If the problem isn’t medical, but behavioral It can be frustrating not having an answer that allows for specific treatment, but if a medical cause is identified, it usually either carries a poor prognosis or is expensive to fix. The cause of pica in a particular animal can be difficult to identify. If an abnormality is found, the best course is to treat for that abnormality and see if the pica improves. Describing all the diagnostic options could fill a chapter in a textbook. Of course, if abnormalities are noted, further testing may be needed. X-rays may also be warranted if there is concern about a GI obstruction and to rule out other potential causes of pica. Typically, this involves checking folate and cobalamin levels and doing a TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) test to check for pancreatic function. Depending on the signs your animal is showing, more specific blood work, to see if the GI tract is perhaps not absorbing nutrients, may be required. Along with a complete physical exam, this should include a fecal examination to check for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and blood work to look for conditions such as anemia, liver disease, diabetes or pancreatic disease. If you think your pet has pica, a thorough medical work-up is recommended. Does the animal get enough exercise? Does he or she get an appropriate amount of attention? Are appropriate chew or play toys made available? Is there competition for resources? That is, could the dog or cat be eating inappropriate things to prevent another pet from getting to it first? Does the animal have a fairly consistent routine? Are there other things that could be causing stress for the animal? Diagnosing pica by visiting a veterinarian When attempting to assess why your dog (or cat) may be engaging in this habit, consider the animal’s environment and lifestyle. Examining an animal’s environment and lifestyle Pica can even be a symptom of normal exploratory behavior. The causes of pica can be hard to determine, but can include gastrointestinal disease, anemia, liver disease, pancreatic disease, diseases causing excess appetite (such as diabetes), neurologic diseases, poor diet, being on medications such as prednisone, behavioral disorders such as anxiety, or a depraved home environment.
Pica doesn’t include the ingestion of trash or feces, since the consumption of such things is often driven by different motivations. However, sometimes an endoscope can remove smaller objects that get caught in the digestive tract.The ingestion of non-food items, such as rocks, dirt or fabric, is called pica disorder and it’s a fairly common occurrence in pets. 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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