Dog Ate Cardboard: What Happens? Tips to Help Passing It

Did your dog just eat cardboard? Yep..😅 It happens a lot in the dogs' world.

Dogs are curious animals who enjoy exploring their surroundings and occasionally getting into trouble. Dogs often chew on or eat cardboard, which is found in boxes, packaging, toilet paper rolls, and other items. What happens though if your dog eats cardboard? Is it harmful to it? What actions should you take if your dog has eaten cardboard, too? Here are a few responses to these concerns.

What happens if dogs eat cardboard?

While typically not hazardous to dogs, cardboard can be harmful if ingested repeatedly or in large quantities.

Dogs cannot digest the sort of fiber used in cardboard, which is called cellulose. As a result, the cardboard will either not affect how your dog digests food or build in the stomach or intestines, leading to blockage or perforation.

Some of the symptoms of intestinal blockage or perforation include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Shock

How do you help a dog pass cardboard?

If your dog has eaten a small amount of cardboard and does not show any signs of illness, you may not need to take any action other than to closely watch your dog for the following 24 to 48 hours.

Most dogs will be able to pass the cardboard without any issues. You can also try to increase their fiber intake by adding some canned pumpkin or psyllium husk to their food, which can help bulk up their stool and move the cardboard along. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

How do you prevent your dog from eating cardboard?

The best way to prevent your dog from eating cardboard is to keep it out of their reach and provide them with appropriate chew toys and mental stimulation. Dogs may eat cardboard for various reasons, such as boredom, anxiety, curiosity, hunger, or because it resembles feathers in their mouths. You can address these issues by:

• Providing your dog with regular exercise and playtime
• Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet
• Training your dog to obey commands such as “leave it” or “drop it”
• Rewarding your dog for chewing on appropriate items
• Providing your dog with puzzle toys or interactive feeders that challenge their brain and keep them busy
• Addressing any underlying behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or stress with the help of a professional trainer or veterinarian

By following these tips, you can keep your dog safe and happy and avoid any potential problems caused by eating cardboard.

👅 Why does my dog like eating cardboard?

There are several possible reasons why your dog may like eating cardboard, such as:

• They are natural hunters and cardboard resembles feathers in their mouths
• They have a condition called pica, which is an urge to eat non-food items
• They find cardboard soft and easy to chew
• They have a nutritional deficiency
• They enjoy chewing as a form of pleasure

**If your dog eats cardboard frequently or shows any signs of illness, you should consult your veterinarian for advice.

Can dogs throw up from eating cardboard?

Yes, dogs can throw up from eating cardboard. This is a normal reaction of your dog's organism if it ate a lot of it. But it's not normal to happen. Go to the vet ASAP if this happens, to avoid any complications.

Summing Up  📦

Cardboard is not usually toxic to dogs, but it can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten in large amounts or frequently. If your dog has eaten cardboard, you should monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if they show any signs of illness. You should also try to prevent your dog from eating cardboard by keeping it out of reach and providing them with appropriate chew toys and mental stimulation.

We hope this article has helped you understand what happens if your dog eats cardboard and what to do about it. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

😅 Dogs eat a lot of weird things. If it also happens to your dog to eat some stuff like these below, take a look at these:

• Dog Ate Tea Bag: Here's What to Do ASAP
• Dog Ate Drywall: What Will Happen & What to Do
• Dog Ate a Tennis Ball: What Should You Do ASAP