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Is your dog eating things they shouldn't, like paper, wood, or even rocks? Let's be honest, dogs are weird. Sometimes, their culinary choices leave something to be desired. From socks to drywall, our pups have been known to munch on some truly bizarre things. But when your pup's snacking habits consistently veer toward non-food items, it's time for some concern.
Pica, the consumption of non-food items, is more common than you might think, and it's something every dog owner should be aware of. Because, let's face it, our furry friends don't always make the wisest choices when it comes to what goes in their mouths, and it’s our job to protect them.
What is Pica in Dogs?
Why do dogs eat paper? Why do dogs eat wood? Why do dogs eat poop? It is a normal exploratory behavior for dogs to chew on items they shouldn’t from time to time. When it becomes abnormal is when they start actually ingesting these items on a regular basis.
We often wonder, “What can a dog eat?” and there are lots of healthy options. It's a question we spend time researching and carefully considering. But the flip side of that coin is: what shouldn't they eat? What objects do they eat that count as pica? Common targets include clothing, dirt, rocks, or trash.
In puppies this behavior seems to be more exploratory and can correlate with teething. If you have a puppy, you can focus on how to prevent puppy chewing problems and how to deal with a teething puppy. The good news is puppies tend to outgrow this phase of teething and occasional pica, but in adults, intervention is often necessary to stop the behavior.
Is Eating Poop Considered Pica in Dogs?
Coprophagy, or the ingestion of feces, is often confused with pica, but it's generally considered a separate behavior. While both involve eating non-food items, coprophagy is often seen as instinctual, harking back to our canine ancestors who were scavengers. Nursing mother dogs will also ingest the feces of their pups to keep their “dens” clean and this is regarded as a normal behavior.
Causes of Pica Disorder in Dogs
Pica in dogs is typically caused by an underlying medical or behavioral condition.
An unbalanced diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, and health issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or intestinal parasites can lead to diminished absorption of nutrients. This malnutrition may motivate your dog to seek nutrients elsewhere. Certain medications, such as steroids or antiepileptics can increase your dog’s appetite and lead to them eating nonfood items. Some studies have shown that dogs in pain tend to be more prone to pica, so ruling out pain with the help of your vet is also important.
Behavioral issues are more commonly to blame for pica in dogs than medical issues. Pica can be an attention-seeking behavior or may start out of boredom, especially for those pups who are left at home unsupervised during the day. Dogs may be more prone to pica in times of anxiety or stress, using it as a vice, but over time it can become a compulsive disorder that is then hard to break.
Health Risks Associated with Pica in Dogs
Now, here's where things get a little scary. Pica isn't just weird; it can be downright dangerous. A stray sock, a chewed-up toy, even just a bit of trash can cause some serious problems. These things can irritate your dog's stomach and intestines as they try to pass through, and sometimes, they can even get stuck, leading to vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea in dogs, and a very unhappy pup.
If your pet ingests objects like household cleaners, fertilizer, rat bait or other items that contain chemicals, these can be seriously toxic. Symptoms of a toxicity vary depending on what is ingested and how much, but can range from minor GI upset to lethargy, collapse, tremors or even death.
If your pet got into something and you don’t know if it is toxic or not, call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). They will be able to quickly provide insight on how toxic a substance is and the next best steps after ingestion, which sometimes involves going to the vet for vomit induction.
How to Treat Pica in Dogs
Treatment of pica depends on the suspected underlying cause. If nutritional deficiencies are suspected, treating the underlying cause of these is important. Ensure your pet is on a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for their current life-stage and activity level so they are getting all the calories and essential nutrients they need. Sometimes a prescription diet may be necessary for certain bowel issues. Medications such as dewormers or anti-inflammatories can be used, if indicated.
In cases of behavioral causes for pica, management mostly involves training and enrichment, but medication may be recommended in some cases. For those pets who seem to be attention-seeking, or bored, providing them with mentally stimulating play-time and chew toys can help improve pica behavior.
If stress and anxiety appear to be the culprit, creating a calm, safe space and environment where your pet can relax and feel more at ease is beneficial. Working through anxiety can be hard and takes time and patience from owners. Medications such as fluoxetine or clomipramine can be prescribed by your veterinarian to help with anxious and compulsive behaviors. For more mild cases, a calming pheromone diffuser or pheromone collar is a great option.
Keeping a Dog with Pica Safe
Prevention is important too. Keeping items picked up can help deter pica, especially for dogs who seem to target specific items. Bitter apple spray can be applied to various items around the house to make them taste bad and deter chewing and ingestion.
Pups who eat things when outdoors should be leash walked, if possible, so that you can supervise them, ensuring they don’t eat rocks or other items. In severe cases, a basket muzzle may be necessary. This is a muzzle that keeps dogs from eating items off the ground and chewing on things yet is loose enough for them to pant and drink water through. It takes time to muzzle train your dog, but for those pesky pups who just can’t seem to stay out of things, a basket muzzle is a great option.
Lastly, encourage your dog to perform appropriate behaviors. When your dog picks up an item they shouldn’t have, try to offer them an appropriate alternative such as a toy or a treat instead.
Insurance for Pica Disorder in Dogs
Pica, the regular ingestion of non-food items, can stem from medical issues, such as nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions, or it can be a behavioral issue, like boredom or anxiety. Whatever the root cause, it's always best to tag-team with your vet to figure out what's going on and come up with a game plan.
But here's the reality: sometimes, those seemingly harmless non-food snacks can have serious consequences. Intestinal blockages, emergency surgeries, and significant stress for both you and your pet are all potential outcomes. And let's not forget about the vet bills, which can quickly reach astronomical heights—a single surgery to remove a foreign object, like a sock, can easily cost upwards of five thousand dollars. Ouch.
That's where having a good pet insurance plan can be a lifesaver—literally. Having comprehensive pet insurance coverage for your dog allows you to act quickly in the face of an emergency and rest assured you will be able to afford gold standard treatment for your pet.
Consider an optional wellness plan that can be a great addition to your policy. These plans are not insurance but can help you budget for routine care and other expenses not typically covered by standard insurance, including reimbursing you for training to address behaviorally-caused pica.
Pica in Dogs
So, there you have it. Pica. It's a condition that can be a real puzzle for pet owners, and sometimes, a cause for concern. From medical issues to behavioral quirks, understanding why our dogs eat the things they do is crucial for their health and well-being. Because, let's face it, our furry friends don't always make the wisest choices when it comes to what goes in their mouths. And sometimes, those questionable "snacks" can lead to some serious trouble.
But armed with the knowledge in this article, you're better equipped to recognize the signs of pica, work closely with your veterinarian to find solutions, and provide the best possible care for your pet. Because, at the end of the day, our dogs are family. And they deserve our care and attention, especially when their curious appetites lead them down unexpected paths.