Craziest Things Dogs Chew On (Yes, Tampons Are on the List)
Dogs are curious explorers, and one of their favorite ways to investigate their world is through chewing. While chewing is natural and healthy, some of the items they choose can be surprising—and even dangerous. Let’s check out all the unexpected things dogs chew and what you can do to keep your pup safe.
Tampons
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It may sound strange, but tampons are oddly appealing to dogs, especially used ones. The combination of texture and scent can lure them in, but this habit is anything but harmless. If swallowed, tampons can cause serious blockages, requiring immediate veterinary care.
Rocks
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Some dogs just can’t resist gnawing on rocks. Beyond being tough on their teeth, chewing on rocks can lead to broken molars or even choking. This behavior could also point to pica, a condition where dogs crave non-food items, often stemming from boredom or nutritional deficiencies.
Socks
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You might notice your favorite socks disappearing and blame the laundry machine, but sometimes your dog is the culprit. Dogs are drawn to their owner’s scent, making socks irresistible. Unfortunately, swallowed socks can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages, which might require surgery to resolve.
Sticks and Branches
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Dogs and sticks are as iconic as peanut butter and jelly. But what seems like innocent fun can quickly turn dangerous. Splinters from wood can injure your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. And while not all trees are toxic, some bark and sap can make even innocent fetch dangerous.
Remote Controls
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Plastic, rubbery buttons, and traces of human scent make remote controls bizarrely enticing. One moment it’s on the coffee table, and the next, you’re finding battery pieces on the carpet. Beyond the cost of replacing remotes, ingesting batteries is toxic and potentially life-threatening.
Kids’ Toys
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Children’s toys can be an alluring chew target, especially soft or squeaky ones. This is mostly because they look a lot like dog toys, which makes them seem fair game. The danger lies in small parts that can break off and become choking hazards.
Underwear
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Dogs are notorious for their fascination with underwear, mostly driven by the lingering human scent. While this habit might spark a laugh, swallowing fabric is no joke. It can lead to serious blockages in your dog’s digestive system that only surgery can fix.
Plastic Bags
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The crinkly sound of plastic bags is enough to grab a dog’s attention. But chewing or swallowing plastic can cause choking or intestinal issues. Make sure to dedicate a separate, unreachable place for plastic bags and dispose of them securely to avoid an emergency.
Electrical Cords
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Chewing on electrical cords isn’t just destructive—it’s incredibly dangerous. The risk of electric shock or burns is high, and severe cases can be fatal. This behavior usually stems from teething, so before you bring a puppy home, make sure to puppy-proof the house by using cord protectors and keeping wires hidden or out of reach.
Jewelry
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Sparkly, dangling jewelry can seem like a shiny new toy to your dog, mostly driven by their natural prey drive. However, ingesting small jewelry pieces can lead to choking or internal injuries. Fortunately, you can protect your jewelry and your dog by keeping it in closed boxes or drawers.
Coins
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Dogs sometimes nibble on coins, but this curiosity can quickly turn harmful. Coins, especially those containing zinc, can cause metal poisoning if ingested. Never leave any stray change on the floors and furniture, or they could end up in your dog’s mouth.
Cell Phones
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Phones are another odd target for some dogs, likely due to their mix of textures and the owner’s scent. Damaged devices are frustrating, but the real concern is the danger posed by small components or toxic materials if swallowed.
Eyeglasses
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Dogs don’t care about prescription costs. Eyeglasses, with their plastic frames and shiny metal parts, are a favorite for curious chewers. Unfortunately, broken shards can cut their mouths or cause internal injuries if swallowed.
Garbage
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The garbage can is a treasure trove for curious dogs. From spoiled food to sharp objects, what seems like a feast to them can be a health hazard. Make sure to invest in a dog-proof trash can; it’ll save you loads of trouble.
Christmas Ornaments
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During the festive season, shiny ornaments and string lights are magnets for dogs. Chewing on these can lead to mouth injuries, intestinal blockages, or even electrocution in the case of light strands. You can make the holiday safe and merry for everyone by simply keeping the decorations out of reach.