Help! How To Stop My Dog From Eating Everything?

Is your dog a furry vacuum, gobbling up everything from food scraps to random objects?

This behavior isn’t just frustrating—it’s downright dangerous.

Choking, poisoning, or emergency vet visits are real risks.

But don’t worry; you can curb this habit with the right approach.

• Learn why dogs eat everything and how to tackle the root cause.
• Master the essential command that can prevent accidents.
• Discover 7 easy, effective tricks to keep your dog and your home safe.

Take control and protect your pup today!

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Help! How To Stop My Dog From Eating Everything?

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Teach the “Leave It” Command

“Leave it” is a versatile command that can save your dog from harmful situations.

It teaches your dog to ignore tempting things. 

These include a chicken bone on the sidewalk and your favorite slippers.

Steps to Teach “Leave It”

Step 1: Start with a Treat in Your Hand

• Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog.
• When they stop sniffing or pawing, say “leave it” and reward them with a treat from your other hand.

Step 2: Practice on the Floor

• Place the treat on the ground and cover it with your hand.
• Repeat the command and reward your dog for ignoring the treat.

Step 3: Add Real-World Items

• Practice with objects that your dog is tempted by, like a toy or dropped food.
• Use “leave it” and reward them for compliance.

Pro Tip: Gradually introduce distractions.

For example, practice outside with items they might find on walks.

Fun Fact: Dogs who master “leave it” are less likely to eat harmful things. This reduces emergency vet visits.

You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)

Keep Temptations Out of Reach

Prevention is often the simplest solution.

By limiting your dog’s access to tempting or dangerous items, you can stop the behavior before it starts.

Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Home:

1. Secure Food and Trash

• Store human food in high cabinets or sealed containers.
• Use trash cans with locking lids to keep curious dogs out.

Example: Many dogs are drawn to the smell of garbage, so a secure trash can is essential.

2. Remove Small or Dangerous Items

• Keep items like socks, toys, and small electronics off the floor.
• Block off rooms where tempting items are stored.

Pro Tip: Childproof locks and baby gates work just as well for dogs as they do for toddlers.

3. Focus on Hazardous Zones

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms often have the most tempting objects for dogs.
• Be extra vigilant in these areas.

Fun Fact: Dogs are most likely to target items that smell like their owners (such as shoes or pillows.

Provide Plenty of Mental and Physical Stimulation

Most destructive eating behaviors stem from boredom.

Keeping your dog’s mind and body active reduces their desire to chew or eat inappropriate objects.

Ideas for Stimulation:

Daily Exercise

• Walks: Take your dog on a brisk 30-minute walk every day.
• Playtime: Games like fetch or tug-of-war are great for burning energy.

Quick Insight: A tired dog is far less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.

Puzzle Toys and Enrichment Activities

• Use treat-dispensing toys or snuffle mats to challenge your dog’s brain.
• Rotate their toys weekly to keep their interest fresh.

Pro Tip: Hide treats around the house or yard for a fun scavenger hunt.

Training Sessions

• Practice new tricks or commands, like “sit” or “stay.”
• Training keeps your dog mentally stimulated and strengthens your bond.

Fun Fact: Dogs with mental stimulation are 60% less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.

Today’s Featured Article: 101 Ways To Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog (#77 Works Instantly)

Address Nutritional Deficiencies

If your dog’s behavior comes from pica or a poor diet, fix it by meeting their nutritional needs.

Tips for Nutritional Health:

Consult Your Vet

• Rule out conditions like anemia or a poor diet.
• Work with your vet to ensure your dog’s food meets their specific needs.

Upgrade Their Diet

• Switch to a high-quality, balanced dog food.
• Consider adding supplements like omega-3s or probiotics if recommended.

Pro Tip: Dogs on balanced diets are less likely to crave non-food items.

Supervise and Redirect

Supervision is critical for catching and correcting unwanted behavior in the moment.

Steps for Supervision:

Catch Them in the Act

• Watch your dog closely when they’re in areas with tempting objects.

Redirect to an Appropriate Item

• If your dog starts to chew or eat something they shouldn’t, offer them a chew toy or treat instead.
• Use a cheerful tone to encourage the switch.

Pro Tip: Avoid yelling, as it can make your dog anxious or defensive.

Reward Good Choices

• Praise or reward your dog when they choose the right toys or ignore tempting items.

Fun Fact: Positive reinforcement helps dogs form lasting habits faster than punishment.

Use Taste Deterrents

Taste deterrents can make objects unappealing. 

They help break the habit of chewing or eating inappropriate items.

Tips for Using Deterrents:

How to Apply:

• Spray deterrents like bitter apple or citrus spray on furniture and shoes.
• Reapply regularly to maintain effectiveness.

When to Use:

• Taste deterrents work best when combined with supervision and redirection.
• Use them as a short-term solution while training your dog to avoid certain objects.

Quick Tip: Test the spray on a small area first to ensure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction.

Alternative Methods:

• Use natural deterrents like lemon juice or white vinegar for a non-toxic option.

Fun Fact: Most dogs dislike bitter or citrus flavors. So, they work to deter chewing.

Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)

Create a Safe Chewing Zone

Sometimes, dogs chew or eat objects because they don’t know what’s acceptable.

A safe, dedicated space for chewing can redirect them. It will satisfy their natural urges.

How to Set Up a Safe Chewing Zone

1. Choose the Right Location

• Pick a quiet, low-traffic area where your dog feels comfortable.
• Ensure the space is free of tempting or dangerous items like shoes, cords, or plants.

Example: A cozy corner of the living room or a dog crate lined with soft bedding can make the perfect spot.

2. Offer a Variety of Chew-Friendly Items

• Provide durable chew toys, like rubber bones or nylon toys.
• Include edible chews like dental sticks or bully sticks to keep them engaged.

Pro Tip: Rotate the toys and chews regularly to maintain your dog’s interest.

3. Reinforce Positive Behavior

• Praise or reward your dog when they chew appropriate items. This will encourage them to use their safe zone.

Quick Insight: Dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that earn them praise or treats.

Why This Works

A designated chewing area satisfies your dog’s instincts and teaches them boundaries.

Fun Fact: Dogs with proper chew zones are 50% less likely to chew furniture or personal items.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog won’t stop eating everything, seek professional help.

Signs You Might Need Help:

1. Persistent Pica

• If your dog eats non-food items like dirt, rocks, or plastic regularly, consult a vet.
• This could indicate nutritional deficiencies, anemia, or other health issues.

2. Behavioral Red Flags

• Dogs that obsessively chew, are very anxious, or get aggressive when corrected may need behavioral therapy.

3. Medical Concerns

• Seek immediate help for sudden changes in eating habits, vomiting, or unusual stools after eating non-food items.

Fun Fact: Vets say removing foreign objects is a common emergency surgery for dogs.

Who to Consult:

1. Veterinarian:

• Rule out medical conditions like digestive issues or pica.

2. Professional Trainer:

• Trainers can work on behavioral modifications to reduce compulsive eating.

3. Veterinary Behaviorist:

• For severe anxiety or OCD-like cases, a behaviorist can help.

Pro Tip: Early intervention leads to quicker results, so don’t wait if you’re concerned.

Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing

Why Eating Everything Is Dangerous

At first, a dog chewing on random objects might seem harmless—or even funny.

But this behavior can quickly turn dangerous or even life-threatening.

Understanding the risks can motivate you to take immediate action to prevent them.

1. Choking Hazards

• Dogs often swallow objects that are too large or oddly shaped, causing choking.
• Items like bones, toys, or socks can get lodged in their throats, blocking airflow.

Why It’s Critical:

• Choking is an emergency situation that requires immediate intervention.
• Without quick action, it could lead to severe damage or even death.

Pro Tip: Learn basic dog first aid, like the Heimlich maneuver, for emergencies.

2. Intestinal Blockages

• Rocks, strings, or clothing can block the digestive tract.
• These blockages prevent food and waste from passing through. They cause severe pain and may lead to a rupture.

Warning Signs of a Blockage:

• Vomiting or retching.
• Lethargy or a lack of appetite.
• Straining or an inability to pass stool.

Quick Insight: Blockages often need surgery to remove them. It’s expensive and stressful for your dog.

3. Poisoning Risks

Many everyday items around your home can be toxic to dogs.

Common Toxic Items:

• Foods: Chocolate, grapes, onions, and anything containing xylitol.
• Medications: Even small amounts of ibuprofen or acetaminophen can poison your dog.
• Household Items: Cleaning supplies, pesticides, or antifreeze are highly toxic if ingested.

Why It’s Dangerous:

• Toxins can cause symptoms from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and organ failure.
• Even a small dose of some substances can lead to fatal outcomes.

Pro Tip: Always keep a list of emergency vet contacts and a poison control hotline handy.

Fun Fact: Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum and candy, is 100 times more toxic to dogs than chocolate!

4. Dental Damage

• Chewing on hard objects like rocks, bones, or even furniture can fracture your dog’s teeth.
• This can lead to infections, abscesses, or difficulties eating.

How to Prevent It:

• Offer chew-safe toys designed for dental health.
• Avoid giving your dog excessively hard treats, like rawhide or cooked bones.

Quick Tip: Regular dental checkups can help catch and treat damage early.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

5. Internal Injuries

• Sharp objects like glass, metal, or sticks can puncture your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach.
• This can lead to internal bleeding, infections, and severe pain.

Why It’s Critical:

• Internal injuries often go unnoticed until they cause serious symptoms.
• If your dog ingests a sharp object, take them to the vet immediately.

6. Long-Term Behavioral Issues

• If not addressed early, eating everything can become a compulsive habit.
• Dogs with pica may keep it into adulthood, raising emergency risks.

Quick Insight: Stopping this behavior while they’re young helps avoid long-term problems.

It also reduces stress for you and your dog.

Lesson: Check your dog. Address this behavior early. It can save their life—and your wallet!

Conclusion

Stopping your dog from eating everything doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By understanding their behavior and using these 7 tricks, you can make a safer, happier home for your pet.

The key is consistency, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement.

Now it’s your turn: What’s the strangest thing your dog has ever tried to eat?

Share your stories in the comments below!

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⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid

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