A common problem in dogs is the
ingestion of unnatural objects such as candy wrappers, toilet paper, or socks.
Not only is this behavior a nuisance around the house, but the swallowing
of non-food particles poses a serious threat to the health of the dog. The
problem requires attention and treatment.
The Causes of Pica Behaviour Medical
There are many medical conditions such as dietary deficiencies and esophageal
dysphagia which should first be ruled out through a veterinarian's examination.
In the absence of any physiologic or pathologic causes, there are a number
of behavioral reasons for pica.
To Gain Attention
A dog can quickly learn that picking up a foreign object or a non-food item
will gain the owner's attention. The attention provided by the owner can
be rewarding and reinforced even though the reward is unintentional. Even
if a scolding follows, this may act as a reward for a dog deprived of attention.
Boredom
Boredom or lack of exercise for long periods of time without companionship
can play a major role in a dog's interest in chewing on non-food items. A
dog with little to do in his day will "explore" behavioural activities, such
as chewing on foreign objects.
From Puppyhood Pica is often a carryover from puppyhood. Puppies which were orally oriented,
encouraged to pick up objects and play with them, can retain the attribute
into adulthood.
Accidental
The dog's mouth is an organ by which he explores and takes possession of
objects, as well as eats them. Sometimes these two functions are so closely
associated with each other that the dog ends up partially ingesting something
that it originally intended only to investigate and release.
Behavioural Treatment and Prevention
The easiest treatment for pica behaviour is to provide adequate exercise
and active play for the animal. Taking the dog out for a good long walk twice
a day will help tire the dog out, provide the dog with companionship and
diversion. After a long run the dog will spend more time resting, and this
should help use up some energy that was spent looking for items to pick up
in its mouth.
For dogs with an urge to find, chew and hold items within their mouth it
is useful to orient the dog towards an acceptable object such as a strong
nylon or rawhide bone. Teasing the dog with a bone or chew toy will help
stimulate interest in the object. Encourage the dog to play with acceptable
chew items. (Make sure the bone or chew item is large enough so that the
dog cannot swallow it.)
In cases where it seems that the dog is exhibiting pica behavior in order
to gain attention and the dog is performing the behaviour in your presence,
it is best to ignore the dog if it already has something in its mouth. Any
reaction, including an enjoyable chase, or aggressive response, will be regarded
as rewarding by the dog. The optimum time for intervention is to divert the
dog's attention before the dog approaches an object it intends to pick up.
For example, instruct the dog to perform some previously learned command-response,
and then reward him through petting or food. This treatment generally involves
increased supervision of the dog.
Other steps to help prevent pica behaviour:
remove loose objects from areas around the house within the dogs reach
booby trap objects or lace objects with taste deterrents such as Tabasco
or one of the many commercially available sprays like Citronella spray
reduce the dog's appetite by feeding lesser amounts more often, and by adding
fiber to the diet to promote a feeling of fullness.
By not encouraging puppies to pick up and play with objects, and providing
the dog with adequate exercise, pica problems can usually be avoided.
References
Allen, Dana G. Small Animal Medicine. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company,
1991. pp. 71- 83.
Campbell, William E. Behavioral Problems in Dogs. Santa Barbara: American
Veterinary Publications Inc., 1975. pp. 279-280.
O'Farrell, Valerie. Manual of Canine Behavior. 2nd ed. West Sussex: British
Small Animal Veterinary Association: 1992. pp. 107-108.
