Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper (and How to Stop It)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Have you ever wondered why your dog eats toilet paper? It’s a common problem, but there are a few reasons why dogs might do this. Some of them are medical, while others are behavioral. In this article, we’ll discuss the different reasons why dogs eat toilet paper, and we’ll offer some tips on how to stop them from doing it.

We’ll start by taking a look at the medical reasons why dogs might eat toilet paper. Then, we’ll discuss the behavioral reasons. Finally, we’ll offer some tips on how to stop your dog from eating toilet paper.

| Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Tissue? | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|—|—|—|
| To Get Attention | Dogs may eat toilet paper to get attention from their owners. They may do this by chewing on the toilet paper, tearing it up, or even swallowing it. | Ignore your dog when they are chewing on toilet paper. Do not give them attention for this behavior. Provide your dog with plenty of other chew toys and activities to keep them occupied. |
| Boredom | Dogs may eat toilet paper out of boredom. They may do this if they are not getting enough exercise or if they do not have enough stimulating toys to play with. | Give your dog more exercise. Provide your dog with more interactive toys. Take your dog to the park or for walks on a regular basis. |
| Medical Problems | In some cases, dogs may eat toilet paper because of a medical problem. This could be a digestive problem, such as an intestinal blockage, or a nutritional deficiency. | Take your dog to the vet to rule out any medical problems. |

What is toilet tissue?

Toilet tissue, also known as toilet paper, is a thin sheet of paper that is used to clean oneself after defecation or urination. It is typically made from wood pulp, but it can also be made from other materials, such as recycled paper or bamboo. Toilet tissue is typically sold in rolls, which are dispensed from a dispenser on the wall of a toilet.

Toilet tissue is a relatively modern invention. It was not widely available until the late 19th century, and it did not become the standard method of cleaning oneself after using the toilet until the mid-20th century. Before the advent of toilet tissue, people used a variety of other materials to clean themselves, including leaves, corncobs, and rags.

Toilet tissue is a convenient and sanitary way to clean oneself after using the toilet. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for homes and businesses alike. However, toilet tissue can also be a source of environmental pollution, as it is not biodegradable.

Why do dogs eat toilet tissue?

There are a number of reasons why dogs eat toilet tissue. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Boredom: Dogs are curious creatures and they love to explore their surroundings. If they are bored, they may start chewing on anything they can find, including toilet tissue.
  • Thirst: Dogs can get dehydrated if they do not drink enough water. If they are thirsty, they may eat toilet tissue in an attempt to get hydrated.
  • Medical problems: Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat toilet tissue. For example, dogs with pica may eat anything they can find, including toilet tissue.
  • Attention-seeking behavior: Some dogs eat toilet tissue in order to get attention from their owners. If a dog knows that eating toilet tissue will get them attention, they may continue to do it in order to get the attention they crave.

It is important to note that eating toilet tissue can be dangerous for dogs. Toilet tissue can block the intestines and cause serious health problems. If you think your dog is eating toilet tissue, it is important to take them to the vet for a checkup.

Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from eating toilet tissue:

  • Keep toilet tissue out of reach of your dog.
  • Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to play with.
  • Provide your dog with fresh water at all times.
  • Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups.

If you are concerned about your dog’s eating habits, talk to your vet for advice.

Eating toilet tissue can be dangerous for dogs, so it is important to take steps to prevent your dog from doing so. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy.

Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Tissue?

There are a few reasons why dogs might eat toilet tissue. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Boredom. Dogs are curious creatures and they love to explore their surroundings. If they’re bored, they may start chewing on anything they can find, including toilet tissue.
  • Attention-seeking. Dogs are social animals and they thrive on attention from their owners. If they don’t get enough attention, they may start chewing on things as a way to get your attention.
  • Medical problems. Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat abnormal things, such as toilet tissue. For example, dogs with pica may eat anything they can find, including non-food items like toilet tissue.
  • Dietary deficiencies. Dogs that are not getting enough nutrients in their diet may start eating things like toilet tissue in an attempt to make up for the deficiencies.

It’s important to rule out any medical causes for your dog’s toilet tissue eating before you try to address the behavior. If you’re concerned that your dog may have a medical problem, please take them to the vet for a checkup.

