Why does my dog eat used tissues? Is it dangerous and how to stop?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  This is a quite common behavior. Somewhere in their genes is a "genetic memory" or preference for how certain "feels" such as how feathers or fur feels. This causes a real desire for shredding and mouthing things and tearing things up that can be associated with those sensations. Dogs might or might not swallow the tissue, as, once it gets wet, the feeling is different and usually the dog goes on to the next dry tissue. When it the has your scent on it as well , it is even more irresistible, and the fact that it is likely crumpled up adds to it. Unfortunately , the only way to keep Rachel from chewing used tissues is to keep them from her, ie, cover waste paper baskets, garbage cans, keep the bathroom door closed, and get in to a habit to empty out your coat pockets. Another solution could be to use a cotton handkerchief rather than paper tissues.
  Teaching your dog to drop a tissue, when you see it in her mouth or to listen to to you when you say now (for instance, when she heads to the waste paper basket) will help too, at least for those instances when you see her in the act. Keep her busy, increase going for walks, exercise, play, so she is rather too tired for "hunting paper tissues"

  

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