My dog eats strange things. Is it a toothache or behavior issue?

Question

My dog eats..chews and swallows..parts of tin cans, pencils, plastic bottles, hard bones. Is it possible he is suffering from some kind of chronic toothache and this might help (biting the bullet)? I sure don't give him these items but it's too dangerous not to find the cause. Any suggestions before I head to the expensive vet who may think I'm crazy? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, sorry to hear about Charlie. It sounds like this could be more a behavioral problem and not so much a toothache problem. Tooth disease typically causes dogs to avoid hard materials. You're correct in being worried about Charlie eating these things as it can indeed cause GI problems and lead to tooth problems. This behavior can be elicited from stress and lack of environmental enrichment. You should get Charlie toys (kong toys) for him to play with and remove any other materials that he could get into. If this doesn't improve, he may need to be crate trained or wear a basket muzzle while you work with a behaviorist to decrease the incidence of this. Contact your veterinarian for advice on a local behaviorist whom may offer better support and further information. Monitor Charlie for any vomiting, decreased appetite, or lethargy and have him evaluated if you note any of these. Hope this helps and best of luck.

My dog eats strange things. Is it a toothache or behavior issue?

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