My brother just bought a puppy dog, its a Miniature Pinscher, we use newspapers for his ‘toilet’ while he’s getting potty trained, but he keeps eating the newspapers (clean ones).
How bad is it for his health if he eats (swallows) them?
First, are you sure he’s actually consuming the paper? It can be difficult to be sure paper is missing if it’s shredded, soaked with slobber, or crumpled tightly. He may just be chewing on the paper, and spitting it out.
Paper’s not the best thing for him, but it shouldn’t poison him if he only does it a few times. Over the long term, the chemicals in the paper might conceivably do some harm, or large amounts may cause blockages, but a mouthful here or there shouldn’t be too dangerous.
Paper should break down in his system pretty easily. However, watch him carefully to make sure he’s eating and defecating normally. If he seems lethargic, has any changes in his eating habits, or strains while trying to defecate, take him to the vet immediately.
You need to break him of this habit as soon as possible, or your books will never be safe. There are housebreaking “pads” which you can purchase at the pet store. He may not want to chew on those. Distract him with something better to chew on, such as a rubber Kong toy stuffed with penut butter. (If you put it in the freezer overnight, he should be able to chew on it for hours.)
Freezing the “peanut butter kong” sounds like a great idea, thanks.