Jan 20 2012

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Dog Eating Wood

Filed under: Health » Food,

Why Does My Dog Eat Wood?

Scottish Terrier in Hollow Log Dogs chew on wood because they like chewing on things. That's why you see dogs constantly playing with chew toys, and why chew bones and treats are so popular with dogs. The problem with wood is that it's not the best thing for your dog. While it's fairly common for a dog to chew on wood, especially if you use sticks or small logs to throw to them when you're playing fetch, your dog will thank you if you help them lay off the wood. Why?

Why is Wood Bad for my Dog?

The problem with your dog eating wood is two-fold. First, small pieces of wood can lodge splinters in the mouth and esophagus, causing damage. Second, large pieces of wood can cause even greater problems, including perforated intestines or stomach lining, and obstruction of your dog's bowels.

How do I Keep My Dog From Eating Wood?

The key to keep your dog from eating wood, as with anything you don't want them to ingest, is to keep it away from them. Understandably, keeping wood away can be more difficult given your environment, especially if you live near a forest or wooded area. Basically, you'll want to go out in your yard or wherever your dog is allowed to roam, and pick up all the sticks, logs, and other pieces of wood you can find. You don't need to do a perfect job, but the more you clear out the better. If you have a wood pile, it's important that you cover it up to prevent your dog from accessing it. You might need to tie down the wood cover or tarp to keep your dog from getting to the wood.

Give Your Dog a Chew Toy

Finally, the key to keeping your dog from chewing on any little piece of wood she finds, is to provide them with something else to chew on. In this case, try different chew toys until you find one that she likes. Leave a couple out in the yard, and encourage your dog to chew on the toy instead of the wood. With time, they'll hopefully get used to leaving the wood alone.

My Dog Won't Stop Eating Wood

If they don't, however, and keep going back to your wood pile, for example, you may want to consider adding something to the wood that will keep them away (bitter apple, or the sprays used to keep dogs off furniture). Finally, if you're present, use negative reinforcement - say no, shake a can filled with coins above their head when they go near the wood pile, or put them in their "bad room" and ignore them for a while. These are all ways to let your dog know that wood is bad for them. Trust us, they will thank you for it.

View Comments

Behavior modification needed

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on November 9, 2011 - 10:04pm.

I'd suggest some behavior modification techniques to get your dog to stop eating wood. I'm particularly concerned about the splinters from the wood disrupting the intestinal tract. Instead, why don't you try some dog behavioral modification techniques by substituting a Kong toy whenever your dog would normally go after the wood. A bit of bitter apple spray on the wood to make it unpleasant may also help.

My dog is doing the same

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on October 6, 2011 - 8:53pm.

My dog is doing the same thing - chewing door frames, window frames, the end of tables. Sprays, toys, discipline, walks, training, etc. won't work. He even has another dog for company. We need real advice because the constant damage, repairs, and necessity to crate him for long hours as a result is hurting me and wearing me down.

Dogs eating wood

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on September 13, 2011 - 8:34pm.

My dog is constantly bringing me and/or chewing on pieces of wood in our yard, which backs up to the forest. It's cute that she's bringing us gifts, but I'm a little worried about her health. She's 4, and has been doing this all her life. No issues so far, but should we be discouraging her from chewing on the wood?

What to do if your dog eats wood

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on August 18, 2011 - 1:44am.

There are some techniques that will help your dog stop chewing and eating wood. These include exercising your dog, which is an important part of being a dog owner anyways. If they get enough exercise it will cut down on boredom and anxiety. Take him or her in the back yard and throw a ball around with them. To keep your dog interested in his toys give them a different toy to play with on different days.

I think these activities help improve their overall health also. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic.

Regards,
CoolDogs.com.au

Dog eating wood - window frames

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on February 15, 2011 - 10:57am.

I have been looking online like crazy trying to figure out why my dog is eating wood. I read all these things, and you all have it made! Your dog is eating wood outside. My dog has literally eaten my window frame, my door frame and a hole right through my wall. Ate my SHEET ROCK even! I have no idea what's going on. Is my dog the only insane dog doing this?

Dog eating door frame!

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on May 12, 2011 - 2:38pm.

No..my insane pooch also eats the sheet rock and door frame, not so much eats it but he seems to be trying to get to the other side really. I have no clue what to do. When we leave for the day we put up barriers but if we forget he's at it again. He uses his teeth and I also saw it in claws. The first time he did it he puked all over so each subsequent time he just seems to gnaw and spit it out and repeat!! I'm looking everywhere for a solution and can't seem to find one! He can't be crated, he's too big and will go nuts.

My dog chews

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on November 29, 2010 - 11:25am.

My dog likes to chew on my carpet so I got a special one for him.

Dogs and toddlers!

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on May 26, 2010 - 9:40pm.

So not only do I have this problem with my dog chewing wood, but now my 2 year old daughter started chewing on her crib in the same manner!! She just devoured it to the point where we had to put tape and guard rails over the entire thing.

Watch your dogs and your children!

Dog eating wood

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on May 26, 2010 - 4:33am.

I think with all the sticks dogs have been chasing for years, we don't need to go have a cow if a dog chews on a bit of wood. Isn't it just as bad if they chew on a tennis ball? I think you're right with the "everything in moderation" approach.

If your dog is literally eating the wood, that's not good. But to play catch with them using a stick? Not a problem in my unprofessional opinion - but considering that's what dogs have been doing for years, I see no reason to panic now.

My dog is eating my house!

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on February 15, 2011 - 10:59am.

So what do you do when your dog eats your window frame? And your door frame and eats a hole through the sheet rock to the point where you can see the other room on the opposite side of the wall? My dog is eating my house away day by day. Pretty soon I'll have no house!

My dog is eating my house

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on September 1, 2011 - 10:12am.

What is more important? Your dog or your house? Either shell out the bucks to have him trained, or shell out the bucks for home repairs. Or get rid of the dog. A properly trained animal can be a joy, otherwise it causes you undue stress. Make a decision.

What kind of dog food?

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on April 4, 2011 - 9:18am.

What are you feeding your dog? It sounds like maybe your dog is missing out on some nutrients it's trying to get from the wood. That, or hire a dog trainer and train him/ her to stop eating your house!