If your dog has been eating toilet paper, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my dog eat toilet paper? The most likely reason why your dog eats toilet paper is that it likes the taste and has learned that the behavior gets rewarded.
Your dog might actually eat toilet paper for a number of reasons and it could be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my dog eat toilet paper?
Below are likely reasons why your dog eats toilet paper and what would make them more likely.
Pica
Pica is a medical condition where dogs start eating things they shouldn’t. If your dog has started eating toilet paper suddenly, it has been eating other things that it shouldn’t and it has been behaving unusually in other ways too, it would be best to take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
Anxiety
The cause might also be that something has been causing it to get anxious and to behave unusually. This would be more likely if your dog tends to eat toilet paper at a time when it is more likely to be anxious such as when there are loud noises inside or when you are leaving home.
An issue with its diet
The cause might also be that there is an issue with its diet. It could be the case that it has not been getting the right amount of calories or that it has not been getting the right nutrients in its diet. This would be more likely if it has started doing it since a change in its diet. In this case, it would help to ensure that it has been getting the right diet.
Encouraging the behavior
It might also be the case that your dog has learned that the behavior is rewarded. If you normally give it things such as extra attention or treats, when it tries to eat toilet paper, it will likely do it more in order to get more rewards.
Nature
It could also be the case that your dog has been doing it due to naturally wanting to tear things like it would to potential prey. This would be more likely if your dog also rips up the toilet paper.
It simply likes the taste
The cause is likely to be that your dog simply likes the taste. This would be more likely if your dog has not been behaving unusually in other ways.
Things to consider
Here are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your dog has always eaten toilet paper
If your dog did not always eat toilet paper, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as a change in its diet, something causing it to get anxious or that it started doing it for extra attention.
The timing of when your dog eats toilet paper
It would also help to consider the timing of when your dog eats toilet paper since the timing could have something to do with it. For example, if it tends to do it more when you are not home, the cause could be separation anxiety or hunger.
What to do about my dog eating toilet paper?
Below are options you have to help deal with the behavior.
Avoid encouraging it
As mentioned above, it could be the case that your dog has learned that eating used toilet paper is rewarded. Instead, it would help to avoid giving your dog extra attention when it does it and to reward it when it behaves the way you want it to.
Limit your dog’s access to toilet paper
The easiest thing to do would be to limit your dog’s access to toilet paper by making sure to keep the bathroom door closed and toilet paper out of its reach.
Get help
If you are unsure of why your dog has been doing it, it has been eating toilet paper excessively or it has been behaving unusually in other ways, the best option would be to take it to a vet. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular dog and to rule out medical causes.
Ensure it has been getting the right diet
As mentioned above, it could be due to an issue with its diet. It would help to ensure that it has been eating enough calories and that it has been getting the right nutrients in its diet.
Why does my dog eat dirty toilet paper?
The most likely reason why your dog eats dirty toilet paper is that it likes the taste and has learned that the behavior is rewarded. It might also be due to things such as an issue with its diet or anxiety and would help to consider the timing of when it does it and what else changed when it first started.