Why Do Dogs Eat Things They Shouldn’t And What Can You Do About It

Have you ever pulled an object from your dog’s mouth and thought, “Why is my dog eating this?” Dogs are attracted to strong scents and owners often find themselves removing socks, tissues, bubble gum, and even priceless heirlooms from the jaws of their precious pup. Boredom is often the cause of this unwanted behavior, which is why it’s important to keep your dog occupied with toys that stimulate their minds in addition to daily walks. If you are working for long periods of time during the day, instead of returning to a destroyed home, consider dog daycare in Oakland such as Citizen Canine. Your dog may become destructive being left alone and could ingest something that would seriously injure them, such as chocolate, macadamia nuts and grapes.

Teaching your dog to “drop it” is one of the most important responses you can instill in them, especially for breeds like Labrador Retrievers. Practice throwing a tennis ball in your backyard, instruct your dog to bring it back to you and “drop it” at your feet. Reward them with treats and be consistent in your training. The next time your dog is tearing up your favorite book, they will respond to your command immediately and drop the item at your feet.

If you find your dog attempting to eat clay, sand, or even concrete, this could be a sign of a larger problem, specifically anemia. This issue should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention, as your dog may have nutritional deficiencies. Stress may also lead to chewing and destruction, ensuring that your pet has plenty of chew toys is essential to relieving any anxiety they may be experiencing. Dog daycare in Oakland at Citizen Canine provides your dog with fun training sessions to help focus your dog’s energy, facilitates important socialization with other dogs and even has an adventure hike that your dog will love!