Pica Dog Behavior

Pica Dog Behavior is the name given to a dog who ingests unnatural objects that dogs are not meant to ingest (such as socks, toilet paper, your children's toys or anything else found around the house). This problem poses a serious health threat to your dog and requires immediate attention.

The Causes of Pica Dog Behavior

• Attention

• Boredom

• Medical Reasons

• Accidental

Treatment

One method of treatment is to give the dog acceptable chew toys and encourage him to play with them and them only. Play with them while you play with your dog - it will help to get the dog interested in them.

Make sure that the toy is big enough so that it cannot be swallowed

Another way to reduce pica behavior is to exercise and play with your dog regularly.  It will keep him stimulated, while at the same time tiring him out. Once the exercise is over, he will probably prefer to rest rather than look for something to put in his mouth.

Prevention

• Make your home more "dog friendly" by removing loose items that are within the dog's reach.

• Do not encourage the dog to pick up objects and play with them.

• Spray Citronella spray onto objects that you think the dog might try to swallow

Return to main behavior page