If you’ve ever found your dog chowing down on a paper towel roll, you might be wondering why they do it and how to stop them. This article will discuss the reasons behind this behavior, how to prevent your dog from eating paper towel rolls, and whether it’s safe for them to chew on these items.

We’ll also touch on the subject of dogs passing swallowed paper towel rolls. With the information provided here, you’ll be well-equipped to help your dog break this habit and keep your home free from chewed-up paper towel rolls.

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Paper Towel Rolls

To stop your dog chewing or eating paper towel rolls:

1. Throw your paper towel rolls away as soon as you’re through with them.
2. Use a trash can with a closing lid.
3. Be sure your dog always has a proper outlet for chewing like a toy they have fun with.
4. Give a calm, firm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice that your dog is again chewing on paper towel rolls.
5. Do not scream or get upset, because if they’re behaving like this due to anxiety (which is very likely), this will only make their stress worse.
6. Place them in a quick time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for about ten minutes.
7. If you catch your dog starting to go towards the paper towel rolls, redirect their attention to one of their toys.
8. Give them a treat, praise, and pets when they select their toy rather than biting on paper towel rolls.
9. Ensure that anyone else who lives in your house is also using these steps.
10. Be consistent and patient.

This will get your dog to stop chewing paper towel rolls, but it’s important to remember that the issues which were causing all of this to begin with (anxiety and boredom) will still remain. And you definitely need to address those, because not doing so means that your dog will continue to suffer, act up, and misbehave in other ways.

To properly address that, we must first discuss what makes dogs function deep down. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But when your dog chews up paper towel rolls, they are definitively telling you that they have no respect for you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t continue doing this even after you’ve told them to quit it. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of disobedient misbehavior. And they would obey your commands as soon as they’re given, and they would do so happily.

Show your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but one worthy of respect, and you’ll make all of these wonderful things happen.

You’ll win for obvious reasons. But your dog will be the real winner here because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the confusion and worry that their disobedient behavior issues are currently placing on their little shoulders every moment of every day.

Sounds great, wouldn’t you agree?

“Yes, of course, but how do I do any of this?”

You should watch a terrific free video series which is on this very subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains all you’ll need to know in ways that are very easy to follow and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these critical changes in your dog before things get any worse.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at your dog. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving teaching techniques 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 or Chew Paper Towel Rolls?

Dogs eat or chew paper towel rolls primarily due to anxiety or boredom. Anxiety can cause a dog to seek comfort in chewing on objects, and paper towel rolls may be a convenient target. Additionally, dogs might chew on these rolls when they’re bored and need stimulation. In some cases, puppies chew on paper towel rolls during their teething phase, as they find relief in gnawing on various items.

Keep in mind that dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they explore their environment using their mouths. This innate curiosity may also lead them to chew on paper towel rolls, especially if they’re easily accessible.

Throwing your paper towel rolls into trash cans with closing lids is a good initial step to take, but don’t forget that this alone won’t address the real problem. Your dog will just switch to other items to chew destructively to alleviate their discomfort.

You could find your dog ate your napkins, ate your paper towels, ate your paper bags, or chewed your dish towels. Nearly anything they can get their paws on may become a prime target. It’s easy to see why resolving the root cause of the problem is important. To learn the exact steps to do this, go back to the first section of this article now.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew on Paper Towel Rolls?

Chewing on paper towel rolls is not safe for dogs. When dogs chew on these items, they may ingest pieces of the roll, which can cause digestive issues, including choking or intestinal blockages. Additionally, the chemicals present in the paper and ink could be harmful to your dog if ingested in large quantities.

Even if your dog doesn’t swallow any of the paper, chewing on the roll can still lead to dental issues. The act of chewing can cause your dog’s teeth to wear down, and the wet, mushy paper can get stuck between their teeth, leading to plaque buildup and other dental problems.

Is My Dog Eating Paper Towel Rolls Because of Pica?

Your dog might be eating paper towel rolls due to a condition called pica. Pica is the compulsive consumption of non-food items, which can be caused by various factors such as nutritional deficiencies, medical issues, or behavioral problems.

However, it’s important to note that not every dog that chews on paper towel rolls has pica. Many dogs engage in this behavior simply out of boredom, anxiety, or curiosity. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog’s chewing behavior is due to pica or any other underlying health issue.

Can Dogs Pass Swallowed Paper Towel Rolls?

Dogs can sometimes pass small pieces of swallowed paper towel rolls, but it’s not guaranteed. The ability of a dog to pass the paper depends on factors such as the size of the ingested pieces and the dog’s individual digestive system.

If a dog swallows a significant amount of paper or a large piece, it may not be able to pass it naturally. This can result in an intestinal blockage, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If you suspect that your dog has swallowed a large portion of a paper towel roll, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s paper towel roll chewing problem, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Eats Paper Towel Rolls? Here’s How to Stop It!”