Pet Wellness . Puppy Care
Why Does My Puppy Eat Everything? Grass, Sticks, Stones and What to Do
A curious mouth is part of puppy life. A few calm habits can help you keep exploration safe and give chewing somewhere better to go.
The Quick Answer
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so grass, leaves, sticks and almost anything at nose height can end up being chewed. Mouthing is normal, especially while they are teething, but swallowing non-food items can be dangerous.
The aim is not to stop the curiosity but to keep risky items out of reach, teach “leave” and “drop”, and give your puppy better things to chew. If your puppy swallows something that could be harmful, call your vet straight away.
In this guide
Why do puppies put everything in their mouths?
- Exploring. A puppy’s mouth works a little like our hands. Tasting and chewing is how they find out what something is.
- Teething. Chewing can ease sore gums while adult teeth come through, usually up to around six months old.
- Boredom or tiredness. An overtired or under-occupied puppy may chew more. Think about both interesting activities and enough quiet rest.
- Attention. If picking something up makes everyone chase them, it quickly becomes a great game.
Grass is often simply the nearest interesting thing. If your older dog eats grass, our Grass Eating Series explains the common reasons and when to worry.
What is risky for a puppy to chew or swallow?
Chewing and swallowing are different. Even a suitable toy needs supervision, and “lower risk” does not mean safe to eat freely.
| Lower risk, still supervise | Keep out of reach |
|---|---|
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PDSA’s guidance on gut blockages includes socks, bones, children’s toys and dummies among things dogs may swallow.
How to stop your puppy eating everything: 5 calm steps
Puppy-proof at nose height
Get down to your puppy’s level and clear floors, low shelves and garden corners. Put laundry, small toys and anything chewable safely away.
Swap, don’t snatch
Offer a tasty treat or toy in exchange. Chasing or grabbing can turn it into a game or encourage your puppy to swallow quickly.
Teach “drop”
Practise with toys first, when it is easy. Offer a swap and reward the moment the item falls. Once your puppy is releasing reliably, say “drop” just before offering the exchange.
Teach “leave”
Hold a treat in a closed hand. The moment your puppy backs off, reward from your other hand. Once your puppy reliably turns away, add the cue “leave” just before offering your closed hand. Build up slowly to items on the floor, keeping them covered or out of reach until your puppy succeeds.
Give chewing somewhere to go
Rotate a few safe chews, and add sniffing games and rest. An overtired puppy may be a chewier puppy, so more activity is not always the answer.
On walks and in the garden, a lead and close supervision help prevent problems while these skills are still new. Follow your vet’s advice about safe outdoor access before vaccination protection is complete.
My puppy swallowed something. What should I do?
Call your vet straight away, even if your puppy seems fine.
PDSA advises not to wait for symptoms. Do not try to make your puppy sick at home; follow your vet’s instructions.
Signs may not appear immediately. Possible signs of a blockage include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Straining or being unable to poo
- Low energy or not eating
- A hunched back or “prayer position” (front end down, bottom up), which can mean tummy pain
These signs need veterinary attention, but you should not wait for them after a suspected risky swallow. Tell the vet what your puppy may have eaten, roughly how much and when.
Is it ever more than a phase?
Many puppies become less mouthy as they mature and learn what is worth chewing. If your dog keeps eating non-food items as they get older, or eats them obsessively, speak to your vet. There can be health or behavioural reasons worth checking.
Chewing can remain a normal need throughout life. The useful goal is safer choices, rather than a puppy who never wants to chew.
Confident Puppy Blueprint
Small steps towards a more confident puppy
Puppy life can feel like a lot to figure out. The Confident Puppy Blueprint gives you a practical roadmap for confident socialisation, understanding body language and building trust through everyday experiences.
Inside, you’ll find confidence games, guidance for vet visits, grooming and household noises, plus printable planners and trackers to help you notice progress.
See what’s inside →Not ready for the full guide? Start with the free Puppy Socialisation Checklist.
Get the free checklist →
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for puppies to eat grass?
Yes. Puppies often chew grass while exploring. Supervise them, keep them off treated lawns, and swap the grass for a toy or treat.
Should I stop my puppy eating grass?
You don’t need to stop every nibble. Redirect calmly and keep them away from treated areas and anything unsafe hidden in the grass.
Why is my puppy eating stones?
Curiosity or teething may be involved, but repeated stone eating deserves a conversation with your vet. Stones can cause blockages and damage teeth, so keep your puppy away from gravel and swap stones for a safe chew. Call your vet straight away if a stone is swallowed.
At what age do puppies stop putting everything in their mouths?
Teething-related chewing often eases once adult teeth are through, at around six months. Training and maturity also help, but there is no exact deadline and some dogs remain mouthier for longer.
What if my puppy swallows a sock?
Call your vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms, and don’t try to make your puppy sick.
EverGuide Thought
You don’t need to remove your puppy’s curiosity. Give it a safer place to land, one calm swap at a time.
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