Vet Approved Guide: Why Dogs Shred Paper Products & How to Redirect the Behavior 2025 🐶🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Many dog owners have experienced the frustration of coming home to find tissues, napkins, or toilet paper shredded across the floor. While it might seem like mischievous behavior, there are several reasons why dogs are drawn to paper products. Understanding these motivations can help you address the behavior effectively. 🛡️

🔍 Understanding Why Dogs Shred Paper

1. Sensory Attraction

Used paper products often carry scents that are intriguing to dogs. Items like tissues or napkins may retain the smell of food or their owner's scent, making them appealing targets for shredding.

2. Instinctual Behavior

Shredding mimics the natural behavior of tearing apart prey. This instinctual action can be satisfying for dogs, especially those with a strong prey drive.

3. Boredom or Anxiety

Dogs lacking mental stimulation or experiencing anxiety may resort to shredding paper as a coping mechanism. This behavior provides an outlet for their energy and stress.

4. Attention-Seeking

Some dogs learn that shredding paper garners attention from their owners, even if it's negative. This reinforcement can encourage the behavior to continue.

5. Medical Conditions: Pica

Ingesting paper, rather than just shredding it, may indicate pica—a condition where dogs eat non-food items. Pica can stem from nutritional deficiencies or underlying health issues and requires veterinary attention.

⚠️ Potential Risks of Paper Shredding

• Choking Hazards: Ingested paper can cause choking or blockages in the digestive tract.
• Toxicity: Some paper products may contain harmful chemicals or inks.
• Behavioral Reinforcement: Unchecked shredding can become a compulsive behavior.

🛠️ Strategies to Redirect the Behavior

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Offer a variety of chew toys to satisfy your dog's need to shred. Toys that mimic the texture of paper can be particularly effective.

2. Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Engage your dog in regular exercise and interactive games to reduce boredom and anxiety.

3. Secure Trash and Paper Products

Keep paper products out of reach and use dog-proof trash cans to prevent access.

4. Positive Reinforcement Training

Reward your dog for engaging with appropriate toys and discouraging attention-seeking shredding behavior.

5. Consult a Veterinarian

If you suspect pica or other health issues, seek veterinary advice to address underlying causes.

📱 Enhance Your Dog's Well-being with These Tools

Consider leveraging these resources to support your dog's health and behavior:

• Ask A Vet: Access 24/7 veterinary advice for any concerns regarding your dog's health. 🩺

🎯 Final Thoughts

Understanding the reasons behind your dog's paper-shredding behavior is the first step toward addressing it. By providing appropriate outlets for their instincts and ensuring their physical and mental needs are met, you can redirect this behavior and maintain a harmonious household. 🐾

For personalized advice and support, download the Ask A Vet app today. 📲🐶