“My dog ate a napkin, what should I do?” In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your dog eating napkins (cloth or paper), including what to do if your dog ate napkins already. We’ll then teach you the two commands that will ensure your dog stays away from your napkins from now on.

Next, we’ll cover why dogs eat napkins while also answering questions like can dogs pass napkins and whether or not they’re toxic. Finally, we’ll instruct you on if it’s safe for dogs to eat napkins and of course, how to stop your dog from eating napkins once and for all. Keep reading!

My Dog Ate a Napkin, What Should I Do?

If your dog ate a napkin, closely monitor your pet for any signs of distress, such as choking, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal issues. While a single napkin may pass through a dog’s digestive system without causing major issues, it’s important to consider the size of your dog and the amount ingested. If any concerning symptoms arise or if your dog is small and ate a large napkin, contact your veterinarian immediately.

My Dog Ate a Paper Napkin

If your dog ate a paper napkin, there’s no need to panic. Small pieces typically pass through the digestive tract without issue. However, large pieces, or consumption by small dogs, could lead to blockages. After ensuring your dog is not choking, observe for signs of discomfort or attempts to vomit.

Offer small amounts of water and monitor bowel movements. If you notice any changes in behavior or health, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog to respond to the “Leave It” command can prevent them from eating unwanted objects like napkins. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Start with a treat in your hand, show it to your dog, then close your fist.
2. When your dog nudges or paws at your hand, ignore the behavior. As soon as they lose interest, say “Leave it,” and open your hand to give them the treat.
3. Repeat this process, increasing the difficulty by placing the treat on the floor and covering it with your hand.
4. Gradually move your hand away, reinforcing the “Leave it” command. If your dog moves toward the treat, cover it again.
5. Practice regularly and reward your dog for obeying the command with treats or affection.

This command teaches self-control and can be a lifesaver in preventing your dog from ingesting harmful objects.

Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop It” command is crucial if your dog has already picked up something they shouldn’t have, like a napkin. To train this command:

1. Offer your dog a toy to hold in their mouth.
2. Hold a treat close to their nose. Once they show interest in the treat, say “Drop it.”
3. When they drop the toy to get the treat, praise them warmly and give them the treat.
4. Repeat this sequence until your dog starts to drop the toy at the command, anticipating the treat.
5. Always praise and reward your dog for releasing the item from their mouth.

Consistent training of the “Drop It” command can prevent your dog from swallowing items like napkins by teaching them to let go of objects on command.

If your dog ate a napkin, 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 napkins 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 napkin ever again!

Why Does My Dog Eat Napkins?

Your dog eats napkins due to a variety of reasons such as boredom, anxiety, curiosity, or because they smell of food. In some cases, it can also be a condition known as pica, where dogs eat or chew non-food items. This is sometimes triggered by nutritional deficiencies or a diet lacking adequate fiber.

Why Do Dogs Eat Napkins?

Dogs eat napkins for several reasons, each underpinned by different motivating factors:

1. Curiosity or boredom: Dogs are naturally curious animals, and in the absence of stimulation, they may turn to items like napkins to chew on. This behavior is often exacerbated if the dog is not receiving enough physical or mental exercise.
2. Scent and taste of food: Napkins are often used to wipe mouths and clean up spills, which means they can carry the scent and even small pieces of food, making them appealing to dogs who are driven by their sense of smell and taste.
3. Behavioral issues: Conditions such as pica, where a dog is compelled to eat non-food items, can be due to dietary deficiencies where the dog is seeking out fiber or due to a behavioral compulsion, often stemming from a lack of proper nutrition or a psychological condition.
4. Attention-seeking: Sometimes, a dog may learn that eating strange objects like napkins will result in immediate attention from their owners, even if it is negative. This can become a learned behavior if not properly managed.
5. Teething in puppies: Puppies who are teething may find the texture of napkins soothing for their gums. This is often a phase that can be redirected with appropriate chew toys.
6. Stress or anxiety: Dogs under stress may engage in destructive chewing as a coping mechanism. Identifying and addressing the root of the anxiety can help prevent this behavior.

