![]() ![]() In one study focused on Siamese and Burmese cats, wool was most commonly chewed, followed by cotton, synthetic fabrics, rubber, and plastic. However, the behaviors become compulsive when they are repetitive, excessive and fixated on a goal, including wool or fabric sucking, chewing or pica. 3Įnvironmental licking, chewing and picas may begin as normal behaviors arising from play and exploration, or because of taste, texture or odor appeal. 1,2 However, multiple neurotransmitters might be implicated, including alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways or opioid receptors. Abnormal serotonin transmission has been identified as a primary mechanism by which compulsive disorders are induced, and drugs that inhibit serotonin reuptake can be effective, e.g. With repeated stress, the behavior may become compulsive, with altered neurochemical responses, especially in individuals that are genetically predisposed. The behaviors may initially be seen in response to situations of conflict (competing motivations or uncertainty), frustration (motivation to a achieve a goal that is behaviorally or physically prevented) or in environments that do not adequately meet the pet’s behavioral needs. In addition, there may be a lack of control in terminating or initiating the behavior. They may be sufficiently intense or sustained that they cannot be easily interrupted or directed into alternate outlets. Compulsive behaviors arise from normal behaviors that become exaggerated, repetitive, out of context, and fixated on a goal. For example, self-trauma can lead to pain, inflammation, and infection, while pica can lead to gastrointestinal signs and foreign body obstructions. The diagnosis is further complicated, as the medical problem could be either the cause or an effect of the behavior. Stress may also contribute to both gastrointestinal and dermatologic disorders. However, sometimes an endoscope can remove smaller objects that get caught in the digestive tract.Chewing, both environmental and self-directed, may be normal behavior a displacement behavior arising out of conflict, frustration and stress or an abnormal repetitive behavior which may be a result of an underlying medical condition or a compulsive disorder. 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. 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. Treatments For Pica In Dogs (Picture Credit: Getty Images) Exposure to corticosteroids or anti-seizure medication.Here are several medical, non-psychological reasons dogs might eat non-food items: Here are several psychological reasons dogs might suffer from pica: Most cases of pica are related to psychological problems that require behavior modification, but there are many medical conditions that need veterinary treatment. The causes of pica in dogs can be broken down into psychological issues and medical issues. Poisoning, depending on which substances are on objects (household cleaner or medication bottles, for instance)Ĭauses Of Pica In Dogs (Picture Credit: Getty Images).Infection, especially if objects are dirty or contaminated (feces, for example).Sneezing or coughing (if object blocks the respiratory tract).Here are some of the effects your dog might suffer from if they eat non-food items: ![]()
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