Dogs do strange things which often confuses the owner too. One of them is eating and shredding paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, and napkins. But the question arises why do dogs eat paper?
Here are the reasons
- PICA
- Anxiety and stress
- Smell of Paper
- Dog is hungry
- For fun
- Curiosity
After reading different articles on the internet I was not quite satisfied so decided to share my years of experience. Besides this, I’ll answer all of your questions so that you will be able to better understand your furry friend.
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6 reasons Why dogs eat paper and paper towels
Let’s get into detail
PICA in Dogs
Pica is a condition when dogs start chewing and eating things that are not food like paper, sticks grass, etc. This happens when dog food doesn’t have enough nutrients or your dog has nutrient deficiencies. Pica may not affect the physical health of a dog but it can cause anxiety and stress which lead dogs to feel hungry all the time.
Anxiety and stress
Anxiety can be due to different reasons like boredom or a dog wanting your attention. When dogs are anxious or stressed, they become aggressive and destructive. They eat and chew things like paper, bed sheets, toilet paper, etc because they find it soothing and this keeps them relaxed. So, it’s really important to take care of your furry friend give them time, and take out for a walk regularly.
The dog-like smell of paper
Dogs are really attached to their owners. They mostly eat and chew those papers or newspapers that you use for reading or writing because these papers have your scent. You will see the same for tissue paper and towels which you use to clean your hands and face.
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Your Dog is Hungry
Dogs eat the meals according to their size which means the food and nutrient requirement of bigger dogs is high as compared to smaller breeds. Some owners give too much food to dogs but it doesn’t contain enough calories. So, it’s necessary to provide your dog with nutrient and vitamin-rich food. Luckily tin dog foods have all the things that are required for the good health of the dog.
Dogs Eat Paper for Fun
Dogs are fully energetic they are always looking for something to play with. If they find paper, newspaper and towel, etc they will eat, chew, and shred them.
Curiosity
Dogs have a hunting instinct so they tear and chew paper When dogs tear paper and then chew it, it gives them a feeling of their ancestors doing exactly the same thing to their prey.
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What are the Side effects of eating paper for dogs?
Here are the side effects of dogs eating newspaper
- A lack of appetite
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- A severe sensitivity around the stomach area
- A rapid decline in health
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Throwing up
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
How to Stop Dog from Chewing Newspaper
Wanna stop your dog? Follow this
- Stimulation and Exercise: Keep your dog active and take it out for walks and exercise.
- Balanced Diet: Provide your dog with a balanced diet.
- Chew Toys: Offer safe chew toys as an alternative to paper.
- ‘Leave It’ Command: Train your dog to leave paper.
- Deterrents: Use safe sprays or deterrents on paper.
- Vet Consultation: If the dog doesn’t stop, consult a vet for potential underlying issues.
- Consistency and Patience: Stay consistent in training and be patient with your dog.
In short, dogs chew PICA, anxiety and stress, the smell of paper, dog are hungry, for fun and curiosity. We have tried to cover every aspect of why do dogs eat paper, will look for more and try to add that in the next update. How was the article? Did you find anything interesting let us know in the comment section below.
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FAQS: Why Do Dogs Shred Paper Products?
Still not satisfied? Here are some frequently asked questions
Is it bad for dogs to eat paper?
Yes, it’s bad for dogs to eat paper because this can cause
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Throwing up
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
Why do dogs eat books?
Dogs eat books because of
- PICA
- Anxiety and stress
- Smell of Paper
- Dog is hungry
- For fun
- Curiosity
Will eating a paper towel hurt my dog?
Yes, eating paper can hurt dogs as it causes blockage which can absorb large amounts of water and body fluid which leads to dehydration, constipation, and other health-related issues.
Why do dogs eat cardboard?
Dogs eat cardboard for these reasons
- Teething pain
- Cleaning their teeth
- Strengthening their jaw
Is it bad for dogs to eat parchment paper?
Yes, it’s not recommended for dogs to eat parchment paper. While it’s not toxic eating large amounts can lead to digestive issues like stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. So, if you find anything unusual it’s suggested to contact your vet immediately.
Why are dogs scared of paper?
Dogs are scared of paper because it’s noisy.
Why do dogs destroy books?
Dogs chew and destroy books because of
- Looking for Food
- Playful Behavior
- Teething
- Natural Chewing Instinct