Why Does My Dog Eat Poop and Toilet Paper? | Causes and Solutions

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Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper With Poop?

If you’ve ever come home to find your dog eating toilet paper with poop, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be both gross and concerning. But why do dogs do this? And what can you do to stop it?

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs eat toilet paper with poop, and we’ll offer some tips on how to prevent this behavior. We’ll also discuss the potential health risks associated with this behavior and when you should seek veterinary care.

So if you’re wondering why your dog is doing this, read on for answers!

| Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper With Poop? | Possible Cause | How to Prevent |
|—|—|—|
| Boredom | Dogs are curious creatures and will often eat things they find interesting, even if they’re not edible. If your dog is bored, they may be eating toilet paper to entertain themselves. | Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to play with and that they’re getting enough exercise. |
| Medical Condition | Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat strange things, such as toilet paper. If your dog has recently started eating toilet paper and you’re concerned about a medical condition, take them to the vet for a checkup. | |
| Attention-seeking | Some dogs eat toilet paper to get attention from their owners. If you’re giving your dog too much attention when they eat toilet paper, they may continue to do it in order to get more attention. | Ignore your dog when they eat toilet paper and only give them attention when they’re not eating it. |

What is coprophagia?

Coprophagy is the act of eating feces. It is a common behavior in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.

Definition

Coprophagy is the act of eating feces. It is a natural behavior in some animals, such as rabbits and pigs. However, it is considered to be a problem in dogs, as it can lead to health problems.

Types of coprophagia

There are two main types of coprophagia:

  • Occult coprophagia is when a dog eats feces in private. This is the most common type of coprophagia in dogs.
  • Overt coprophagia is when a dog eats feces in front of people. This is less common than occult coprophagia, but it can be more disruptive.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of coprophagia can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some of the most common signs include:

  • Eating feces
  • Licking feces
  • Sniffing feces
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain

Why do dogs eat toilet paper with poop?

There are a number of possible reasons why dogs eat toilet paper with poop. Some of the most common causes include:

Possible causes

  • Medical conditions
  • Behavioral reasons

Medical conditions

Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat toilet paper with poop. These conditions include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Pancreatitis
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease

Behavioral reasons

There are a number of behavioral reasons why dogs might eat toilet paper with poop. These reasons include:

  • Attention-seeking
  • Boredom
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Compulsion

Coprophagy is a common behavior in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. If you are concerned about your dog’s coprophagia, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine the underlying cause of the behavior and recommend the best course of treatment.

Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper With Poop?

There are a few reasons why your dog might be eating toilet paper with poop. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Boredom. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may be looking for ways to entertain themselves. Eating toilet paper can be a way for them to satisfy their need for something to do.
  • Medical conditions. Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat abnormal things, including toilet paper. For example, dogs with pica may eat anything they can get their paws on, including toilet paper.
  • Attention-seeking. If your dog knows that eating toilet paper will get them attention, they may do it on purpose to get your attention.
  • Dietary deficiencies. If your dog is not getting the nutrients they need from their diet, they may try to make up for it by eating other things, including toilet paper.

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Toilet Paper With Poop

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

Prevention

The best way to prevent your dog from eating toilet paper with poop is to make sure that they do not have access to it in the first place. This means keeping the toilet lid closed, putting toilet paper rolls out of reach, and cleaning up any messes immediately.

You can also try using a bitter apple spray or another deterrent on the toilet paper to make it taste unpleasant to your dog.

Treatment

If your dog is already eating toilet paper with poop, there are a few things you can do to stop them.

  • Positive reinforcement. One of the best ways to stop your dog from doing something is to reward them for not doing it. When you catch your dog not eating toilet paper, give them a treat or some praise.
  • Negative reinforcement. You can also use negative reinforcement to discourage your dog from eating toilet paper. If you catch your dog eating toilet paper, say “no” in a firm voice and then take them away from the toilet.
  • Distraction. If your dog is always eating toilet paper when you’re not looking, try distracting them with a toy or a treat when you leave the room. This will help to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting into trouble.
  • Training. If your dog is eating toilet paper because they are bored or seeking attention, training can help to give them the stimulation they need and teach them alternative ways to get attention.

When to See a Vet

If your dog is eating toilet paper with poop and you have tried the above methods to stop them, it is important to see a vet. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your dog to eat toilet paper. Your vet can help to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.

Signs that your dog needs medical attention

  • Your dog is eating large amounts of toilet paper.
  • Your dog is eating toilet paper even when they have access to other food and water.
  • Your dog is losing weight or not gaining weight properly.
  • Your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea.
  • Your dog is acting lethargic or depressed.

When to seek professional help

If you are concerned about your dog’s health, it is always best to err on the side of caution and see a vet. Your vet can help to rule out any medical problems and recommend the best course of treatment.

Eating toilet paper with poop can be a serious problem, but there are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from doing it. By following the tips in this article, you can help your dog to live a long and healthy life.

Why Does My Dog Eat Toilet Paper With Poop?

There are a few reasons why your dog might be eating toilet paper with poop. Here are some of the most common:

  • Boredom: If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may be looking for ways to entertain themselves. Eating toilet paper can be a way for them to satisfy their need for something to do.
  • Attention-seeking: If your dog knows that eating toilet paper will get them attention, they may do it on purpose to get your attention. This is especially common in dogs who are bored or lonely.
  • Medical problems: In some cases, a dog’s eating of toilet paper may be a sign of a medical problem. For example, a dog who is not getting enough nutrients in their diet may eat toilet paper to make up for the lack of nutrients. Similarly, a dog who has a digestive problem may eat toilet paper to relieve pain or discomfort.

If you think your dog’s toilet paper eating is due to a medical problem, it is important to take them to the vet for a checkup.

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

  • Keep the toilet lid closed at all times. This will make it more difficult for your dog to access the toilet paper.
  • Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This will help to keep them from getting bored and turning to toilet paper for entertainment.
  • Redirect your dog’s attention when they start to chew on toilet paper. You can do this by giving them a toy to play with, or by taking them for a walk.
  • If your dog is still eating toilet paper after you have tried these steps, you may need to consult with a veterinarian. They can help you determine the underlying cause of the behavior and recommend the best course of treatment.

How Can I Stop My Dog from Eating Toilet Paper?

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

  • Keep the toilet lid closed at all times. This will make it more difficult for your dog to access the toilet paper.
  • Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This will help to keep them from getting bored and turning to toilet paper for entertainment.
  • Redirect your dog’s attention when they start to chew on toilet paper. You can do this by giving them a toy to play with, or by taking them for a walk.
  • If your dog is still eating toilet paper after you have tried these steps, you may need to consult with a veterinarian. They can help you determine the underlying cause of the behavior and recommend the best course of treatment.

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Toilet Paper?

If you catch your dog eating toilet paper, there are a few things you should do:

  • First, try to remove the toilet paper from your dog’s mouth. If your dog is swallowing the toilet paper, you may need to induce vomiting. You can do this by giving your dog a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of body weight.
  • Once you have removed the toilet paper from your dog’s mouth, you should take them to the vet. The vet will be able to assess whether the toilet paper has caused any damage to your dog’s digestive system.
  • In the future, you should take steps to prevent your dog from eating toilet paper. This includes keeping the toilet lid closed at all times, providing your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and redirecting your dog’s attention when they start to chew on toilet paper.

    there are a number of reasons why your dog might be eating toilet paper with poop. It could be due to a medical condition, boredom, or a behavioral problem. If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you rule out any medical causes and recommend ways to address the behavioral issue.

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.