Why is my pet eating weird things? Eating strange items like dirt, sand, poop, clay, paper, chalk, plastic, metal or fabric is referred to as pica. Pica can lead to gastric upset including intestinal obstructions from ingesting indigestible objects, so it is important to try and stop this behaviour to avoid serious complications.
If your dog is eating poop, then click the link to read our blog – Why does my dog eat poop.
What is the cause of pica?
It can be difficult to find the cause of pica as it can be due to a range of health issues such as gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatic disease, diabetes, anemia or liver conditions.
Poor nutrition, malabsorption or malnutrition can lead to severe deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Mineral deficiencies of calcium, iron or phosphorus as well as electrolyte imbalance or digestive enzyme deficiency can also be a factor in this condition.
It may be behavioural, so it is important to ensure they are getting enough exercise, attention and stimulation. Provide chew toys or treat toys to keep them occupied.
Are they suffering from stress? Some of the psychological reasons a dog may suffer from pica include separation anxiety, depression, frustration, stress, lack of mental or physical stimulation or attention seeking.
Some medications can be a cause such as cortisone which increases their appetite.
To help rule out any health issues I would recommend a thorough vet check up to ensure there is no medical reason and also include a faecal examination to check for parasites.
Why is my pet eating weird things?
How do you treat pica?
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If all health issues have been ruled out, then it is worth looking at your pet’s diet and avoid all processed pet food and change over to a well-balanced, natural, preservative-free fresh food diet which is the natural diet for canines and felines – Click here for details – Feline Diet or Canine Diet.
Add a good nutritional supplement to provide additional vitamins & minerals.
If they have been eating a cooked or processed food diet, then add Digestive enzymes & probiotics to support gut health.
Herbal remedies may be used to help support a healthy digestive tract & to help with anxiety or stress.
Contact us for assistance – Ask the naturopath