Training your dog on commands like “leave it” and “drop it” can be incredibly effective at stopping your dog from eating napkins. You can learn both now in the first section.

It would be a good idea to get this taken care of now, as doing so will also prevent this problem from spreading to other areas. You then won’t have to spend another second worrying about if your dog ate paper towels, can dogs eat cardboard, if your dog ate paper bags, why your dog eats tissues, or if your dog ate dish towels.

Can Dogs Pass Napkins?

Dogs can pass napkins generally, but their ability to do so is influenced by several factors:

• The size of the dog: Larger breeds may have an easier time passing small pieces of paper, whereas smaller breeds could suffer from obstructions more easily.
• The quantity of napkins: A small piece might not cause any issues, but larger pieces or whole napkins can create blockages.
• The dog’s overall digestive health: Dogs with a history of gastrointestinal issues may be more at risk when they consume non-food items like napkins.

Dog Ate Napkin: How Long to Pass?

If your dog ate napkins, the amount of time it takes to pass a non-food item such as this is unpredictable:

• In general, if a napkin is going to pass through the dog’s digestive system, it will usually do so within 10 to 24 hours.
• Watch your dog for any signs of discomfort, such as whining, bloating, a hunched back, or loss of appetite, which could indicate the napkin is causing an obstruction.
• If there is no sign of the napkin in the dog’s stool within 48 hours, or if the dog is exhibiting any distress, contact your veterinarian for advice right away.

In summary, while dogs eat napkins for various reasons, it’s a potentially dangerous behavior that can lead to obstructions in their digestive tract. It’s important to monitor your dog if they consume a napkin and consult a vet if there are any signs of distress or if the napkin does not pass within a couple of days.

Preventing the behavior by keeping napkins out of reach and providing appropriate chew toys can help mitigate the risk.

Dog Eating Napkins: Is It Safe?

Eating napkins is not safe for dogs. While napkins themselves are not toxic, they can cause choking hazards, gastrointestinal blockages, and digestive issues. Dogs don’t digest paper products well, and ingesting a large amount or even small amounts regularly can lead to serious complications. If a dog ate a napkin, it’s important to observe them for any signs of distress and consult a veterinarian if concerns arise.

How to Prevent Dogs Eating Napkins

Preventing dogs from eating napkins primarily involves managing their environment and training:

• Keep napkins and other paper products out of reach. Ensure they are disposed of properly in a dog-proof trash can with a closing lid.
• Use deterrents such as bitter apple spray on napkins if they can’t be kept out of reach, to discourage chewing.
• Provide plenty of chew toys that satisfy your dog’s chewing instinct and keep them occupied.
• Ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
• Train your dog with commands like “leave it” and “drop it” to prevent them from picking up or chewing unwanted objects. Learn both now in the first section.

Are Napkins Toxic to Dogs?

Napkins are not inherently toxic to dogs, but the risk lies in the physical harm they can cause rather than chemical toxicity:

• Plain paper napkins are generally non-toxic, but if they are scented or contain chemicals, there could be a risk of toxicity.
• Colored or printed napkins may contain inks that could be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
• The biggest concern is the potential for gastrointestinal obstruction, which can be life-threatening.

Dog Eats Napkins on the Street

If a dog eats napkins found on the street, there are immediate concerns to consider:

• Street napkins may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or substances that can cause illness.
• They could have absorbed toxic materials or be covered in unhealthy residues.
• Monitor the dog closely for any signs of illness, and if they show any symptoms or if you’re concerned about what the napkin might have been contaminated with, contact your veterinarian.

In conclusion, it’s important to take steps to prevent your dog from eating napkins, as it can pose significant health risks. Always monitor your pet’s environment, provide suitable alternatives for chewing, and engage them in training to discourage the behavior.

If your dog ate napkins, especially one from an unknown source, keep a close eye on them and seek veterinary attention if you notice any signs of distress or if there is no passage within a couple of days.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about your dog eating napkins answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “My Dog Ate a Napkin! What Should I Do?”