Why Do Labradors Eat Rubbish?

Some Labradors eat rubbish. Plastic, stones, mud and disgusting dead animals is something many dogs indulge in.

Some seem to get away with no ill effects at all.

Indeed many Labradors seem to have this down to a fine art

They have an amazing ability to consume the most noxious and unpalatable substances without coming to any harm.

Others are not so lucky.

In this article we are going to look at why some Labradors eat rubbish, and what you can do about it.

Is Labradors eating rubbish dangerous?

As if life were not complicated enough, there are a few dogs that seem hell bent on getting themselves onto an operating table.

And if your Labrador falls into this category,  it can be very upsetting, frustrating, not to mention expensive.

So, why do dogs eat inedible and potentially harmful substances?

Well, they tend to fall into two different categories.

• Dogs that eat organic material
• Dogs that eat inorganic objects

The second habit is more hazardous

Labradors eating organic material

You might think that carrion and animal waste are dangerous,  but the dog’s stomach is a very different environment from ours.

Dead seagulls, horse manure and his own poo, are actually substances that your Labrador is capable of digesting, for the most part with no ill effects.

However disgusting we may think his behaviour.

Perhaps the most common source of anxiety for new owners, is the dog that eats poo.

His own, or that of other dogs.

You can  check out the following article:  Why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it  for help if your dog has acquired this charming habit.

And this article: How to stop your dog eating everything  will help you tackle general rubbish eating whilst out on walks.

Take comfort from the fact that unless your dog has developed a taste for poisonous mushrooms (it happens)  for the most part he will probably come to no harm from eating organic material.

This is not the case with dogs that consume inorganic objects

Labradors eating inorganic objects

Eating stones,  nails, plastic bags, and the contents of your washing line, is not only annoying, it is highly dangerous.

There are dogs that have had to undergo major surgery after eating a stomach full of pebbles on the beach,  or from swallowing cutlery or consuming some-one’s laundry.

Always consult your vet if you think your dog has swallowed something inedible. You may well be told to ‘wait it out’.   Sometimes these objects do pass straight through,  but it can be a tense time, waiting the outcome.

Check your dog at regular intervals for symptoms that things are not going well,  signs of discomfort, vomiting, pacing or lethargy.  Get straight back to your vet if the situation changes.

Why does my Labrador eat rubbish?

Most dogs regard many types of revolting organic waste as an appetising snack.  They do it because they actually like the taste, and because it probably does have some food value.

But why would any dog want to swallow stones?  Or items of clothing?

Well, in many cases, eating this kind of rubbish is just a passing phase in a healthy puppy.

It’s part of exploring the world, and finding out what tastes good, and what doesn’t.

In other words it is pretty normal.

At least to begin with.

Many small puppies do pick up and chew bits of wood, dirt, pebbles and so forth.

And probably swallow some of it, though much will be spat out.

Within the space of a few weeks, the habit will be outgrown.

How to react when your Labrador eats rubbish

If your puppy has something inappropriate in his mouth,  don’t make a big deal out of it, or wrestle him to the ground.  Trying to take things away will most likely result in him swallowing it (you can’t get hold of it if he does that).

Distract him with a toy or a game, or offer him something really tasty as a ‘swap’.

What if he doesn’t stop eating rubbish?

In a few dogs, swallowing dangerous objects will persist and worsen as the dog heads towards adulthood.  This has now become an extreme and obsessive behaviour.   Sometimes referred to as Pica or ‘depraved appetite’.

If you suspect that your dog has a problem in this respect, he and your vet will probably become acquainted. If he has avoided hurting himself so far, it is still worth having a chat with your vet.

He will be able to eliminate any possible physical causes, and recommend a behaviourist to help you treat your dog’s problem.  In the meantime  you need to keep your dog safe.

Safety precautions for Labs who eat rubbish

If your dog suffers from Pica, you will need to be very careful about picking things up around the house.

You won’t be able to leave washing hanging on radiators, tea towels within his reach in the kitchen, or shoes on the floor.

You will need to throw away all loose packaging religiously and generally be very tidy.

Outdoors, your dog may need to wear a muzzle.  But this is something you should discuss with your vet.

Do most dogs eat rubbish?

Rest assured, most puppies do grow out of eating stones, dirt, and bits of fabric. It is normally just a phase and can be dealt with through distraction and ‘swapping’.

Check with your vet if your puppy still eats weird stuff at six months old,  or seems to be getting worse.

And try not to worry if he eats the odd dead bird.  He will probably digest it without any trouble.

Does your Labrador eat rubbish?

Has your dog ever swallowed something dangerous?  Tell us your story in the comments box below.

More information on Labradors

(paid link)You can find out more about how to keep your Labrador as fit and healthy as possible in the Health section of our website.

If you’d like all of our best Labrador information together in one place, then get your copy of The Labrador Handbook today.

The Labrador Handbook looks at all aspects owning a Labrador, through daily care, to health and training at each stage of their life.

The Labrador Handbook is available(paid link) worldwide.