Rather unique (and concerning) wee wee pad issue
 

First, I would like to greet all of you, as this is my first post on this forum! I have read a few threads and you all seem to be very kind and genuinely caring.

I have a young 5 month old Yorkie (this is my first dog as well), who is currently being pen trained with a wee wee pad. Lately, he has developed a rather concerning and disgusting habit of eating *specifically* the urine covered area of his pad when he is alone. I'm assuming this is a separation anxiety/frustration habit, as he only does it after we are gone for a few hours. It started off with pad pulling, escalated to pad shredding, and has now become ingesting the cotton that he has peed on (with no shredding or debris anywhere, as he eats all of it, and only the peed on areas). This has been going on for two or three weeks. The only effects I'm seeing front this behavior is a disgruntled tummy and the pad in his stool, but I am still concerned about potential damage he may be doing to himself. I cannot find this issue anywhere else online, so I'm not sure how common this may be.

Does anyone have any idea how I'd go about addressing this? It is very cold where I live so I don't have the option of outdoor training him at this time. I have tried to bring him outside recently, but he starts shaking violently as soon as his feet hit the ground. We were told not to expose him to outdoors until he finished his vaccinations, and that wasn't until a few weeks ago, so he's only been outside once. Please, any advice is greatly appreciated!

Are you open to using washable pee pads? That's what I use, and I like them. This might help w/ the issue you're having in terms of the shredding. But, what's puzzling me still is the why behind eating the pee soaked areas anyway, ya know? Some young pups will eat their own poop, but I've heard of wanting to eat/ingest pee.

I agree with Ann about using washables. That will likely stop the eating. A member here handcrafts a very popular brand: T. Bumpkins & Co. Her website where you can order: Washable and reusable dog and puppy pee pads, belly bands, and diapers by T. Bumpkins & Co.

It is unusual to want to eat pee, but maybe your pup is concerned about leaving it. Sometimes Max will wrap up his piddle pad, usually after a morning pee, which tends to have a stronger scent.

Any chance he has a urinary tract infection causing a bit of blood (you may not even be able to see it) that he can smell?
I was going to suggest the washable pads as well. I use those. I wonder if you could maybe put some sort of grate or screen over the pad?

I had never heard of washable wee wee pads, but that does seem like an answer to my problem. He hasn't done it in a few days, but if he does it again I will definitely be placing an order that same day. Thanks for the helpful advice!

Lilah will also fold over her pads if they aren't secured, poo or pee. Perhaps a pad holder would help? I have a tray with a frame that clamps down on top and I really love it, can't imagine life without it anymore. Welcome To Yorkie talk btw :)

I take Katie out when I am home, and she loves it outside, even when it's cold, but she will be six next month. She doesn't shake without them, but Katie has lots of warm sweaters and coats which really help. You should probably pick up an inexpensive one now so that he will get used to earing sometching.

I also use washable pads, since I am gone a long time when I go to work. Katie is home with my husband, but he is unable to take her out. I will be heading back to work tomorrow (I work in Old Westbury), and if you'd like try a washable pad, I'd be happy to give you one. I could mail it or just drop it in your mailbox on my way home from work. PM me your address if you'd like one. They really are wonderful to use.

Welcome to Yorkietalk.