Chewing, digging, jumping
How do I stop my dog eating drywall?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Eating drywall is more concerning than chewing wood since the chalky material and paint can genuinely be swallowed. Block off the damaged wall, add a chew alternative, and call your vet if your dog has actually swallowed chunks rather than just scratched the surface, since it can cause a blockage.
Block the wall while you address the cause
Move furniture in front of a damaged section or set up a pen so the wall is out of reach. Corners near a door or a vent are the most common targets, often linked to boredom or a draft that keeps drawing your dog back.
Give the mouth something else to do
A long lasting rubber chew filled with a spoonful of soft food redirects the same jaw urge without the risk. Offer it in the same room, at the same time of day the drywall chewing tends to happen, usually when your dog is loose and unoccupied.
Key takeaways
- Drywall chewing carries a real swallowing risk unlike chewing untreated wood.
- Block the damaged section physically rather than relying on training alone at first.
- Watch for repeated chunks disappearing, not just surface scratches.