I would like to know how or, even, if I should try to train my 18 month old standard not to eat kleenex and paper towels. I am afraid he will get a blockage. I try hard to limit his access, but he frequently outsmarts me by grabbing every opportunity he can. He has plenty of toys and attention, and has been raised on Eukanuba chow. Does anybody have suggestions? Does anybody know why he has this paper craving? The paper can be clean and he still wants it.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 1999

Answers

My sisters little toy poodle likes to eat Kleenes too. all the time. She waits till no one is watching and jumps up on the table and grabs a dirty, snot-laden kleenex and takes it to chew. "sickening!" I thought maybe she was just crazy but I guess maybe its a poodle trait. My sisters poodle has had many problems with digestion. We can't give her bones 'cause she eats them whole, practically and they cause her blockage. We've had her to the vet now three times. I am trying to find out about digestive problems common to poodles,and good diets to feed her. She'll eat about anything. She always eats like she hasn't eaten in a week.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002

Ha! I see you have a typical SP! I remember an article about how you should peel apples for your dog because the skin is tough on their digestive system. My SP's can and do process everything from toilet paper and diapers to socks, aluminum foil, crayons, q-tips, underwear crotches, compost, various manures (we lived on a farm), wildlife (whole, sectioned, rotten or fresh), deer hides, hooves, and various and sundry things. We have been lucky. I also want to note that this seems to be more typical of female behavior, but a young male will also do this. A neutered male may also, since the English Setter we are training to be a service dog also exhibits this behavior while our SP males quit this as they mature. Since your post was dated so long ago, I am hoping that your SP has evolved into the wonderful creature they can be and that you are still enjoying him immensely!

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002

My standard eats books and tissue when she is mad at us for going to dinner without her. I tried the bitter apple spray and hiding all paper products but mostly she had to grow out of the problem. She only occasionally does it now - when she is mad! Best of luck!

Erica & Jetta

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2002