Why Do Dogs Eat Weird Things?

Has your dog ever eaten something they shouldn’t have? You’re certainly not alone! Although some of the things dogs eat are surprising to us, often they are instinctively appealing to them. Some of these “weird” things are not usually problematic for your dog to consume in small quantities (grass is a good example). Others can cause stomach upsets, dental problems, and, more worryingly, life-threatening gastrointestinal blockages or poisoning.

Pica is an overarching term for the regular consumption of non-nutritional items. The types of things a dog with pica will eat are wide-ranging and include stones, paper, socks, wood, and plastic. Some dogs may focus on one type of object, and others may eat a wide variety of things. When your dog is obsessively eating things they shouldn’t, this is often a sign of an underlying medical condition or a compulsive behavioral problem.

Understanding more about why dogs eat things you wouldn’t expect can help you recognize when veterinary intervention or additional training, management, or enrichment are beneficial.

Puppy Curiosity

You have no doubt heard the term “puppy-proofing the home”, and this is because young dogs are notorious for putting unexpected items in their mouths—it’s a natural part of their neurosensory exploration. They may also want to chew on things to soothe their gums during their teething phase. With appropriate management, training, redirection, and time, thankfully, most puppies grow out of this phase.