Pica

I have a 18 mo. Golden Doodle. She may not make it to two years old. She has pica a disorder that she eats anything. She has had 3 major surgeries in 11 mo. The insisions are getting bigger so our Dr. can retrieve the foriegn object. He had to remove all her intestines 3 times.

I cannot let her outside my herself and in the house she has to be watched. She has a sweet personality and is so cute. Good thing for her.

She has managed to consume 2 rocks, 1 lightbulb, 2 corncobs ( they don't digest),half cantalope, 1/4 wattermellon rind and several mystery items. I feel on edge at all times because of her behavior.

I wonder if she was a product of inbreeding and all is not well in the brain.

I would appreciate any suggestions or feedback,

I have talked to my Vet and a Dog Trainer with no real suggestions. Keeping her in a crate is no life and muzzled would stress her out. Rehoming would not solve the problem because I don't know anyone would take the time , energy and $$$$$$$ that I have invested in her.

Please help, Debbie

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on August 18, 2011 at 2:49pm

OMGoodness, Deb, I am sorry. I have one who eats socks and other soft things but so far no blockages (knock wood). I am hoping someone with some experience with this will reply. What research have you done? No-one can offer advice? I know there are soft muzzles. Let me see what I can find.

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on August 18, 2011 at 3:16pm

I found this article that offers some solutions: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/18/Pica-Eating-Things-That-Ar...

Resolving a Pica Problem

If your dog has a pica problem, providing plenty of appropriate things for her to play with and chew, along with interactive play opportunities with you, such as throwing a ball or playing tug-of-war, might resolve the issue and prevent the development of compulsive behavior. Keep in mind that when you give your dog appropriate chew items and toys, you’ll need to make sure that they’re extremely durable so that she doesn’t bite off large chunks and choke. Feeding your dog higher-quality dog food can resolve the problem if it’s diet-related, but if you suspect a nutrition problem, you should also consult your veterinarian.

If you’re trying to resolve compulsive pica, you should seek guidance from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or Associate CAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB). Please see our article, Finding Professional Help, for information about locating one of these professionals in your area.

Be sure to use a basket muzzle to ensure that your dog can pant and drink water. If you need help teaching your dog to wear a muzzle, please see our article, Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle, for more information.

Taste aversion treatment requires the services of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or Associate CAAB) or veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB).