Many dog owners have experienced the frustration of finding their dog’s teeth marks on a pair of their favorite underwear. While it may seem like silly behavior, there are actually a few reasons why dogs may be drawn to eating underwear.
Here are the 9 most common reasons why dogs might eat underwear:
1. Your Dog Is Drawn To The Scent
Dogs are highly attuned to scent, and they can often pick up on subtle cues that humans cannot. When you wear an item of clothing or touch an object, you leave behind traces of your scent.
For a dog, this is like a signature, and it can provide valuable information about who you are and where you’ve been.
This is why dogs are often used in law enforcement to track down criminals or missing persons. They can follow a scent trail for miles, picking up on even the faintest hints of their target’s smell.
In addition, the mere whiff of their owner’s scent can be enough to excite them and get their tails wagging.
In fact, research has shown that the scent of their owner can trigger a release of dopamine in a dog’s brain – the same “reward” chemical that is released when they eat their favorite food or play with their favorite toy.
So it’s not surprising that your dog might be attracted to the scent of your underwear, especially if it’s been in close contact with your skin.
2. Your Puppy Might Be Teething
One of the most common reasons why puppies chew on things is because they’re teething. Puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4-6 months of age, and in order to make room for their adult teeth, they need to chew on something.
Underwear can be a tempting target for puppies because it’s soft and comfortable to chew on. Plus, the fabric is likely to release a scent that is familiar and comforting to them.
So if your puppy is chewing on your underwear, it’s likely due to a combination of teething pain and curiosity. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ease their teething pain.
One of the most effective methods is to provide them with a variety of chew toys that they can gnaw on. You can also freeze some wet food or a Kong toy to give them something to chew on that will also provide relief from the pain.
3. They Might Be Suffering From Separation Anxiety
One of the most common behavioral problems in dogs is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes anxious or stressed when left alone.
This can manifest in a number of ways, including excessive barking, chewing, digging, and even urinating or defecating inside the home.
In some cases, separation anxiety can even lead to self-injury, as dogs may attempt to escape from their confinement.
One of the less common but more disturbing symptoms of separation anxiety is underwear eating. This is not surprising given your underwear carries your scent.
By far the most effective way to treat separation anxiety is through a combination of behavior modification. However, there are some things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable when you’re away.
Some people find success with a pheromone diffuser, which releases calming pheromones into the environment. You can also try leaving a radio or television on to provide some background noise.
4. It’s Possible That They’re Just Curious
Dogs are naturally curious animals, and they will often explore their environment by chewing on things. This is why puppies are notorious for chewing on everything in sight, they’re just trying to learn about their new world.
As your dog gets older, this curiosity usually subsides, but there may be some items that continue to hold their interest.
Your underwear just happens to be one of the things that caught their attention. In addition, underwear often has a strong scent, which can be appealing to dogs.
5. They Could Exhibiting Pica
Pica is a disorder characterized by the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive substances for certain periods of time.
In dogs, pica can manifest as the ingestion of objects such as rocks, dirt, socks, or underwear. While the exact cause of pica is unknown, it is believed to be linked to nutritional deficiencies, boredom, stress, or pregnancy.
Pica can be harmful to your dog’s health, as it can lead to digestive blockages or other gastrointestinal problems.
If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from pica, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
6. They Might Have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
In dogs, OCD can manifest as excessive licking, chewing, or spinning. Some dogs may also exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior with regards to eating objects such as underwear.
While the cause of OCD is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is no cure for OCD, but there are a number of treatment options available.
7. There’s a Chance That They’re Bored
Dogs are highly intelligent animals and they require a lot of stimulation to keep them occupied. If a dog is left alone for long periods of time, they may become bored and restless.
This can lead to them engaging in destructive behaviors such as chewing on your underwear.
This is why it is important to make sure you provide enough stimulation for your dog, whether that be through playtime, exercise, or training.
8. They Might Be Resource Guarding
Dogs are often territorial with their possessions, and they may become aggressive if someone tries to take something away from them.
This is known as resource guarding, and it can manifest in a number of ways, including aggression towards people or other animals, protective behaviors, or even a refusal to let people near certain objects.
Resource guarding is a natural behavior, but it can be dangerous if it is not properly managed.
9. You Might Have Unintentionally Reinforced the Behavior
If you have ever caught your dog eating your underwear, you may have inadvertently reinforced the behavior. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they quickly learn that certain behaviors result in the desired outcome.
In this case, the desired outcome is attention from their owner. When you chase after your dog whenever they eat your underwear, you are giving them exactly what they want.
Instead of discouraging the behavior, you are actually teaching them that it is a good way to get your attention. The next time they are looking for a little attention, they will be more likely to turn to their trusty old trick of eating your underwear.
If you want to break this cycle, you need to ignore your dog completely when they engage in the behavior.
Should You Allow Your Dog to Eat Your Underwear?
Chomping on a pair of your well-worn undies may not seem like a big deal to your furry friend, but it can actually be quite dangerous.
Underwear is made from many different materials, including synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.
These materials can be sharp and irritating to a dog’s digestive system, potentially causing stomach problems or even intestinal blockages.
In addition, underwear often contains detergents and other chemicals that can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
So you shouldn’t allow your dog to eat your underwear, but what should you do if they already have?
