You should also get rid of any stressors. The muzzle should not be worn for prolonged periods. However, the muzzle should not restrict the dog’s breathing. A basket muzzle can be used in extreme cases. If this seems too restrictive or difficult, you can offer your dog treats or a Kong if he is in rocky areas. If your dog loves to eat rocks, restrict his access to areas in the yard and parks. Limit the amount of food your dog can eat. You can give your pet toys, interact with people, and take him on walks. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Sometimes, a simple change can be all that is needed. Make sure your animal has a high-quality diet. However, working with one will give you the best chance of stopping the behavior. You can do some things without consulting a behavior specialist. Your veterinarian will be able direct you to other experts in cat and dog behavior. Consultation with your veterinarian, or a trainer, may prove helpful if one isn’t available in your region or within your budget. If medical reasons are ruled out, it is worth speaking with a veterinary behaviorist. If the problem is not medical, it could be behavioral. Although it can be frustrating to not have a clear answer, if there is a medical reason, it is usually expensive or carries a poor prognosis. The best way to diagnose an abnormality is to treat it and then wait for the pica to improve. A textbook could be cluttered with all of the diagnostic options. If abnormalities are found, additional testing may be necessary. If there are concerns about a GI obstruction or to rule out other possible causes of pica, X-rays may be necessary. This involves testing for folate and cobalamin and performing a TLI (trypsin like immunoreactivity) test to determine if your pancreatic function is being compromised. Depending on what signs your animal shows, additional blood work may be necessary to determine if it is not absorbing nutrients. A thorough physical exam should be performed, including a fecal inspection to determine if there are any gastrointestinal (GI), parasites, and blood work to rule out other conditions like anemia, diabetes, or liver disease. Is the animal getting enough exercise? Is the animal given enough attention? Are chew toys or play toys available? Are there resources in competition? Is it possible that the cat or dog is eating unsuitable foods to stop another pet getting them first? Is the animal consistent in their routine? Is there any other factors that could cause stress? Consult a veterinarian to diagnose picaĪ thorough medical exam is required if your pet exhibits pica symptoms. Analyzing an animal’s lifestyle and environmentĬonsider the environment and lifestyle of your pet to determine why it is engaging in this behavior. Pica may also be a sign of normal exploratory behaviour. Pica can be caused by a variety of conditions, including anemia, liver disease and pancreatic disease.
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