Pica syndrome is a eating disorder which can affect a dog regardless of its age. The manifestations of pica are impressive and have something to worry about the owner of the animal, this one eating everything that is within his reach such as bricks, barbed wire, tires… It is of course urgent to consult the veterinarian. because the pica can have serious repercussions on the dog’s health. Let’s take stock of this disorder, the causes of which are extremely varied.
Pica syndrome in dogs: symptoms and causes
The dog affected by this disorder swallows everything and anything, whether it is matter, materials or objects. It is so compulsive that the dog swallows what it finds, even if it is not not edible. It could for example be:
- Of his hair,
- Sand,
- Stone,
- Pebbles
- Of wood,
- Plastic,
- Tissue,
- Cardboard,
- Of metal,
- Rubber,
- From plants,
- Excrements (in this case, we speak more precisely of coprophagia, a variation of pica syndrome) …
Concerning the causes du pica, they are numerous and of various origins, namely:
- The very early separation of the dog from its mother,
- The stress,
- Certain drugs such as benzodiazepines and corticosteroids
- Intestinal parasitism,
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease,
- Intestinal bacterial overgrowth,
- A digestion problem,
- A metabolic disease such as Cushing’s syndrome or diabetes which may be the cause of polyphagia,
- A behavioral disorder,
- Boredom,
- Anemia,
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency which leads to malabsorption,
- A nutritional deficiency due to an unsuitable diet such as an insufficient ration or even to malnutrition,
- An anomaly in a vessel (portosystemic shunt),
- A disorder of the central nervous system,
- Cancer,
- Senility, pathological aging being likely to lead to cognitive dysfunction in dogs.
During the consultation which is necessary in the event of pica syndrome, the veterinarian must seek the origin of this problem in order to adapt the treatment.
Pica in dogs: diagnosis
Do not wait to consult a veterinarian as soon as you notice certain symptoms that suggest pica in your dog. Of course, this syndrome should not be confused with the attitude of a puppy exploring its surroundings. This very young animal tends to put all kinds of objects in its mouth, but this remains normal for a short time.
Generally, the veterinarian easily diagnoses pica given the dog’s very particular eating behavior. On the other hand, it is more difficult for the practitioner to identify the cause. From Additional tests are essential because the dog must benefit from care as much to treat his syndrome as the problem at the origin of this disorder. Stool culture, ultrasound, blood test, digestive endoscopy are part of an essential targeted examination.
Getting your pet affected by pica treated is crucial for protect his health because the fact of swallowing anything compulsively but also repetitively can lead to :
- A lack of enthusiasm,
- Diarrhea,
- Vomitings,
- Weight loss,
- The fracture of one or more teeth,
- Premature wear of tooth enamel,
- Intestinal obstruction,
- Peritonitis,
- A digestive perforation,
- An intoxication,
- A parasitic infection …
The sanitary risks are of course related to the material or substance ingested by the dog suffering from pica disorder.
Pica in dogs: treatment
If the pica is related to a behavioral problem, the dog may be referred to a veterinarian behaviorist. If the origin of pica is a disease, it must be perfectly identified so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed. In parallel, a food rebalancing is necessary. There is no no typical treatment for this syndrome. The veterinarian sets up a treatment protocol case by case. In parallel,
For his part, the master must be able to change certain eating habits of his dog as we do with a dog with a bulimic tendency. Changing your diet can work well, but this solution alone is not always enough. It is in any case a decision to be taken according to the veterinarian advice. In addition, the dietary modification must be done imperceptibly, so as not to further disturb the dog’s intestinal balance.
Can we prevent pica syndrome in dogs?
To protect his dog against the risk of pica syndrome, the owner can start by taking an interest in everything that is likely to cause this disorder. Thus, it is easier to play the prevention card when you know the contributing factors. But every owner must offer his dog good living conditions and an excellent hygiene of life.
You have to think about take the animal out every day several times so that he expends himself enough. It is also crucial to feed your dog properly, that is to say by giving him only food of very good quality and in sufficient quantity (without abuse however). The dog should not spend his days alone because loneliness promotes boredom and stress. Of course, it is necessary to deworm your animal according to the advice received from the specialist, to consult the veterinarian regularly without waiting for the dog to fall ill, in order to have a health check established. Finally, from the slightest disturbance in eating behavior, it is preferable that the dog be seen by its veterinarian.
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