In the last week I've noticed my dog developing a taste for used chewing gum.  She has been making a lunge for it in the street and merrily chews then swallows lumps of it.  If they are stuck to the ground she rolls back her lips and gets her teeth right to the pavement to get it. 

Obviously since noticing this I've been trying to stop her and have been keeping her on a short lead on the street and telling her off when she tries to do it and rewarding her with a biscuit when she successfully walks past a bit without trying to eat it but can eating chewing gum be harmful.  I remember the tales about it staying in your stomach for 100 years as a child but as these were all old wives tales I'm now looking for the truth.  No-one in my house ever eats chewing gum so it's only a problem outdoors.

It passes straight through as far as I know.  It doesn't do you any good but I don't think it does you any harm either.

My dog also does exactly the same by picking off dried on chewing gum from pavements.  I rarely take her street walking where chewing gum is likely to be so it doesn't happen often.  However, my children like chewing gum occasionally and have learnt to put the packets where the dog can't get to it.  A couple of times I've seen her making very exaggerated chewing motions and on closer investigation found her chewing a whole packet, thick silvery paper wrappings and all :rolleyes: Makes their breath smell sweet though doesn't it :P :D

Mine have all been awful for it.

Chewing gum is not very safe for dogs.  Most is sugar free and contains sorbitol (an artificial sweetener), which I've read recently is very dangerous to dogs!!
Keep up with your work of offering a treat as substitute when you see her trying to get some.  It's difficult as the streets seem to be littered with the stuff!!

Good luck,
Sarah.