Were you and your dog on a walk when he suddenly ate something off the ground? This is a very common problem with pet parents and their fur babies. Dogs are famous for eating just about anything they find tempting! But what should you do if your dog eats something like that?
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In this article, we’ll take a look at why dogs eat strange things, as well as what you need to do when your dog eats something off the ground. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Eat Weird Things?
It’s true that dogs are non-discretionary eaters. They seem to find almost anything palatable, then wolf it right down! However, when dogs are eating non-food objects, this can be a serious problem. When dogs eat paper, wood, and more, they may have a problem called pica.
What is Pica in Dogs?
Pica is a behavioral issue that causes dogs to eat non-food items such as plastic, wood, rocks, and more. Dogs with this condition may seem driven to eat these weird things. Not only that, but dogs with this condition could even eat things that are toxic, cause a gastrointestinal blockage, and more.
So, when a dog eats something off the ground, it could be extremely dangerous to the dog, especially if the pet parent isn’t sure what the dog has eaten.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Pica in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has pica:
- Swallowing non-food items
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain/swelling
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Pica in Dogs
When you reach the vet, they will first perform a complete physical on your dog, which will include lab work and possibly x-rays. The x-rays will let the vet see if there’s a blockage in the dog’s digestive tract, as well as where it’s located.
If the vet makes a diagnosis of poisoning, then they will treat your dog for this. On the other hand, if the object has created a blockage, then your fur baby may need emergency surgery. Most dogs will go on to make a full recovery if they’ve received prompt medical treatment.
Once the dog has recovered, the vet will then determine that your dog has pica. If so, they sometimes recommend the dog receives more exercise, get treated for underlying stress and anxiety, and more.
It may also be necessary to take your dog for obedience training. Plus, spending more time with him can alleviate pica. The vet will let you know what the underlying cause may be and how it should be treated.
This is the type of condition that can take time to solve. Just be patient with your fur baby and give him lots of love and attention. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations, too.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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