Why Does My Dog Eat My Underwear? Getting to the Bottom of This Puzzling Behavior

If your furry friend can't seem to resist the urge to munch on your unmentionables, you may be wondering what's behind this strange habit. Dogs eat underwear and other clothing due to pica, a condition that leads to cravings to eat non-food items. This can be caused by a number of things, including nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or anxiety. In addition, dogs' natural instinct to forage for food can be triggered by highly-scented fabrics or those with their owner's body odors.

We'll take a look at the most recent research from veterinarians and animal behaviorists to help you figure out what might be motivating your dog to eat your underwear. By learning about the medical and psychological issues that may be at play, you can work to put a stop to this unappetizing habit and keep your delicates safe from an untimely end in your pup's mouth.

Risks of Dogs Eating Underwear

There are many risks associated with dogs eating underwear. According to the PDSA, eating items like underwear can lead to a gastrointestinal blockage, which is potentially fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms of a blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain or bloating.

Blockages can cause a lot of damage, including tissue damage, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, according to the Post and Courier. In the worst-case scenario, the bowel can rupture, leading to a life-threatening infection like peritonitis or sepsis. Even a partial blockage can cause a disruption in the digestive process, which can lead to a lack of blood flow and tissue death if not treated.

That's not the only risk, though. According to Girl With A Dog Blog, eating soiled underwear can expose dogs to harmful bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella, parasites, yeasts, and leftover cleaning chemicals, any of which can lead to an infection or toxicity. With risks that can lead to an upset stomach to a full-blown systemic infection, it's clear that keeping your dog away from your underwear is a health issue.

If you think your dog has eaten underwear, get veterinary help right away. Depending on the situation, treatment may include vomiting, activated charcoal, IV fluids, X-rays, surgery, and observation for complications. The sooner you get help, the better the chances that your dog can avoid a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage or another serious problem.

How to Stop Dogs From Eating Underwear: Best Methods

Preventing your dog from eating your underwear will require a multi-faceted strategy. According to the World Dog Finder, the first step is to limit access by keeping your laundry in hampers or drawers that are sealed and out of your dog's reach. By doing this, you'll take away the opportunity and lower the likelihood of your dog finding and eating your delicates.

In addition, providing your dog with appropriate chew toys and ensuring they get enough exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent this behavior, says Wag!. By redirecting your dog's natural chewing behavior to the right objects, you can help prevent them from seeking out underwear or other inappropriate items.

In addition, training your dog to respond to the "leave it" and "drop it" commands can help them learn to behave appropriately around items that are off-limits, according to Doodle Doods. When you use these commands, make sure to reward your dog with treats or praise so they learn to associate good things with not chewing on your underwear.

Finally, make sure to address any medical or psychological issues that may be causing your dog to eat your underwear. As the World Dog Finder points out, pica, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies can all lead to a dog's desire to eat non-food items. A vet can help you identify and address these issues.

By being proactive and using a multi-faceted approach, you can protect your underwear and your dog's well-being. That said, if your dog does eat your underwear, it's important to get them to the vet right away to avoid potentially serious complications.

When to Go to the Vet for Swallowed Underwear

If a dog has been seen eating underwear or other non-food items, it is important to contact a vet right away, as the Oxford Veterinary Clinic notes. Depending on the circumstances, vets may recommend vomiting, activated charcoal, or watching the item's progress through the digestive system, as the Tier1 Vet details.

Smaller dogs are more likely to experience complications and may need the item removed endoscopically or surgically, according to the Spruce Pets. Signs that a dog has swallowed something and needs to be seen by a vet include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal distension, and dark or tarry stools. If treatment is delayed, complications like intestinal perforation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances can occur, and these can be life-threatening.

Because of the severity of the potential health issues, it is important to get a dog to the vet as soon as possible if they are suspected of swallowing underwear or another foreign object. Catching the problem early can help prevent potentially serious outcomes.

Personal Factors That Lead to Underwear-Eating Behavior

There are also personal factors that can lead to a dog eating underwear, including a dog's breed and other personal characteristics. For example, as the Pawarts article points out, certain breeds, such as Border Collies and Labradors, are more likely to engage in compulsive chewing. Because of their strong jaws and natural chewing instincts, they are more likely to eat underwear.

Dogs with pica, a condition that causes people or animals to eat things that aren't food, are also more likely to eat underwear, according to the Growl Snarl Snap article. Dogs are more likely to eat underwear if they have an underlying condition, like anxiety, stress, or another behavioral problem, that leads them to engage in compulsive behaviors.

Puppies and dogs that are teething are also more likely to eat underwear because chewing on it can help soothe their sore gums, according to the Shinesty article. Dogs that were weaned too early or have a history of neglect are also more likely to engage in destructive chewing, according to the Bulldogology article.

Finally, a dog's sense of smell can also make them more likely to eat underwear. As the Tryfi article notes, the unique smell that humans leave on their underwear can be very appealing to dogs, especially those with a strong sense of smell. Knowing about these personal factors can help dog owners come up with ways to prevent their dogs from eating underwear and make sure they get the help they need.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Underwear From Your Pup

While it may be a common issue, dogs eating underwear can be dangerous, so it’s important to address the behavior as soon as possible. Knowing the reasons behind the behavior, whether they are medical, psychological, or instinctual, can help you stop it. Making sure your dog has the right chew toys, mental exercises, and positive reinforcement training can help stop the behavior.

It’s also important to make sure you get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if they do eat your underwear to avoid any serious health issues. With time and the right interventions, dog owners can protect their delicates from their dog’s inquisitive mouth.