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Dogs love to go after kleenex! They may tear into a box of innocent kleenex that’s happily residing on the kitchen counter. Then you come home from work to find your home filled with shredded, torn tissues everywhere! Or some dogs seem to prefer used kleenex, and dig them out of the trash to have some fun. But why do dogs go after kleenex?
Why Dogs Love Tissues
Some dogs just like to have fun and take advantage of tissues that are out and easily accessed. Your fur baby may be a practical joker—they do exist in the doggie world!
Other dogs may be bored, need attention, suffer from separation anxiety, etc. In these cases, the dog may do whatever they can just to get attention. Even negative attention is better than being completely ignored.
And then there are the dogs that have dietary indiscretion. They will eat anything and everything simply because it looks interesting, smells good, etc. For dogs who like to try everything, they may find your used kleenex is a wonderful treat! The smell, taste, etc. can just be too tempting for a dog to ignore. This is why dogs go after other items such as used underwear, socks, and more.k
One more reason that dogs eat things they shouldn’t is called pica. Pica is a condition that can be caused by lack of nutrition or because they’re bored and anxious.
Is Kleenex Dangerous for My Dog to Eat?
Chances are if your fur baby eats one or two tissues, he will be OK. Similarly, if he eats only a few small pieces he’s torn off, the kleenex shouldn’t cause any problems. More than likely, the tissue will pass through your dog’s system in a day or two. Just watch his poo for evidence of the kleenex and monitor his physical condition for any signs he may not be feeling well.
On the other hand, if your dog eats a large amount of tissues, then he could become sick. He may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and more.
The kleenex could even create an intestinal blockage, which is a medical emergency. You would need to watch for symptoms such as abdominal pain and swelling, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, excessive drooling, lack of appetite. This can be life-threatening, so if your dog shows any of these signs, then be sure to call the vet immediately.
In most cases, eating just a part of a tissue, eating one or tissues probably won’t cause your canine companion any trouble. However, if he eats several, then you’ll need to watch for signs of an intestinal blockage.
And if your fur baby is one of those who just like to shred kleenex for fun, you have our sympathies!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. No waiting for appointments or office hours. No high fees. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a post graduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.
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