Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Australian Shepherd
- Age
- 8 years old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- Merle
It's a little alarming to catch your dog raiding the trash for tissues — you're right to pay attention to it, especially since Shylo is 8 years old and this sounds like a new behavior.
Here's some general pet health information that might help you make sense of what you're seeing:
Why dogs sometimes eat non-food items
This behavior is sometimes called pica — which just means eating things that aren't food. There are a few common reasons it shows up:
- Boredom or under-stimulation. Australian Shepherds are high-energy, high-intelligence dogs. If they're not getting enough mental or physical activity, they'll find their own entertainment — and trash is interesting.
- Attention-seeking. Some dogs learn that grabbing something forbidden gets a big reaction from their owner, and that reaction (even a negative one) is rewarding.
- Nutritional gaps. Occasionally, dogs seek out odd things when something is missing from their diet, though this is less common with a balanced commercial food.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort. Dogs sometimes eat fibrous or absorbent materials when their stomach is bothering them — it's not fully understood, but it's a recognized pattern.
- Anxiety or stress. A change in routine, environment, or household dynamics can trigger new compulsive behaviors.
- Underlying medical conditions. In older dogs especially, new behavioral changes — including eating non-food items — can sometimes be linked to hormonal issues, neurological changes, or other health shifts.
A few things you can do at home right now
- Move the trash to a cabinet or get a lidded bin Shylo can't open.
- Make sure he's getting enough daily exercise and mental enrichment (puzzle feeders, training sessions, etc.).
- Check whether anything has changed recently — new schedule, new pet, new food, stress in the household.
- Watch for any signs that he actually swallowed tissue, since that can cause a blockage (more on that below).
The tissue itself is also worth keeping in mind — it can bunch up in the digestive tract and cause an obstruction, which is a serious concern.
When to see your vet:
Because Shylo is 8 years old and this appears to be a new behavior, I'd recommend scheduling a vet visit soon — within the next week or so — rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own. New behavioral changes in senior dogs deserve a check-up.
Go sooner (or to an emergency vet right away) if you notice:
- Vomiting or repeated retching
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- A swollen or painful belly
- No bowel movement for more than a day or two
- Signs he swallowed a large amount of tissue
Your vet can rule out any medical causes and help you figure out the best path forward for Shylo. 🐾
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