If this act happened very recently you could try to induce vomiting as soon as possible by using hydrogen peroxide. However, if it has been a while since the dog ate your underwear then a trip to the vet is in order.
The vet will be able to examine your dog and determine if your underwear is still in its system. If it is, they may need to perform surgery to remove it.
How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Your Underwear
There are a few things you can do to help stop your dog from eating your underwear.
1. Don’t Encourage the Behavior
First, make sure that you’re not encouraging the behavior by giving your dog attention when it happens. This includes both positive attention, like laughter or petting, and negative attention, like scolding. Instead redirect your dog’s attention to a more appropriate activity, like playing fetch or taking a walk.
2. Make Sure There’s No Underwear Around
Second, make sure that there’s no underwear around for your dog to eat. This means keeping your laundry hamper in a place where your dog can’t reach it and putting away any stray pairs of underwear.
This might seem like common sense, but many people make the mistake of leaving their hampers within easy reach of their pets. If your dog is determined to get into your laundry, they’ll find a way.
So make it difficult for him by keeping your hamper out of his reach. You can also try using a lidded hamper or placing your hampers in a closet or other enclosed space.
3. Diagnose and Treat Your Dog’s Pica
Third, if you have determined that your dog has pica behavior, you need to seek professional help. Pica is a condition in which dogs eat non-food items, and it can be dangerous if left untreated.
If your dog has been diagnosed with pica, there are a number of treatment options that your veterinarian may recommend.
Increasing physical activity is often helpful, as it can help to reduce boredom and anxiety.
Natural herb remedies such as chamomile or lavender may also be beneficial.
If possible, try to keep your pet away from non-food objects, and supervise them closely when they are outside.
Leash walking is also a great way to get some exercise while keeping your dog under control.
Finally, using a bitter-tasting spray on objects that your dog is tempted to chew can help to deter them from unwanted chewing.
4. Train Your Dog With the “Leave It” or “Drop It” Command
If you’re looking for a way to stop your dog from eating your underwear, obedience commands such as “leave it” or “drop it” can be very effective.
Both of these commands tell your dog to release whatever they are holding in their mouth, and with enough practice, they will eventually learn to obey them even when distracted.
You can start training your dog with these commands by placing a few pairs of underwear in a pile and telling your dog to leave them.
Once they have mastered this, move on to dropping the underwear from a distance. Be sure to reward him with treats and lots of praise when they do well.
5. Provide Your Dog With Enough Stimulation
Dogs are active creatures that need plenty of stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without enough to do, they can easily become bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and digging.
To prevent this, it is important to make sure your dog has enough to keep them occupied. A good way to do this is to provide them with a variety of toys, including chew toys, puzzle toys, and fetch toys.
You should also make sure to take them on regular walks and runs, as this will help to tire them out both physically and mentally.
Finally, it is important to spend plenty of time playing with your dog yourself. This will help them bond with you and stay engaged both mentally and emotionally.
By providing your dog with plenty of stimulation, you can help to reduce the likelihood of them eating your underwear.
6. Keep Your Dog’s Diet in Check
Another potential cause of your dog eating your underwear is an unhealthy diet. Dogs that have nutritional deficiencies are often more prone to pica behavior.
To prevent this, it is important to make sure your dog is eating a well-balanced diet. This means feeding them a mix of dry and wet food, as well as giving them plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
You should also avoid giving your dog table scraps, as these can lead to nutritional imbalances.
If you are concerned that your dog’s diet is not providing them with enough nutrients, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why dogs might eat underwear, ranging from simple curiosity to more serious underlying medical conditions.
In some cases, such as when a dog is teething or experiencing separation anxiety, chewing on underwear can help to relieve discomfort.
Other dogs may be attracted to the scent of human sweat. Some dogs develop a condition known as pica, which involves the compulsive ingestion of non-food items.
And finally, some dogs learn that they can get attention or treats by eating underwear, making it a reinforcing behavior.
If your dog is starting to show an interest in your underwear, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems and to determine the best course of action.
Related Questions
1. Why Does My Dog Lick My Underwear?
When your dog starts licking your underwear, it can be puzzling (and a little gross). But there are actually a few reasons why this behavior might occur.
One possibility is that your dog is seeking attention. If you usually give them positive attention when they lick your underwear, they may have learned that this is a good way to get your attention.
Another possibility is that your underwear contains scent-based reactions. In other words, your dog may be licking your underwear because they enjoy the taste or smell of the fabric as it mingles with your scent.
Finally, it’s also possible that your dog is experiencing anxiety or stress. If they lick their own skin excessively, this could be a sign of anxiety, and licking your underwear may be a way for them to self-soothe.
2. Why Does My Dog Eat Hair?
Chewing on things is a normal part of puppy development. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and as they learn what is edible and what is not, they will inevitably chew on some things that are not food.
This typically starts around 3 to 4 months of age and lasts until around 6 months, when puppies outgrow this phase. Some puppies also develop a habit of self-grooming, which means they lick or chew their fur in an attempt to keep themselves clean.
This behavior is most common in dogs with long coats, but it can occur in any type of dog.
Finally, parasites such as fleas and mites can cause your dog to scratch and chew his skin, leading to hair loss.