Why Does My Dog Eat Everything?
Is your dog chewing on almost everything it came in contact with? Are you frantically sending ‘why does my dog eat everything?’ messages to other dog parents?
You will be surprised and relieved to know that this behavior is quite common in the canines, and in most cases, this peculiar habit may not warrant a visit to the vet.
Why Do Dogs Eat Everything?
Even though the dogs’ chewing habit is not a serious medical serious, this cannot always be the case! It is important for you to learn about the behavior of dogs to gauge your pet’s behavior even more efficiently.
A Dog’s Natural Instinct
Puppies usually explore the world around them by munching on different objects to determine what is and is not safe to eat. Naturally, they will eat several non-food items to develop a better sense of judgment. Usually, puppies outgrow this habit, and a full-grown dog hardly exhibits such behavior. Sometimes, puppies need extra hours of training to get out of this stranger-to-humans habit.
If you have adopted an older dog or if your pet misses the essential training during its puppy phase, the chances are that you will have to work some extra with your furry friend to stop their behavior. Instead of stressing over the question ‘why does my dog try eat everything?’, there are some steps that you can follow to help your dog stop putting everything that he comes across in his mouth.
Essentially, you have two options to address your dog’s eating problem: training your dog, which will require your dog’s active involvement, and managing the surrounding of your dog. And while the latter is an easy process, it will keep you on your toes forever.
Managing your dog’s surroundings means you are responsible for keeping ‘chewable’ items away from your dogs. In this case, you have to dog-proof your entire house. The downside of this treatment is that you may end up keeping all swallowable items locked in storage units – something that you’d definitely not want.
- Training your dog – regardless of its age – is a better option to deal with your pet’s behavior. Here are some tips that can help you with this:
- Buy high-quality chewing toys for your dog: Dogs are able to explore ‘new texture’ through these safe toys. Also, some dogs naturally love to chew on things. So, if your canine family member is more prone to chewing items, such toys will be perfect for them. You can let them play with them for hours.
- Saying ‘no’ assertively: Pet parents detest solutions like this! But for the safety of your pets, ‘tough love’ is the right answer. If you see your dog keeping a non-food item in their mouth, you have to say aloud ‘No’ to help them know that this item and/or action is off-limits.
- Keeping your dog ‘on leash’: Most dogs are on a leash when they wander outside the house, but they are mostly off the leash when they stroll inside the house. The trick is to put them on a leash even when they’re inside. Sounds impossible. Frustrating as it sounds, especially for pet parents, this is a great way to keep your pet away from dangerous non-food items that could potentially be a health hazard.
- Crate them in: Pets are family, and keeping them in a small crate/cage does sound cruel. However, these temporary measures are important for dogs’ behavioral training. Also, crates come in the picture when a pet parent isn’t present. It is only for the periods when you’re unable to keep an eye on your dog that you take help of this option. Pet parents must play around with this method with care. Dogs who are not used to living in confined spaces won’t be able to settle well. Make sure that the transition period is easy for them.
Pica: A Medical Condition
Most dogs love to chew, but some dogs have this unusual medical condition where they have an irresistible urge to keep almost every small non-food item — rocks, sand, sticks, etc. — in their mouths. It could be dangerous as these materials can get stuck in their throat, intestine, stomach, or gut. Items like dirt are also contaminated with animals’ feces.
Usually, dogs who are on a nutrients-deficient diet develop pica. One way to deal with this is to get high-quality food that complies with the best health standards. You can also ask your vet to recommend a food brand.
This condition doesn’t go away on its own. You must consult your veterinarian to clear any doubts about your dog having this medical problem. You might have this question: how can you tell if a dog has pica? You have to look out for some unusual symptoms to distinguish whether your dog is ill or needs behavioral training. Dogs with this condition may show symptoms like lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some dogs may have indescribable fatigues and will be lethargic or slow.
Look for these symptoms and make a visit to the vet if your dog shows any of them.
Grass Grazing – A Medical Remedy
Dogs were not domesticated animals, and their instincts told them that they had to fight their battles on their own. And while a dog knows that their human parents will take them straight to the vet in case they show signs of any medical emergency, they do have this instinct to take care of themselves.
Some dogs who feel sick eat grass as a kind of medicine. Other times, they do so to get the nutrients off of it. If your dog eats grass occasionally, you don’t have to worry about it. However, regular grass grazing is a bit serious. It could be that your dog feels quite sick and needs immediate medical tension.
Another reason for dogs’ addiction to plants/grass can be their smell. The scent attracts dogs, and they love to chew on them. For playing purposes, that’s all good. But some plants are toxic for dogs, so ensure that your dog has access to harmless plants.
Signs of a Hungry Dog
Picking up unusual items is a sign of a hungry dog as well. Dogs who don’t feel full often look for something to eat. If you are a largely non-present parent or someone who has long work hours, you should figure out the feeding system for your dog.
There are many automatic dog-food dispensers that you can buy to schedule meals for your dog. You will have to set the timer and let the machine do its job.
Also, fat dogs which are on a low-calorie diet may display this peculiar habit of pouncing on anything available. With proper training, this behavioral issue will go away easily.
Teething problem
Dogs with a teething problem of sorts also chew on things they’re not supposed to eat, mainly to soothe their aching teeth. Schedule an appointment with your vet and get the much-needed treatment for your dog.
Pet parents must be aware that while this habit does provide temporary respite to their pets, it may damage their teeth. So, a vet trip is the best way to deal with the habit.
Why Should I be Worried if my Dog Eats Everything?
As a pet parent, you should never take your dog’s chewing habits lightly. Many dog owners carelessly suggest that most dogs ‘love to chew’ and that nothing can be done. Here are some reasons why you should be worried:
- Your dog may inadvertently damage any of its vital organs. Small non-chewable objects can potentially block the throat, making it difficult for a dog to breathe.
- Dogs who love to go on a stroll outside their homes may chew dead animals out of habit. Sometimes, these animals are infected, and a dog’s bite may lead to the spread of a virus from an infected animal to your dog.
- Your adorable dog may be dealing with some internal medical problems and directing its anger and frustration on inanimate objects. Any delay in seeking help may be disastrous for your pet.
The Final Word
Your pets are your family, and it is always best to have a clear understanding of why a pet shows strange behavior. With proper care, yearly vet visits, and a stress-free mind, pet parents can easily help their dogs break free from a potentially dangerous habit. Next time your pet keeps a non-food item in their mouth, and you wonder, ‘why does my dog eat everything?’, you’d know what to do!
