Are Paper Towels Bad For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Paper towels, toilet rolls, and tissues like Kleenex are all made from wood pulp.

Dogs cannot digest paper towel

. This means that paper towel and tissues can form a blockage in a dog. Whether this blockage forms depends on the amount eaten, how small the bits were, and the size of your dog – as well as some luck.

Why dogs eat paper towels?

Dogs may crave paper

because they are missing crucial minerals, like iron, in their diet

. Dogs lacking proper nutrition or enough caloric content for their size often try to ingest other substances to satisfy their appetites.

How long will it take my dog to pass a paper towel?

The contents of the stomach move into the guts within

around two hours

, meaning if you wait, rather than call your vet, you might miss out on these easy and safe treatment options.

Will eating paper harm my dog?

Is Eating Paper Bad For My Dog?

A little paper now and then isn’t likely to result in more than an upset tummy, if anything

. You might see some confetti poops, but not anything too alarming. However, larger items like paper towels, diapers, and sanitary napkins can cause serious blockages.

Why do dogs eat Kleenex?

Your dog chews up Kleenex

because he finds the texture appealing

, and holding down the tissue box while he shreds what’s inside may make him feel like he is killing his prey. Aside from it just being fun, dogs may engage in destructive chewing because they are bored, stressed, or anxious.

Should I let my dog shred paper?

While shredding may seem like a messy but harmless canine pastime, it is anything but; dogs who swallow paper can develop digestive problems. Swallowing a large amount of paper can cause an intestinal blockage. For your dog’s health — and your sanity —

it’s important to put a stop to this behavior.

Why is my dog obsessed with towels?


They love your scent

Any time you see a dog trying to get at or rub itself on dirty laundry or used towels, this is because these items have your scent on them. Think of it as a compliment—your dog loves you a lot and shares a special bond with you, and wants to be in places or take items that have your scent on it.

How long will it take for a dog to pass a foreign object?

When something is ingested by your dog, it usually takes

between 10-24 hours

to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer – even months! Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction.

Why is my dog eating paper all of a sudden?


If your dog has nutritional deficiencies

, he may crave non-food items, such as paper. The depletion of specific minerals, such as iron, can leave your dog craving paper or paper-like substances. If your dog is lacking iron in the blood, known as anemia, he may seek out this object to consume.

Why does my dog eat grass?


Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber

. A lack of roughage affects the dog’s ability to digest food and pass stool, so grass may actually help their bodily functions run more smoothly.

Is it safe for dogs to eat cardboard?

Can Dogs Eat Cardboard Boxes? Cardboard boxes can be an excellent way to get your dog engaged and entertained, however, it’s important to note that

it is not recommended that your dog eat the cardboard

. Although it is not toxic to your pet, it is indigestible.

Why do dogs eat their puppies?


She May Be Stressed

For nursing dogs, this can include killing their puppies. One of the biggest sources of stress for a new canine mother is a busy birthing area. If there are people constantly coming and going or other animals are harassing her, a mother may flip out and start eating puppies.

Why do dogs rip apart toys?

For your dog, the desire to destroy a stuffed animal can be as simple as instinct.

If your dog has a high prey drive, they view the toy as their prey and destroy it

, as they have been bred to do for hundreds of years. While this is usually the main reason a dog will rip his toys apart, other reasons are: Boredom.

Are muffin wrappers bad for dogs?

While a normal, paper cupcake or muffin wrapper is

unlikely to cause problems except in the smallest of dogs

, silicone and foil wrappers are more dangerous. You should also consider whether any toxic ingredients were eaten alongside the cupcake wrapper.

Is it OK for dogs to chew on towels?


Chewing is a completely normal behavior in dogs

. If what your pup decides to chew on becomes an issue, there are ways to help break the habit. One suggestion from experts is to make sure you provide your pup with plenty of chew toys.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners

to express affection

. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

Why does my dog rub her face on wet towels?


Establishing Dominance

Another possible explanation for a dog rolling in your wet towels is the dominance theory. Dogs instinctively want to assert dominance over other animals. In part, it’s a defense against predators. It’s also about establishing a position within the pack.

Will a dog still poop if they have a blockage?


Your dog may pass the item without any trouble

. Some things will be small enough (and smooth enough) to pass right through their intestines without a problem and end up whole in their stool.

How do I know if my dog has something stuck in his stomach?

  1. vomiting.
  2. diarrhea.
  3. abdominal tenderness or pain.
  4. decreased appetite (know as anorexia)
  5. straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces.
  6. lethargy.
  7. changes in behavior such as biting or growling when picked up or handled around the abdomen.

Will a dog poop if they have a blockage?


Partial obstruction allows the dog to pass some stool and gas

, but this constriction will eventually damage the intestines if not remedied. A complete GI obstruction is an emergency that can swiftly lead to death if untreated.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.