“My dog ate a paper towel roll! Can dogs eat paper towel rolls? What do I do?” Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about why dogs eat paper towel rolls and what to do if they already have. We’ll then explain the two commands you’ll need to stop the problem, and how to treat it at its root.

Next, we’ll cover how long it takes dogs to pass a paper towel roll, and how to keep your dogs away from them. Finally, we’ll fill you in on if a dog eating paper towel rolls can be safe in any amount, and also the special considerations for this issue when you’re dealing with a puppy. Keep reading!

Dog Ate Paper Towel Roll

If your dog ate a paper towel roll, it’s a cause for concern due to the potential risk of intestinal blockage. While a small amount of paper might pass through a dog’s digestive system, the size and bulk of a paper towel roll can pose a significant obstruction risk, especially in smaller dogs.

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

If your dog ate a paper towel roll, closely monitor them for any signs of distress. These can include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or difficulties in defecating. If you observe any of these symptoms or if the dog has consumed a significant portion of the roll, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In the meantime, provide your dog with plenty of water to help ease the passage of any ingested material.

Dog Eating Paper Towel Roll: Side Effects

The side effects of a dog eating a paper towel roll can vary from mild to severe. While some dogs might not show immediate signs of distress, others may experience gastrointestinal blockage, which is a serious condition. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.

If a blockage occurs, it may require veterinary intervention, possibly even surgery.

Train the “Leave It” Command

To prevent your dog from eating paper towel rolls, training them with the “Leave It” command can be effective:

1. Begin with a less tempting item and hold it in your hand. When your dog approaches, cover the item and say “Leave it.”
2. When your dog stops trying to get the item and moves away, reward them with a treat and praise.
3. Gradually increase the challenge by using more enticing items like a paper towel roll, always rewarding your dog for obeying the command.
4. Practice this command in various situations to ensure your dog understands and complies reliably.

Train the “Drop It” Command

Training your dog with the “Drop It” command can also prevent them from eating things they shouldn’t, such as paper towel rolls:

1. Start when your dog is holding a toy. Offer them a treat and say “Drop it.”
2. Once they release the toy, praise them and give the treat.
3. Repeat this process until your dog consistently responds to the command.
4. Gradually introduce the command with other items, including paper towel rolls, under supervision.

In summary, if your dog ate a paper towel roll, it’s important to watch them closely for any signs of gastrointestinal obstruction. These commands will help keep your dog safe in the future, 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 paper towel rolls 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 roll ever again!

Can Dogs Eat Paper Towel Rolls?

Dogs cannot eat paper towel rolls safely. While the paper itself is not toxic, consuming paper towel rolls can lead to serious health issues, including gastrointestinal blockages. It’s important for you to understand the risks and take steps to prevent your pets from accessing and chewing on paper towel rolls.

Dog Ate Paper Towel Roll, How Long to Pass?

If your dog ate a paper towel roll, the time it takes to pass—if it passes at all—varies. While small pieces may sometimes pass through the digestive system within 10 to 24 hours, the bulky nature of a paper towel roll poses a significant risk of causing an obstruction.

If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, lethargy, or constipation, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Digest Paper Towel Rolls?

Dogs cannot properly digest paper towel rolls. The material can swell inside the digestive tract, leading to potential blockages. Even if a dog manages to chew it into smaller pieces, the ingested paper can still clump together inside the stomach or intestines, creating a risk for an intestinal obstruction, which could be life-threatening and require surgical intervention.

Dog Eating Paper Towel Rolls: How to Prevent

To prevent your dog from eating paper towel rolls, it’s crucial to limit their access to these items. Store paper towels, including the rolls, in cabinets or areas out of your dog’s reach. Consistently using closed trash cans and keeping bathrooms and laundry rooms (common places where paper towels are used) off-limits or secured can significantly reduce the risk.

Engaging your dog in regular play and providing them with plenty of appropriate chew toys can also help deter them from seeking out unsuitable items like paper towel rolls. Additionally, training your dog with commands like ‘leave it’ can be an effective way to manage their behavior around items they shouldn’t chew or eat. Learn it now in the first section.

It’s best to get this problem taken care of right away because it will also keep your dog safe during other similar times. You then won’t have to worry about things like your dog eating toilet paper rolls, your dog eating cardboard, your dog eating paper towels, your dog eating toilet paper, or your dog eating napkins.

In summary, it’s important to understand that dogs cannot safely consume paper towel rolls and to take proactive measures to prevent access to these items. Prompt attention is required if a dog does eat a paper towel roll, as it can lead to serious health complications.

Why Does My Dog Eat Paper Towel Rolls?

Your dog eats paper towel rolls likely due to a combination of their natural curiosity, the texture of the paper, and possibly the remnants of food smells on the towels. In many cases, they can also be seeking to relieve anxiety or boredom. While this behavior might seem harmless, it can lead to health issues, such as intestinal blockages, and should be discouraged.

Are Paper Towel Rolls Bad for Dogs?

Paper towel rolls are bad for dogs primarily because they can cause gastrointestinal blockages. The paper material is not digestible and can clump together in the stomach or intestines, leading to potential obstruction. Additionally, if the paper towels have been used to clean up substances that are toxic to dogs, such as cleaning agents, the risk to your dog’s health increases.

Dog Eating Paper Towel Rolls: Safe in Any Amount?

No amount of paper towel rolls is safe for dogs to eat. Even small amounts can pose a risk, especially in smaller breeds or dogs with sensitive digestive systems. The ingestion of paper towels can lead to complications like intestinal blockage, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s best to keep paper towel rolls out of your dog’s reach to prevent any chance of ingestion.

The “drop it” command can be very helpful in these situations, as it gives you one last chance to get your dog to release something in their mouth before they swallow it. You can learn it step-by-step by going back to the first section now.

Puppy Ate Paper Towel Roll

If your puppy ate a paper towel roll, be particularly vigilant. Puppies have smaller digestive tracts, which makes them more susceptible to blockages. Monitor your puppy closely for any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, lack of appetite, or difficulty in passing stool.

If you notice any of these symptoms or if your puppy seems lethargic or in pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In summary, dogs may be attracted to paper towel rolls due to their texture or food smells, but consuming them can lead to serious health risks. No amount of paper towel roll is safe for a dog to eat, and the risks are even higher for puppies due to their smaller size.

Ensure that paper towels and rolls are kept out of reach of your dogs and watch them closely if you believe they’ve eaten any. If there are any signs of health issues following your dog eating a paper towel roll, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about your dog eating paper towel rolls, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “My Dog Ate a Paper Towel Roll! Can Dogs Eat Paper Towel Rolls?”