![]() This can be a lifesaver, once your dog is properly and happily conditioned to it. ![]() Try to limit and control your dog’s access to the object of his desire, which admittedly can be difficult with something as ubiquitous as rocks. Given that boredom and anxiety are high on the pica causes list, make sure your dog is engaged, enriched, and as stress-free as possible. She also recommended considering a high-fiber diet, such as any weight-loss foods.įor dogs battling anxiety issues, there are prescription medications your veterinarian can recommend that may help with pica. Houpt says trying food-dispensing toys may distract the dog and satisfy any food-seeking desires. Some studies indicate dogs who eat dirt and rocks might respond to a vitamin/mineral supplement.ĭr. A thorough understanding of what you’re seeing in your dog’s pica may help. To truly treat something, you need to know its cause, but without a proven cause, veterinarians must guess. Veterinarians at the University of California at Davis cite nutritional deficiencies and anxiety problems are the most likely causes.Ĭornell University’s world-renowned behavior expert Katherine Houpt, VMD, said in her column in Cornell DogWatch that pica is becoming related to the dog not feeling well: “Recently, the evidence is beginning to accumulate that the animals who do this have a gastrointestinal problem, especially an upper gastro-intestinal problem.”Ī veterinary examination with any necessary testing may be in order. The study involved 2,000 cases based on an online survey. What was interesting is that it was found to be more likely in neutered dogs. Not surprisingly, this study found the behavior was more likely in younger dogs. Causes of Pica in DogsĪccording to a 2019 study in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, pica is one of the most often reported behavioral issues in dogs. Yelling or chasing your dog causes many dogs to do a quick swallow to ensure you can’t get their treasure. Don’t overreact if your dog picks up something, however. Dogs who eat dumb stuff often end up at the veterinarian’s office for emergency surgery due to blockages. For true pica, your dog must eat the item, not just chew it ( poop eating is a separate issue). Pica is a compulsive behavior in people, and it may be in dogs, too, but science hasn’t proven that. ![]() Pica in dogs is when your dog eats abnormal things, as in stuff that isn’t food.
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