Dogs , very often, have a habit of swallowing anything that comes within reach of their muzzle. This disorder is called pica . Let’s find out better.

>   1. What is pica in dogs

>   2. Symptoms of pica

>   3. Dog disease: natural remedies

What is pica

For “pica in the dog” we mean the ingestion by the animal of substances not intended for food purposes.

This behavior can be dangerous for our 4-legged friends, in fact, cases of suffocation, poisoning or internal injuries are not rare . 

It is for this reason that it is necessary to know how to recognize the symptoms of pica as well as the causes and remedies.

Symptoms of pica

A dog with pica can have several symptoms . In addition to noticing that the dog basically ingests everything he has at his disposal, vomiting , diarrhea, lethargy or hyperactivity are also red flags.

In other cases, it may be noted that the animal eats outside the normal hours, looks for food in the garbage or has difficulty breathing (suffocation). 

Dog pica: prevention and natural remedies

Dog pica is a rather common phenomenon in puppies but it tends to disappear in adult individuals.

When this does not happen it is necessary to intervene, first of all investigating the cause of the behavior . It will therefore be good to resort to proper re-education and changes in diet, avoiding leaving objects and substances that the dog loves to ingest unattended.

A valid advice is to spray objects with natural oils or other bitter substances that are not harmful to dogs and keep them under control both at home and outside, to avoid recurrence in this incorrect behavior. 

When you notice the animal attracted to something to eat, it is good to distract it and reward it with something more palatable but less dangerous.

This should stimulate a conditioned behavior in the animal that at the next opportunity, rather than ingesting anything, will prefer the reward of the owner.  

For dog pica, a Bach flower treatment can be useful . The Bach flowers indicated to treat this behavioral disorder are the following:

• Agrimony (anxiety)
• Heather (request for attention)
• Rescue Remedy (for its soothing action).

This formulation should be administered with a dosage of 4 drops, 4 times a day, possibly with direct application.