Your veterinary team is more than happy to help you pick the best diet for your pet if you suspect this may be the cause of the problem. If you think it may be due to the animal being very food orientated, you can try switching to a low-calorie diet to be able to feed them more. You can do this by using bitter apple spray, preventing their access to the items, and keeping plenty of safe toys around for your pet to play with. If you think your pet may have pica, some common suggestions for fixing the problem include making the inedible objects they enjoy eating taste bad. You may require medical assistance or a referral to an animal behaviourist. If you think your pet may have pica, or another issue involving ingesting foreign bodies, please contact us today. This may lead to them chewing on the needle and swallowing it.ĭue to the cause of pica not being well understood, it can be a tough problem to fix. For example, if a cat finds a needle with a bit of thread attached, they may begin to play and bat around the thread, before beginning to chew on it. Dogs and cats enjoy chewing toys during play, which could lead to ingesting the toy, or household object they have found to play with. Another theory regarding the cause of pica is that it originates while the animal is playing. Frustration or anxiety may also cause pica. Another theory is that the pet eats things they shouldn’t be, due to a nutritional deficiency, although no studies have ever proven this. Sometimes even a verbal scolding from the owner will be seen as social interaction to the pet, which therefore reinforces the behaviour and may encourage the pet to do it again. One theory is that this behaviour is attention seeking, meaning the pet is looking for interaction with its owner.
The cause of pica is unknown, but there are a few different theories regarding why our beloved pets enjoy chowing down on non-edible things. Pets eating things they shouldn’t, cause ill effects such as vomiting, toxicity, diarrhea, and life-threatening gastrointestinal blockages.
Not only is this behaviour ruining owner’s possessions, but also has some serious medical consequences for the pet. A lot of owners are extremely concerned by this behaviour and with good reason. Here at Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital, we see a lot of pets that have eaten many different things such as hair elastics, string, needles, rocks, socks, and even underwear. However, sometimes an endoscope can remove smaller objects that get caught in the digestive tract.Do you have a pet who loves to eat things they shouldn’t? Pica can be defined as the persistent craving and frequent eating of non-food substances. If this is the case, then your dog may need surgery to clear the obstruction. Pica can lead to gastrointestinal or respiratory blockage. Supervising outdoor time, crating while you’re away, or muzzling dogs when they are not within eyesight are all potential options. Whether the cause is psychological or medical, it’s a good idea to remove objects from dogs’ environments that they feel compelled to eat. If there’s an issue with malnutrition or unbalanced diet, then dietary changes will be prescribed, and dogs may be tested for nutrient or vitamin deficiency. If medication is causing the problem, then it should be discontinued. They can prescribe medication for infections or thyroid issues, for example. If the cause is medical, your vet will treat it accordingly.
You should follow their instructions closely and not punish your dog or yell because these can increase anxious or attention-seeking behavior.
WHATS DOG PICA PROFESSIONAL
Professional behaviorists may be more suited to help dogs with pica than vets when the cause is psychological. There are several sprays available on the market - as well as homemade sprays - that can deter dogs from eating non-food items. Herbal remedies can also help calm some anxiety.ĭoggy daycare may help with socialization and further prevent boredom or anxiety if no one is home during the day.ĭurable chew toys can divert attention from objects that dogs may want to ingest. The treatment for pica in dogs depends on whether the condition is psychological or caused by an underlying medical condition.įor psychological behavior issues, increasing physical and mental stimulation with exercise can reduce boredom and stress.
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