Dog expert explains your pet’s obsession with toilet roll
Every dog has their qirks – it’s just that some are more bizarre than others. Nevertheless, numerous dog owners have spotted a trend with their furry companion’s antics – claiming they’re “obsessed” with loo rolls.
They’ve observed how their pets dash into the bathroom and head straight for the toilet paper – whether full or empty – before trying to pinch it for some fun. This sparked TikTok user @letskruiz to create a video explaining why dogs are fascinated with toilet roll, stating: “You turn your back for two seconds and suddenly they’re munching on the bathroom trash like it’s a five-star meal. But why- there’s actually a reason behind it.”
As some might anticipate, it turns out their fascination with toilet roll is linked to their prey drive. He continued: “Is your furry friend feasting on bathroom trash like it’s gourmet cuisine? You’re not alone! Turns out, there’s a reason behind this bizarre behavior.
“Dogs are often drawn to soft, shredded textures. To them, toilet paper is basically a small, defenseless “prey” item. They love to tear it up! Sometimes, this behaviour could indicate something more. Some dogs develop pica, a condition that causes them to crave non-food items due to stress, boredom, or even diet deficiencies.
“And get this: A study in *Behavioral Processes* found that dogs are 20 times more likely to pick up objects that smell like their owners.
“Yes, that includes used tissues and… other items. In their world, your scent makes these things extra appealing!” One user responded to his post, saying: “No my dog munches on cat poop that she gets out of the litter box.”
Another added: “It’s so annoying.” A third queried: “Can I kill them?”. The American Kennel Club issued a stern warning, stating: “Eating toilet paper can lead to serious digestive issues in dogs.
“At the very least, they may experience an upset stomach, as the toilet paper passes through their system. This could cause vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and lethargy.
“It can even lead to a trip to the emergency room, as toilet paper can cause blockages in a dog’s intestines that require surgery. Signs of a blocked intestine include weight loss, bloating, pain, or an inability to eat.
“If your dog is eating toilet paper, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Since this can point to underlying health conditions, it’s important for your dog to undergo a physical examination.
“Your veterinarian will be able to perform any test needed to come to a diagnosis. If the root cause is a health problem, your veterinarian can provide advice and dietary recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
“If the cause isn’t due to a medical condition, it’s likely a behavioural problem, and you may need to consult a dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist for advice.
“You could also consider getting in touch with your local AKC club to get started in dog sports and training classes.”
