Dogs are curious by nature and will explore everything in their environment. This includes objects like toilet paper that are typically off-limits. While most dogs will eventually get tired of playing with toilet paper and stop, others may continue to eat it which can be dangerous. In this blog post, we’ll share five tips on how to stop your dog from eating toilet paper. Enjoy!
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5 tips to stop your dog from eating toilet paper
So, your dog just loves the taste of toilet paper, huh? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many dog owners have gone through this phase with their furry friends. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to stop your dog from eating toilet paper.
Keep toilet paper out of reach
This may be self-evident, but if you don’t want your dog to eat toilet paper, the best thing you can do is keep it out of reach. This may mean keeping the bathroom door closed or investing in a toilet paper holder that is out of your dog’s reach.
If your dog can’t access the toilet paper in the first place, then they can’t eat it.
Distract your dog with toys
If your dog is bored, they may be more likely to chew on toilet paper as a way to entertain themselves. To avoid this, make sure your dog has plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
Interactive toys such as puzzle toys can be especially helpful in keeping your dog’s attention away from toilet paper. If your dog is busy trying to figure out how to get the treat out of the toy, they’re not focused on chewing on toilet paper.
Toys that provide a treat will also satiate your dog’s hunger, which may be another reason they’re interested in eating toilet paper.
Give your dog plenty of exercise
A tired dog is a good dog. If your furry friend is getting plenty of exercise, they’ll be less likely to have the energy to chew on toilet paper. This is because exercise tires out both their body and their mind.
An energetic dog may be more likely to seek out destructive behaviors, like chewing on toilet paper, as a way to release all that built-up energy. But a dog who has been properly exercised will be more likely to relax and take a nap instead of looking for trouble.
So, make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise every day. A long walk or run, followed by some playtime at the park, is the perfect way to tire out your dog.
Stick to a routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and they love routines. If you stick to a set schedule, your dog will be less likely to get into trouble because they’ll know what to expect.
A regular routine will help your dog feel safe and secure, which may prevent them from chewing on toilet paper out of anxiety or boredom. So, try to stick to a regular feeding and walking schedule for your dog.
Obedience training
If your dog is eating toilet paper despite your best efforts, obedience training may be necessary. This will help them learn to listen to you and follow commands, even when they’re distracted.
Obedience training will result in your dog letting go of the toilet paper when you tell them to “drop it.” This is a valuable skill to have because it can help you stop your dog from eating other things they shouldn’t, like shoes or socks.
How does eating toilet paper harm your dog?
Eating toilet paper can be harmful for your dog in a number of ways. First, it can cause intestinal blockages which can be very dangerous. Second, the chemicals in toilet paper can irritate your dog’s digestive system.
Toilet paper is also often treated with fragrances and other chemicals that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Eating toilet paper is not a healthy habit for dogs and can lead to serious health problems.
What to do if your dog ate toilet paper?
If your dog ate toilet paper, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on what to do next and may even want to see your dog in person to make sure they’re not showing any signs of illness.
If your dog is acting normal and doesn’t seem to be in any pain, you can wait and see if they pass the toilet paper on their own. However, if your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems to be in pain, you should take them to the vet immediately as these may be signs of an intestinal blockage.
Intestinal blockages are very serious and can even be fatal, so it’s important to seek professional help if you think your dog may be affected.
Final thoughts – How to stop your dog from eating toilet paper
There are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from eating toilet paper. Try giving them puzzle toys or providing more exercise to tire them out. You should also stick to a routine and consider obedience training if necessary. If your dog already ate toilet paper, call your veterinarian for advice.
