Help! My Dog Eats Weird Things! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“We have an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, Indy, who has eaten grass, chunks of wood, pine cones, and various other things she finds on the ground. She is now digging up little holes in the lawn. Is there a something missing in her diet? How can we best break this bad habit?“ – Carla
Quick Info about Indy
Dear Carla,
At eight months of age, Indy is in a developmental stage where curiosity and oral exploration are very normal, much like a toddler who experiences the world by putting everything in their mouth. In most cases, eating grass, wood, or pine cones is not related to a nutritional deficiency if she is eating a complete and balanced commercial diet formulated for growth. This behavior is more often linked to normal exploratory behavior, boredom, excess energy, teething history, or a condition called pica, which can become a habit if it is unintentionally reinforced. The main concern is safety, since wood splinters, pine cones, or soil can cause gastrointestinal irritation, obstruction, or dental injury.
The most effective way to change the habit is through management and redirection rather than punishment. Close supervision outdoors is essential at this age, since preventing access to inappropriate items is the foundation of changing the behavior. Supervise outdoor time closely, limit access to areas with debris, and keep the yard as clear as possible. When she begins to pick something up, calmly interrupt and immediately offer an appropriate alternative, such as a safe chew toy or a food dispensing toy. Think of this like giving a child a safe toy instead of taking something away without a replacement. Increasing mental and physical enrichment is also very important for young Shih Tzus, including short training sessions using positive reinforcement, scent games, puzzle feeders, and regular walks, since many dogs engage in ground scavenging simply because they are under-stimulated.
If the behavior becomes persistent, if she actively seeks and swallows non-food items, or if you notice clinical signs such as vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, or reduced stool production, a veterinary evaluation is important to rule out gastrointestinal disease, anemia, or other medical contributors. With consistent supervision, enrichment, and redirection, most young dogs outgrow this phase and learn what is appropriate to chew.
Good luck!
Dr. Paola