![]() "Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, are more prone to pica," Black adds. According to Black, anything from starvation or nutritional imbalances to hormonal imbalances and diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems can all contribute to the condition. ![]() While identifying pica itself might not be difficult, figuring out what's causing it can be tricky. This is because pica isn't always connected to an underlying medical condition. "There may be abnormalities that can be detected in lab work if the condition is associated with other diseases, but not for pica itself," Black explains. Pica is generally diagnosed as a result of the behavior itself. "With coprophagia, it is thought that some dogs simply find the fecal material appealing and actually like the flavor, which makes it a particularly hard habit to break once they get started." Diagnosing Pica in Dogs "Fecal ingestion is most common in puppies, but often carries over into adult dogs as well," Black explains. Pica should not be confused with coprophagia, or the ingestion of feces. The dogs seem to see them as food items and will repeatedly eat the same type of item, even if it causes them to get really sick or require surgery." "I think some of the items are eaten simply due to the smells associated with them. "I once saw a practice hockey puck that was swallowed intact by a Labrador Retriever," she says. Other items you may observe your dog eating include rocks, children’s toys, batteries, books, magazines, and even wet wipes, Black says. "Towels and washcloths are also very common, as well as parts of dog beds if they have one." "Things like socks, underwear, and pantyhose seem to be more frequent than others," she says. Kelly Black, faculty coordinator of veterinary technology at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas. Pica can endanger a dog’s health because what they swallow may be toxic, disrupt normal digestive process, or get lodged in their intestinal tract.ĭogs with pica may eat anything from golf balls to drywall, but items that carry their owner’s scent tend to be a particular favorite, says Dr. Some dogs may only eat one type of object, while others will eat a wide variety of items. Pica.Pica is a condition in which dogs crave and eat non-food items. Pica in pregnancy: An unusual presentation. Eating everything except food (PICA): A rare case report and review. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. ![]() Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Sometimes, it can be worth waiting to initiate treatment when the nonfood item is relatively harmless, such as when a person craves ice. In pregnant women, pica may go away on its own after childbirth. reducing nutrient deficits with supplements, dietary changes, or both.medication to treat underlying mental health conditions, if present. ![]() sensory support, such as providing a safer item to chew on.cultural beliefs surrounding nonfood itemsĪddressing these issues may help reduce a person’s cravings.whether or not a person understands that these items are not edible.sensory-seeking behaviors, such as chewing nonfood items.They may also use blood tests to check for nutritional deficits. This usually involves assessing their medical history to understand any symptoms or risk factors. To treat pica itself, a doctor must first identify why the person craves nonfood items. Treatment in these cases might include antibiotics or even surgery. Some people develop lead poisoning, infections, or other severe symptoms as a result of pica. ![]() Treating pica typically begins with addressing these problems first. Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe medication if they believe pica is the result of an underlying mental health condition.Įating nonfood items can cause issues such as stomach pain and broken teeth. ![]()
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