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How to stop my puppy from eating everything off the floor safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 29 days old

How do I stop my dog from picking everything up? He will eat everything on the floor, I've tried telling him no, yanking the leash but nothing works he still picks everything up and sometimes when I try and take it out of his mouth he bites down on me and breaks the skin (accidentally) I don't know what else to try

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 20th, 2017

Ziggy is just being a puppy and exploring his area. Puppies don't know what is and is not appropriate to chew on or play with. First, I would recommend putting away everything that is not appropriate to chew on. If there are things that cannot be picked up, like electrical cords or upholstered objects, then you may have to prevent Ziggy's access to those areas by blocking off the object or using baby gates. Second, you can try a product like Bitter Apple Spray that can be sprayed on things to make them taste bad (fair warning, though, some puppies don't care about the taste!). Third, make sure that Ziggy has plenty of appropriate puppy toys available. You may have to try several different types to find what he prefers to chew on. Always monitor him - if he is able to tear it up then it is not safe for him! You may also hide some of the toys and rotate them every week so that he thinks old toys are new. Puppies get bored just like humans. Fourth, when you are gone, consider crate training to keep Ziggy safe. It doesn't take much for him to swallow something that gets stuck in his intestines! Here is some more helpful information: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1129 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1517

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2016

    The best way is to buy her plenty of toys to play with and chew on, at this age it is very difficult to impossible to stop a puppy from eating unwanted things, just like a child it is your responsibility to move away any dangerous or precious things from Mila's reach.

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