Pica in Dogs

Pets with pica eat objects that are not considered edible.  Coprophagy is the consumption of feces.  Coprophagy is a natural behavior in nursing dogs, to eat their puppy’s excrement. It is not a natural behavior in adult dogs. Pica is more common in female canines. 

In most cases, pica is a compulsive behavior problem. Pica can cause serious problems to your pet’s health. If your pet is eating non-food items, you should take him to a veterinarian. According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), compulsive behavior will not just go away on its own. The veterinarian will determine if your pet is showing behavior or if there are any underlying medical conditions.

Pica refers to a canine craving and ingesting non-food items.  Items being ingested may include dirt, rocks, paper, cloth, mulch and even feces.

You may observe your pet eating non-food objects.  Be aware that depending on what non-food items are being ingested; they can cause serious problems to your pet’s health.  Ingested foreign objects can cause internal ulcerations, gastrointestinal irritation and blockage in the intestines. Your pet may have one or more of the following symptoms, after ingesting a non-food item:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loose Stool
• Chronic bad breath

If there is a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract symptoms may include:

• Straining during bowel movement
• Unable to move bowels
• Dark, tarry stools
• Burping
• Excessive drooling
• Abdominal contractions

Pica may be caused by behavior disorders such as:

• Anxiety or stress 
• Trying to get attention
• Boredom - lack of stimulation or exercise
• Depression
• Frustration
• Lack of socialization

Pica can be triggered by several medical conditions; which cause increased appetite such as:

• Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) 
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 
• Hookworms intestinal parasites
• Stomach tumor
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Malnutrition 
• Unbalanced diet

Pet prescribed medications that can increase appetite and lead to pica:

• Corticosteroids (for example, prednisone)
• Anti-seizure (such as phenobarbital)

The veterinarian will take a thorough medical history of your pet.  He may ask you about your dog’s diet, appetite, thirst, bowel movements, behavior, and his activity level. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination which may include: 

• Palpation of the stomach and lymph nodes
• Listening to his lungs and heart with a stethoscope
• Dog’s general body condition (weight, skin, coat)
• Taking a look inside his ears and mouth
• Checking eyes for redness or discharge

After the physical exam your veterinarian may recommend a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and a serum biochemistry profile. These tests will help rule-out any underlying diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems or diabetes mellitus. The veterinarian may also recommend x-rays, to check for any blockage in the digestive tract.

Treatment of pica in dogs will depend if it is a behavior or an underlying medical condition.

If it is determined that pica is due to behavior issues, your veterinarian may recommend increasing physical activities for your pet.  There are natural herb remedies that may help your dog with anxiety issues and have a calming effect on him. It will be necessary to keep your pet away from the non-food objects he has been ingesting. Leash walking your pet will help prevent him from eating rocks and feces. Using bitter tasting spray on the objects he is attracted to may deter him. Provide your pet with plenty of chew toys. The veterinarian may also suggest and recommend a dog behaviorist for pets that may not have been not been properly socialized or have extreme behavior disorders.

If the veterinarian team diagnosed an underlying disease or condition; a treatment plan appropriate for your pet will be discussed with you.  Additionally, a new dietary plan may be recommended.

If your pet has a gastrointestinal blockage, he will have to be hospitalized and undergo surgery. X-rays or an ultrasound will help identify the location of the obstruction. Sometimes, an endoscope can be used to remove small foreign objects that are lodged in the stomach. Your pet will be giving general anesthesia in both procedures. Curious about which health plan is right for your dog? Head over to Forbes' breakdown of pet insurance.

Follow-up visits will be necessary for your pet.  In the case of blockage of the intestinal tract, post-surgery visits will be needed to check on the incision and the removal of sutures. If an underlying disease was diagnosed, follow- ups visits will be needed to check on your pet’s progress and response to the treatment plan.