Pica in Dogs: How This Shelter Pup’s Spirit Shines Despite Her Rare Condition
Petunia, a pitbull mix, has spent over a year waiting for her forever home, but her spirit remains as lovable as ever. At an Arizona shelter, her health was deteriorating, and with no rescue stepping in, a dedicated volunteer named MJ decided to take action. Unable to watch Petunia decline or risk euthanasia, MJ welcomed her into her home as a foster, determined to give her a second chance.
Once out of the shelter, Petunia’s transformation was remarkable — she blossomed into a lively and affectionate dog. But now, she’s facing a new and unexpected challenge: she has started eating non-edible items like plastic and sequined bows. This behavior is a result of pica in dogs, a condition that can pose serious health risks.
To support Petunia’s care, the Desert Dog Project has stepped in to cover her medical needs. What is pica in dogs, and how does it affect pets like Petunia? Read on to learn more about this rare condition and what it means for dogs like her.
Petunia’s Strange Cravings: Could It Be Pica?
Source: Instagram
For now, Petunia will need bloodwork to determine if she has Pica, and the organization is calling on supporters to help cover her vet bills. To rally support, they shared an adorable video of Petunia dressed like a princess, wearing an adorable purple outfit with pink and black sequined bows adorning her head.
Weighing 40 lbs, Petunia is not a large dog and is perfect for anyone looking for a lovable canine companion. She will not be a hassle to train because she is already crate and house-trained and also knows basic commands.
Therefore, to help this cute and wonderful dog, you can either donate any amount you’d like or even better, you can give her the love she deserves by adopting her through Instagram.
What is Pica in Dogs?
Petunia is suspected to have Pica due to her newly developed tendency to eat inedible items. But what is pica disorder in dogs?
“Pica is a common condition where a dog consistently eats objects that are not food items. A dog needs to ingest the item—not just chew on it—for it to be considered pica,” explains Dr. Barri J. Morrison, a veterinarian.
Dogs with pica, an eating disorder, often ingest non-nutritional items. These can include feces, dirt, paper, rocks, garbage, cloth, plastic, and metal. Interestingly, dogs are drawn to items with their owner’s scent, making personal items such as wet wipes, towels, socks, and underwear particular favorites.
Dr. Morrison states, “Ingesting these items can be very dangerous and it puts your dog at risk for toxicity, choking, stomach upset, or even a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage.”
A dog owner shared on Reddit their experience of losing their furry friend to a pica, “I lost my GSD at 5.5 from complications of pica (adhesions eventually caused an intestinal torsion) and it was absolutely shattering. Her disorder was induced by IBD, but she would eat entire shirts, leashes, collars, anything she could swallow even while supervised.”
Pica in Dogs Symptoms
Veterinarian Dr. Ghanasyam Bey claims pica syndrome in dogs is characterized by a persistent habit of chewing or consuming non-food items. Unlike curious dogs who may occasionally gnaw on something, dogs with pica will continually seek out inedible objects. Some may focus on a single item, while others may eat a wide variety of non-food items, including cloth, paper, or drywall.
In addition to eating non-food items, dogs diagnosed with pica may exhibit secondary clinical signs, including:
- Throwing up
- Excessive drooling
- Gagging
- Reduced hunger
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms can occur when non-food items become lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines.
Causes of Pica in Dogs
A Reddit user, u/malfera, wrote, “There’s some debate about what actually causes pica. If he’s eating random stuff frequently then you should get your vet involved in the process of hopefully resolving or minimizing the issue. There are some medical conditions that may predispose a dog to pica and would require a vet to identify and treat.”
Pica disease in dogs can be caused by various factors, as per Dr. Morrison, including medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or mental health issues such as boredom, depression, or anxiety.
Coprophagia, or the ingestion of feces, is a common form of pica in dogs. It is often seen in nursing female dogs and young puppies. Certain breeds, like Labradors, are also more prone to pica. In addition, dogs with high energy levels, separation anxiety, or those seeking attention may exhibit pica.
Medical conditions that lead to pica are anemia, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), inflammatory bowel disease, liver or pancreatic disease, hookworm infection, cancers of the stomach or intestines, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and malnutrition or unbalanced diet.
Diagnosis of Pica
Your veterinarian will start by conducting a physical examination and recommending lab work, including a CBC, serum chemistry profile, fecal check, and urinalysis.
If inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatic conditions are suspected, additional blood testing and an abdominal ultrasound may be required. Moreover, an X-ray can help identify ingested non-food items and check for obstructions.
Once medical conditions are ruled out, behavioral conditions are diagnosed as the underlying cause of pica. However, identifying the cause can be challenging and may be a source of frustration for both pet parents and veterinarians.
Pica in Dogs Treatment
Dr. Bey provides the answer to the question of how to treat pica in dogs. Treatment for pica in dogs depends on whether the underlying cause is medical or behavioral. If the cause is medical, your veterinarian will prescribe treatments to manage the condition.
Behavioral Treatment for Pica
For anxiety-related pica, behavioral interventions and possible anxiety medication may be necessary. You can consult with a behavioral veterinarian to develop a personalized plan.
If pica is caused by boredom, lack of activity, or other behavioral issues, various strategies can help. Providing adequate exercise, and mental stimulation, and engaging in daily training exercises and games can address these needs. Lauren Jay, a dog trainer, suggests setting aside time each day for backyard training sessions.
Additional Tips
- Provide safe, sturdy chew toys and food puzzles to keep your dog occupied.
- Supervise your dog, especially in areas with rocks, dirt, or non-food items.
- Use a leash or block access to hazardous areas.
- Distract your dog with treats or toys during walks.
- Consider using a basket muzzle to physically prevent ingestion of non-food items
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