Why do dogs eat toilet paper? Explaining the reasons and three solutions

• I want to stop my dog ​​from eating toilet paper.
• I want to know why he eats toilet paper.
• What should I do to prevent my dog ​​from using the toilet?

For those of you who are concerned about this, this article will explain the reasons why your dog eats toilet paper and three ways to prevent it.

Dogs chew on toilet paper when they want to play or when they're stressed.
If your dog swallows toilet paper and is unable to expel it properly, it can become lodged in their body, which can be dangerous.

There are three ways to prevent your dog from eating toilet paper:

• Provide toys and chewable bones.
• Make time to communicate with your dog.
• Create an environment where your dog cannot be touched or eaten.

Read this article to help your dog avoid eating toilet paper and ensure a safe and comfortable life!

Why do dogs eat toilet paper?

Why do dogs eat toilet paper even though it doesn't smell appetizing?
First, let's understand why dogs eat toilet paper.

Because they want to play

Dogs enjoy chewing and tearing toilet paper sheets into pieces.
They love the feeling of chewing them, and the contents seem to come out, which makes it even more fun.

Actually, dogs aren't trying to eat them; they're just playing. However, there's a risk of them accidentally swallowing them, so you need to stop them.

Because of a lack of affection

If your dog has previously been scolded for chewing toilet paper, it may be chewing it to get your attention.
It may also be chewing toilet paper to relieve loneliness.

If your dog seems happy and eager to play after you scold it, it may be because you're not showing enough affection.
Check to see if you're spending too little time with your dog.

To Relieve Stress

If your dog doesn't usually chew toilet paper, but suddenly starts doing so, it may be that stress is building up.
When your dog is frustrated due to rainy weather when he can't go for walks for days or a lack of exercise, he may take out his anger on objects, and chew toilet paper to relieve stress.

If your dog is chewing toilet paper even though you're taking him for walks regularly, he may still be chewing toilet paper because he's not getting enough exercise.

Because they're bored

If your dog is away during the day and has no one to keep them company, they may feel bored and start chewing on toilet paper.
In addition to chewing through toilet paper, they may also chew on furniture.

If your dog seems to be chewing on various things around the house, he may be feeling bored.

What happens if your dog swallows toilet paper?

You may be wondering what would happen if your dog chewed up and swallowed toilet paper.

If your dog is unable to excrete the waste properly, it could become lodged in the dog's body, which is dangerous.

Don't be fooled by the fact that toilet paper is made of paper.
Dog toilet sheets often use absorbent polymers to absorb dog urine, which causes them to swell with moisture.
Since the toilet sheets cannot be naturally digested by the body, they swell in the stomach and intestines.

It would be ideal if the waste could be excreted through feces, but if it cannot, it could become blocked in the intestines, which is very dangerous.
If the waste does not come out even after vomiting or other measures, open abdominal surgery may be necessary.

Three Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Swallowing Toilet Paper

Now that we know it's dangerous for dogs to eat toilet paper, let's take measures to prevent them from swallowing it.
We'll introduce three countermeasures, so try out the one that suits your dog.

Provide toys and chewable items, such as bones.

If your dog has extra energy and wants to play more, or if he eats because he's bored while you're away, provide him with an alternative toy or a bone that he can chew for a long time.

However, it's pointless if he starts chewing the toilet pad again after playing with the toy or chewing on the bone.

It's important to repeatedly teach your dog that the toilet is a place for excretion.
If you see your dog chewing on the sheet, give it a brief "No!" warning.

Make time to communicate with your dog

If your dog is always left alone and you are not communicating with it, and it seems like you are not showing enough affection, spend more time with your dog.

When you get home, be sure to pet your dog and take it for a walk.
It may be even more effective to take it for a long walk before leaving it alone to relieve stress.

Create a Touch- and Eat-Free Environment

If no measures work, we recommend creating an environment where your dog can't touch the toilet sheets.
Try using a mesh toilet tray or placing a wire mesh over the sheet to prevent it from being removed.

You can also use a repellent spray to keep your dog away from the sheets, but this can lead to your dog becoming averse to the toilet itself, so this method is not recommended for dogs that are not yet fully toilet-trained.

If swallowed, consult a veterinarian

The absorbent polymer used in toilet paper is not harmful if swallowed.
However, as mentioned above, if your pet ingests a large amount, it may cause a blockage in the intestines.

Don't be complacent and think it's no problem if your pet seems fine after swallowing it. Consult a veterinarian first.
It takes time for the effects to appear, so leaving your pet at home alone could make them sick.

Try to have your pet vomit at the vet.

Spending plenty of time with your pet during its puppyhood can help prevent this.

Most puppies who chew toilet paper are over 3 months old, between 6 months and 1 year old.
Even if they reach adult size, their mental maturity is still low.
Try to avoid leaving your puppy alone until around 6 months of age.

Puppyhood is also an important time for training.
Spend more time with your family and help your dog understand that it belongs in a group.
Teach your dog that the toilet is a place to eliminate, and train him not to chew on the toilet paper.

If you don't properly train your dog as a puppy, he may develop the habit of chewing on toilet paper to relieve stress even as an adult, so be careful.

Summary

We've introduced the causes and solutions for dogs eating toilet paper.
If you think this might be the cause, try the solutions we introduced.

If your dog accidentally swallows toilet paper, consult a veterinarian immediately.
First of all, for the sake of your dog's health, please make sure to properly train him not to chew on toilet paper.