What are the risks of dogs eating toilet tissue?

There are a few risks associated with dogs eating toilet tissue. These risks include:

  • Ingestion of harmful chemicals. Toilet tissue is made from a variety of materials, some of which can be harmful to dogs if ingested. For example, toilet tissue can contain bleach, dyes, and other chemicals that can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Obstruction of the digestive tract. If a dog eats a large amount of toilet tissue, it can become lodged in their digestive tract and cause an obstruction. This can be a serious medical emergency and can require surgery to remove the obstruction.
  • Infection. If a dog eats toilet tissue that is contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens, they can develop an infection. This can be a serious medical condition and can require treatment with antibiotics.

It’s important to take steps to prevent your dog from eating toilet tissue to avoid these risks.

How can you prevent dogs from eating toilet tissue?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from eating toilet tissue. These include:

  • Keep toilet lids closed. This will make it more difficult for your dog to access the toilet tissue.
  • Place a baby gate in front of the bathroom door. This will prevent your dog from entering the bathroom when you’re not home.
  • Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys. This will help to keep them occupied and prevent them from chewing on other things, such as toilet tissue.
  • Train your dog not to eat toilet tissue. This can be done by using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog with treats when they leave the toilet tissue alone.

If you’re having trouble preventing your dog from eating toilet tissue, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can help you develop a customized plan to address the problem.

Eating toilet tissue can be a dangerous behavior for dogs. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including ingestion of harmful chemicals, obstruction of the digestive tract, and infection. There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from eating toilet tissue, such as keeping toilet lids closed, providing your dog with plenty of chew toys, and training your dog not to eat toilet tissue. If you’re having trouble preventing your dog from eating toilet tissue, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Why do dogs eat toilet paper?

There are a few reasons why dogs might eat toilet paper.

  • Boredom: Dogs are curious creatures and will explore their surroundings, which can include eating anything they find. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may be more likely to chew on things they shouldn’t, such as toilet paper.
  • Attention-seeking: Some dogs eat toilet paper to get attention from their owners. If you react when your dog eats toilet paper, even if it’s negative attention, your dog may learn that this behavior gets them what they want.
  • Medical problems: In some cases, a dog may eat toilet paper due to a medical condition, such as pica. Pica is a disorder that causes dogs to eat non-food items, such as dirt, rocks, and even plastic. If you suspect that your dog has a medical condition, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.

What can I do to stop my dog from eating toilet paper?

There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from eating toilet paper.

  • Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to chew on things they shouldn’t. Try to take your dog for at least a 30-minute walk each day, and provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
  • Teach your dog the “leave it” command. This command will help you to teach your dog to ignore things they shouldn’t eat, such as toilet paper.
  • Make the toilet paper inaccessible. If you can’t keep your dog out of the bathroom, try putting the toilet lid down and closing the door when you’re not using it. You can also try using a baby gate to keep your dog out of the bathroom.
  • If your dog is still eating toilet paper after you’ve tried these steps, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.

What if my dog has already eaten toilet paper?

If your dog has eaten toilet paper, there are a few things you can do.

  • First, try to induce vomiting. This can be done by giving your dog a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per pound of body weight. Be sure to follow the directions on the hydrogen peroxide bottle carefully.
  • If your dog is unable to vomit, or if they have been vomiting for more than 24 hours, you should take them to the vet immediately. Your vet will be able to assess your dog’s condition and provide them with the necessary care.

How can I prevent my dog from getting sick from eating toilet paper?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from getting sick from eating toilet paper.

  • Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations. This will help to protect them from diseases that can be spread through contact with feces.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog’s waste. This will help to prevent you from spreading any harmful bacteria to your dog.
  • Keep your dog’s environment clean. This will help to reduce the amount of feces and other debris that your dog may come into contact with.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog healthy and safe from eating toilet paper.

there are a number of reasons why dogs may eat toilet paper. Some of these reasons are medical, while others are behavioral. If you are concerned about your dog’s toilet paper eating habit, it is important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. If there is no medical cause, you can try to deter your dog from eating toilet paper by using training methods, such as positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. You can also try to make your toilet paper less appealing by using a covered trash can or a toilet paper holder with a childproof lock.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.