Certain breeds of dogs like Labrador retrievers are also naturally more prone to developing pica than others. Other diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems can also contribute to pica in dogs. Figuring out what's causing pica in dogs is another matter entirely and one that takes a lot of time and patience.ĭogs with pica may be experiencing a nutritional or a hormonal imbalance, which is causing them to crave non-food items. Identifying pica in dogs is an easy part. "Why do dogs eat dirt? What causes pica in dogs?" Of course, if you're keen to keep up with what your pets do while you're not around, check out the Petcube Bites 2 Lite, an interactive pet camera that allows you to watch your pets online from anywhere in the world. If your dog is straining during bowel movements, constipated, burping, drooling excessively, suffering from abdominal contractions, or passing dark, tarry stools, it's likely that there's an obstruction, and you should contact your vet immediately. An intestinal blockage is one of the side effects of untreated pica in dogs. Signs of pica in dogs can include things such as vomiting and diarrhea, but lethargy, a loss of appetite, and excessive drooling can also indicate a problem. In this case, there are some signs you can look out for that may indicate a problem. But you might not be with your dog all day, and you may struggle to catch them in the act of snacking on non-food items. There's no better confirmation than catching your pooch eating something they shouldn't be. The symptoms of pica disorder in dogs are easy to pick up on if you're around your dog when they display inappropriate eating behavior. While it is more common in puppies, coprophagia can carry over into adulthood but is not strictly classified as pica. Pica in dogs shouldn't be confused with another common problem called coprophagia, which is a tendency, often in puppies, to eat feces. Pica dogs can develop severe intestinal blockages due to their strange diet, and their inappropriate snacks can cause irreversible damage to their teeth and even perforation of the stomach or intestines, which require immediate treatment. It's a very complex disorder with some potentially dangerous and life-threatening consequences if it goes untreated. This can include dogs eating rocks and books, and even drywall.Ĭanine pica is so much more than quirky behavior. Some dogs might crave and eat only one thing, like socks or paper, while others are a little less discerning and will eat various non-food items. Often, the items that are being eaten are wildly inappropriate things that offer nothing in the way of nutrition, like wood, towels, or even plastic. What is more, a research in Japan specifies that pica is the third most commonly reported behavioral problem in canines after barking at noises and unfamiliar visitors.
When adolescent and adult dogs continue to eat items that are not food, it can be very frustrating for owners and potentially dangerous for the dog. While pica-like behavior is typical in puppies learning what is and what isn't food, most pups will grow out of this. Sure, dogs often eat grass, but pica is something a lot more serious. Pica in dogs is a condition where they crave and compulsively eat items that are not typically edible or considered food. Chewing and swallowing non-food items is not and should be cause for concern. Chewing non-food items is relatively normal for dogs. When it comes down to it, there's a huge difference between dogs chewing on items and craving and consuming them. But what do you do if you find your dog actually eating items that aren't food? It's common for pups (and grown dogs too) to chew on all sorts of things in the absence of appropriate chewing toys. You might have also wondered, "Why is my dog eating dirt?" and "What to do when my dog eats anything?" If you've owned a mischievous puppy, you've probably lost a few shoes, maybe a rug, or your garden may have been totally chewed up. Dogs have a well-earned reputation for chomping down on some rather strange things.
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