects. Almost anything in their reach could be a target. It’s probably obvious now why addressing the root cause of the problem is so important. To learn the exact steps to achieve that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew Wrapping Paper?

It’s not safe for dogs to chew wrapping paper. The primary concern is that ingesting wrapping paper can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as blockages or irritation. These issues can be minor or severe, depending on the amount consumed and the dog’s size.

Furthermore, wrapping paper may contain toxic substances like dyes, inks, or adhesives that could be harmful to your dog if ingested. These chemicals can lead to poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or even more severe complications.

Chewing on wrapping paper can also cause dental issues, such as broken teeth or damage to the gums. It’s essential to keep an eye on your dog and intervene if you notice them chewing on wrapping paper to prevent these potential health risks.

Can Dogs Pass Wrapping Paper Safely?

Some dogs might be able to pass small amounts of wrapping paper safely, but it’s not guaranteed. The ability of a dog to pass ingested wrapping paper depends on factors like the size of the dog, the amount of paper consumed, and the dog’s overall health. However, it’s crucial not to rely on the hope that your dog will pass the paper without issue.

If you suspect that your dog has consumed a significant amount of wrapping paper, it’s essential to monitor them for signs of gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms could indicate a blockage or irritation, and you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

In some cases, your vet may need to perform imaging tests, like x-rays or ultrasounds, to determine if there’s a blockage. Depending on the severity, they may recommend surgery or other medical intervention to address the problem.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s wrapping paper consumption, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Ate Wrapping Paper? What to Do & How to Stop It!”