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Dog Eating Toilet Paper? What to Do if Your Dog Eats Toilet Paper

Dog eating toilet paper? Don’t worry! We’ll help you with what to do if your dog eats toilet paper and much more. In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about why dogs eat toilet paper and what to do if they already have. We’ll then cover the two commands you’ll need to stop the problem, and how to treat it at its root.

Next, we’ll explain if dogs can eat toilet paper at all, and how to handle it if your dog ate toilet paper and has diarrhea or is vomiting. Finally, we’ll fill you in on the special concerns for if a dog eats toilet paper with poop, and also the considerations when your puppy ate toilet paper. Keep reading!

Dog Eating Toilet Paper

Dog Eating Toilet Paper

If you find your dog eating toilet paper, it’s a common issue that many pet owners face. While toilet paper itself is not toxic, eating it in large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset or blockage, which can be serious. It’s important to understand why your dog might be doing this and how to respond.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Toilet Paper

If your dog eats toilet paper, assess how much they have ingested. A small amount may pass through their system, but large quantities or whole rolls can pose a risk of blockage. Monitor your dog for signs of distress, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or difficulties in passing stool.

Contact your veterinarian if you observe any concerning symptoms or if your dog ate toilet paper in large amounts.

My Puppy Ate Toilet Paper

If your puppy ate toilet paper, be especially careful. Puppies have smaller digestive systems and are more prone to blockages from ingesting foreign objects. Look for signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, including changes in bowel habits or loss of appetite, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Puppies often eat things they shouldn’t out of curiosity, so it’s important to puppy-proof your home and keep toilet paper out of reach.

Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog with the “Leave It” command can help prevent them from eating toilet paper:

  1. Start with an item less tempting than toilet paper, and hold it in your hand. When your dog approaches, say “Leave it.”
  2. When they stop trying to get the item and move away, reward them with a treat and praise.
  3. Gradually work up to more tempting items, including toilet paper, rewarding them each time they obey the command.
  4. Practice regularly in different settings to reinforce the command.

Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop It” command is also useful for stopping your dog from eating toilet paper:

  1. Give your dog a toy to hold, and once they have it, offer them a treat while saying “Drop it.”
  2. When they drop the toy, praise them and give them the treat.
  3. Repeat this process until your dog consistently responds to the command.
  4. Introduce the command with other items, including toilet paper, under supervision.

In summary, while a dog eating toilet paper needs to be discouraged as it can lead to health problems, especially in large amounts. These commands will help keep your dog safe, but 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 toilet paper 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 what to do if your dog eats toilet paper ever again!

Can Dogs Eat Toilet Paper?

Can Dogs Eat Toilet Paper?

Dogs cannot eat toilet paper without risking potential health issues. While toilet paper is not toxic, ingesting it can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as blockages, diarrhea, or vomiting. It’s important for you to understand why your dogs might be attracted to toilet paper and how to prevent this behavior effectively.

Dog Ate Toilet Paper and Has Diarrhea

If your dog ate toilet paper and has diarrhea, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal irritation. The ingested paper can disrupt the normal digestive process, leading to loose stools. Monitor your dog’s condition closely; if the diarrhea persists, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.

My Dog Ate Toilet Paper and Is Vomiting

If your dog ate toilet paper and is vomiting, it’s a cause for concern. Vomiting could indicate that the toilet paper is causing an obstruction or irritation in the stomach. Keep an eye on the frequency and severity of the vomiting and check for signs of distress or discomfort. If vomiting persists or your dog shows other signs of illness, seek veterinary care right away.

Dog Ate Toilet Paper? How to Prevent

To stop your dog from eating toilet paper, focus first on eliminating their access to it. Store toilet paper out of your dog’s reach, and keep bathroom doors closed. Regularly check your home for stray pieces that your dog might find. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep your dog occupied and deter them from seeking out unsuitable items.

Also, consider engaging your dog in more physical activity and mental stimulation, as boredom can often lead to such behaviors. Training commands like “Leave It” can also be effective in teaching your dog to avoid unwanted items. You can learn it now in the first section.

It would be best for you to get this problem taken care of now as it will also keep your dog safe during other similar times. You then aren’t going to have to worry about things like what to do if your dog ate a toilet paper roll, if your dog ate a napkin, if your dog ate a paper towel, or if your dog ate a snotty tissue.

In summary, dogs cannot eat toilet paper due to the risk of digestive issues. Proactive steps should be taken to prevent access to toilet paper, and any ingestion should be closely monitored. If your dog ate toilet paper and is exhibiting symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, it’s important to contact a veterinarian to ensure their health and safety.

Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper?

Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper?

Dogs eat toilet paper often due to their natural curiosity, to relieve anxiety or boredom, to enjoy the texture of the paper, or sometimes because of the scent, especially if it has remnants of human waste. This behavior, while common, can lead to potential health problems, including gastrointestinal blockages.

Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper with Poop?

Your dog eats toilet paper with poop mainly because they are attracted to the strong scent. Dogs have an acute sense of smell, and odors that are unappealing to humans can be fascinating to them. This behavior is deeply ingrained, with roots in their scavenging ancestry.

In the wild, investigating scents is a way for dogs to gather information about their environment. However, it’s crucial to discourage this behavior in domestic dogs, as consuming soiled toilet paper can be harmful.

It can introduce harmful bacteria or parasites into their system, leading to gastrointestinal upset or more serious health issues. Ensuring your bathroom is inaccessible to your dog or keeping the toilet paper out of reach can help prevent this behavior.

Training your dog on commands like “leave it” and “drop it” is also incredibly valuable for these types of situations. You can learn both now in the first section.

Is a Dog Eating Toilet Paper Harmful?

A dog eating toilet paper is harmful as it can lead to several health issues. While the paper itself is not toxic, it can cause digestive problems. Large quantities or whole sheets can create blockages in the stomach or intestines, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, may require surgical intervention. Additionally, if the toilet paper is soiled, there’s a risk of bacterial contamination.

Can Dogs Digest Toilet Paper?

Dogs cannot digest toilet paper effectively. Although they might be able to pass small amounts, larger quantities can accumulate in the digestive tract, leading to potential obstructions. The inability to digest toilet paper means that ingestion can pose significant health risks, especially if it becomes a habitual behavior.

In summary, while dogs eat toilet paper sometimes due to curiosity, anxiety, boredom, or attraction to certain scents, it’s not a safe habit and can lead to health complications. A dog eating toilet paper with poop poses additional risks due to potential bacterial contamination.

It’s important for you to watch your dogs closely and to take preventive measures to keep toilet paper out of their reach. If your dog ate toilet paper in significant amounts or shows signs of illness, contact a veterinarian right away.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about why dogs eat toilet paper answered, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Dog Eating Toilet Paper? What to Do if Your Dog Eats Toilet Paper”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.