PetsCareLab

What Is Pica In Dogs?

Pica is a frequently encountered behavioral disorder in dogs characterized by the persistent consumption of non-food objects. For pica to be diagnosed, the dog must actually swallow the item, rather than merely chewing or mouthing it.

Commonly ingested substances include metal, plastic, fabric, trash, rocks, paper, soil, and even feces. Dogs particularly favor items carrying their owners’ scent such as underwear, socks, pantyhose, towels, and wet wipes, due to their strong sense of smell and bond with their human family.

While some dogs indiscriminately eat any inedible object they find, others develop a preference for specific types of items. Pica is often viewed as an obsessive-compulsive psychological habit, but it can also stem from underlying medical issues or nutritional deficiencies.

This dangerous habit risks severe complications such as poisoning, choking, gastrointestinal irritation, or life-threatening intestinal blockages. If you suspect your dog has swallowed something inappropriate, seek veterinary care immediately.

Symptoms of Pica in Dogs

The most obvious indicator of pica is observing your dog consuming non-food objects. This compulsive eating habit can lead to painful ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract, and may cause significant blockages.

In addition to the ingestion behavior, common symptoms pointing to pica include:

• Frequent vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Foul breath (halitosis)
• Damaged or broken teeth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Gagging or dry heaving
• Swollen or bloated abdomen
• Straining to defecate (tenesmus)
• Passing little to no feces
• Black, tar-like stools indicating gastrointestinal bleeding
• Excessive drooling
• Persistent coughing
• Blue or purple gums and mucous membranes
• Noticeable distress or unusual behavior

Causes of Pica in Dogs

The roots of pica are diverse—it may be triggered by illness, parasitic infections, or nutritional shortages, but more commonly it arises from mental health issues such as boredom, anxiety, depression, or extreme hunger.

One widespread form of pica is coprophagia, the consumption of feces. This behavior is normal in nursing mothers who ingest their puppies’ feces to maintain cleanliness and stimulate bowel movements. Puppies often display coprophagia, usually outgrowing it as they mature. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety frequently chew and ingest objects when left alone.

Certain breeds like Labradors are naturally more predisposed to pica. Dogs bursting with energy but lacking sufficient exercise or mental engagement may resort to eating inappropriate objects. Pica can also be a bid for attention and may develop if dogs have minimal social interaction with humans or other dogs. Moreover, dogs on steroid medications like prednisone or anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital may develop excessive appetites leading to pica.

Medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption or causing anemia can drive dogs to consume soil, clay, or dirt. Pica may accompany ailments including:

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Liver or pancreatic disorders
• Hookworm infestation
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hyperthyroidism
• Malnutrition or imbalanced diets

How Veterinarians Diagnose Pica in Dogs

Your veterinarian will start with a thorough physical exam and recommend comprehensive lab testing such as complete blood counts (CBC), serum chemistry panels, fecal examinations, and urinalysis to uncover any medical causes behind pica.

If gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases or pancreatic issues are suspected, further specialized blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds may be necessary. Radiographs (X-rays) of the abdomen can often reveal ingested foreign objects and assess whether an obstruction is present.

X-rays are critical in determining both the location of the item and the approach required for safe removal.

After excluding medical reasons, behavioral causes are considered, though pinpointing the exact psychological trigger can be challenging for both veterinarian and pet owner.

Treatment of Pica in Dogs

Treatment success depends largely on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Medical problems must be fully treated to resolve pica symptoms. Gastrointestinal obstructions typically require hospitalization and potentially surgical removal of the foreign object.

If your dog appears to be choking or struggling to breathe, immediate emergency veterinary care is crucial.

Where behavioral causes predominate, referral to a certified veterinary behaviorist or animal behavior therapist is often recommended. These experts provide advanced behavior modification strategies and may prescribe medications to manage anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Behavioral pica tends to be more complex and demanding to treat.

Therapeutic modifications might involve reducing overall anxiety and training your dog to enjoy safe alternatives to chew and hold in their mouth.

Increasing physical activity, such as taking longer walks or playing fetch, combined with mental enrichment through puzzle toys or safe chewables, helps redirect your dog’s focus. Walking your dog on a leash allows close supervision to prevent ingestion of harmful items like rocks, dirt, or feces.

To reduce temptation, secure laundry rooms and dirty clothes hampers, especially if your dog targets socks or underwear. In severe cases, a basket muzzle might be necessary when your dog is unsupervised or outdoors.

Natural Remedies for Pica In Dogs

Several natural options can support dogs with pica, particularly those suffering from anxiety. Utilizing veterinary-approved pheromone diffusers or calming collars, alongside chewable supplements formulated for stress relief, can promote a sense of calm.

Probiotics enhance gut health and may alleviate intestinal issues contributing to pica behaviors. Additionally, supplements designed to sprinkle on feces can make stool taste unpleasant, discouraging coprophagia.

Recovery and Management of Pica in Dogs

Pica may be a lifelong condition if rooted in behavioral or incurable medical causes, requiring ongoing management rather than cure. Resolving compulsive eating habits can take weeks, months, or even years depending on severity.

Consistent crate training is an effective way to prevent your dog from accessing dangerous objects when unsupervised or during sleep.

Regular mental and physical stimulation is crucial for dogs prone to pica. Food-dispensing toys keep your dog engaged and help redirect focus to safe activities. Always supervise play to prevent chewing up and swallowing toy fragments.

Ultimately, the key to preventing pica is a twofold approach: diligently restricting access to tempting inedible items and addressing any underlying physical or psychological issues with guidance from your veterinary team at Petscarelab.