How to Stop Dogs from Eating Everything They Find

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and their instinct to eat everything they find can be challenging to manage. This behavior can lead to health problems, damage to property, and even emergencies.

In fact, eating non-food items, also known as pica, is a common issue in dogs, with some studies showing that up to 25% of dogs will exhibit this behavior at some point in their lives.

To prevent your dog from eating everything, it's essential to understand why they do it in the first place. According to our article, dogs eat non-food items for a variety of reasons, including boredom, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies.

Broaden your view: Dogs Eating Everything outside

Dogs have a natural instinct to scavenge and eat whatever they can find.

Boredom is a common reason why dogs start eating everything. They might be looking for something to do or something to chew on.

Hunger is another reason why dogs might eat everything, including things that aren't good for them. This can be especially true if they're not getting enough to eat.

Curiosity can also drive dogs to eat everything, as they're naturally curious creatures. They might be investigating their surroundings or trying to figure out what something tastes like.

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Dogs have a natural instinct to scavenge and eat whatever they can find, which can lead to pica, the habit of eating non-food items.

Providing plenty of chew toys can help redirect their chewing habits and prevent pica. This can help keep them from getting bored and satisfy their natural instinct to chew.

Some dogs may develop pica due to boredom, hunger, or curiosity, so it's essential to determine the underlying reason for their behavior.

To curb the chewing and save your stuff, you can try providing your dog with plenty of chew toys and redirecting their attention to these toys instead of non-food items.

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Using deterrents is a great way to keep your dog from eating things they shouldn't. Bitter apple spray tastes very unpleasant to dogs and will help keep them from chewing on things like furniture, cables, or other items in your home.

Aversives can also be effective in keeping your puppy away from certain areas or from chewing on large objects. Common aversives include sticky tape, plastic coverings, bitter apple spray, and motion-activated deterrents.

These tools give your puppy a negative association with the area they try to chew – not with you, which is critical. Aversives can be effective if your puppy has more desirable choices to chew on nearby.

If your pup does manage to get their jaws on a favorite shoe or another household item, go get a favorite toy and start playing with it in a happy, animated way. Squeaky toys get your pup's attention quickly.

Here are some aversives you can use to deter your puppy from chewing on certain items:

If your puppy is chewing on a potentially dangerous object, quickly remove the item from his mouth as fast as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your puppy may have ingested anything dangerous or toxic.

Providing alternatives is a crucial step in stopping your dog from eating everything. One of the best ways to do this is to provide plenty of chew toys so they can gnaw on those instead. This can help redirect their chewing habits and keep them from getting bored.

Offering a variety of safe choices is key. For example, stuffed dog toys with squeakers and KONG toys are great options. Rotate the toys frequently so your pup won't get bored.

By providing a balanced and healthy diet, you can also reduce the chances of your dog raiding the garbage or eating things they shouldn't. Make sure to provide high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs, and consider adding protein or vegetables as a supplement if recommended by your vet.

Here are some safe and healthy chew toys for your puppy:

Dogs need a balanced and healthy diet just like humans do.

Providing your dog with plenty of high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs is essential.

Giving your dog additional protein or vegetables as a supplement can be beneficial, but only with your vet's advice.

To keep your dog from getting bored and chewing on things they shouldn't, provide them with plenty of chew toys so they can gnaw on those instead.

A high cabinet or locked drawer can be a great place to keep their food out of reach, especially if you have a dog that likes to raid the garbage.

Redirecting your dog's chewing behavior is crucial if you catch them chewing on something they shouldn't. Try to redirect their attention to a more appropriate chew toy.

Increasing physical and mental exercise can help prevent your dog from becoming destructive. Dogs that are bored or have pent-up energy may be more likely to chew on inappropriate items.

Here are some additional deterrents you can try to keep your dog from chewing on certain items:

If your dog is still eating everything and you've tried the tips above, it's time to seek help from a professional, such as a veterinarian or a dog trainer.

To keep your dog from eating everything, you need to put away food that's not meant for them. This includes chocolate, onions, and other toxic foods that can harm your dog.

Keep these foods out of reach by storing them in a high cabinet or a locked drawer. You can also use special dog food containers that lock to prevent your dog from accessing them.

Dogs have a natural instinct to scavenge and eat whatever they can find, but it's up to you to provide a safe and healthy environment for them. By putting away food that's not meant for your dog, you're helping to prevent unwanted eating habits and keeping your dog safe.

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Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys is a great way to redirect their chewing habits and keep them from getting bored. This is especially important for dogs that like to chew on things, as it can help prevent them from getting into trouble.

A good rule of thumb is to offer a variety of safe choices, including stuffed dog toys with squeakers and KONG toys. These types of toys are great for chewing puppies and can provide hours of entertainment.

When choosing chew toys, make sure they're the right size and consistency for your specific puppy. It's also a good idea to rotate the toys frequently so your pup won't get bored.

Here are some good options to consider:

Remember to always supervise your dog when they're playing with toys, and never leave them unattended.

Dogs may eat everything due to a lack of proper training, boredom, or stress. They're not doing it to spite you, but rather as a coping mechanism.

As a puppy, your dog may not have learned what's acceptable to chew, leading to destructive behavior. This is a common issue that can be addressed with proper training and supervision.

Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing due to stress, boredom, or separation anxiety. They may also chew due to fear-related behaviors or because it simply feels good.

If you suspect your dog's chewing is related to serious anxiety, consult a behavior professional for help.

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Some underlying medical conditions can cause dogs to eat everything, including gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, liver disease, and Cushing's Disease.

Here are some common medical reasons why dogs may eat everything:

If you suspect your dog may be eating everything for medical reasons, consult your veterinarian for help.