Dog A-Z > B > Behaviour problems > Pica

Pica

Pica is the voluntary eating of non food items.  The eating of clothing, rocks, and sharp objects like screws has all been known.  Apart from the fact that you may lose valuable items of from your home if your dog performs this behaviour, it can be very dangerous to him.  Swallowed objects may cause life threatening blockages in your dog’s intestines or may perforate his oesophagus.

What signs should i look out for?

Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Bad breath
Collapsing

Please seek veterinary attention if your dog is showing any of the above signs.

There is no proven reason why dogs (and other animals) perform pica, but it could be for any of the following reasons:

Medical – there are many medical reasons why your dog may be displaying pica.  For instance a nutritional deficiency may result in your dog eating different non food items to try to compensate for any lack of nutrients.  You should see the vet first to rule these out before deciding it’s a behavioural reason.

Attention seeking – if you give your dog attention when he is ‘investigating’ non food objects in this way (even if negative attention such as shouting) he may continue this behaviour to get attention again.

Learned behaviour – it may be that one of your dog's canine pals is carrying out this behaviour, and he has simply learnt to copy this.

Boredom – a dog that is left alone much of the day may resort to exploring objects around the home just for something to do.  This may result in swallowing the objects.

Accidental – Dogs do much of their exploration of objects by picking things up in the mouth.  Your dog may have just been playing or exploring an object that he intended on releasing, but swallowed accidentally.

What can you do to discourage Pica?

Exercise and play with your dog more regularly to encourage mental and physical stimulation.

Make sure any bits in the home are put away or out of your dog’s reach, if you feel they can be of harm.

Only use suitable dog toys and chews when playing with your dog, and not objects you do not want him to be interested in.

If your dog shows interest in objects in the home and you think he may attempt to swallow them spray them with an aversive spray such as bitter apple or citronella (ask your vet for guidance).

Reduce your dog's appetite by feeding smaller meals and more regularly.  You can add fibre to create a full feeling.

If you catch your dog on his way to an unsuitable object, intervene by commanding a previously learned behaviour, and treat him when he performs this.  Ignore your dog if he has an unsuitable object already in his mouth, assuming the object is safe for your dog to hold.

Pica can sometimes be attributed to an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which case the advice of a competent behaviourist should be sought.

Your dog may be eating his own faeces, or that of other animals.  This is known as Coprophagia.  Click here for more information on this.