Dog Pica and Eating Behaviors

Pica refers to a condition that describes dogs that crave and eat non-food items. Some dogs may only eat one type of non-food item while others may eat a variety. Pica can endanger a dog’s health because what the dog consumes might be toxic. The item the dog consumes might also not be digestible.

Dog ate an ant trap

Ant traps may result in mild to serious symptoms depending on the amount and type of ant trap the dog ate.

Dog ate a wild mushroom in the grass

The severity of eating wild mushrooms in the grass will vary from mild to life-threatening. It will depend on what type and how many mushrooms the dog ate.

Dog ate a bumblebee

Dogs that have eaten a bumblebee may find themselves in a life-threatening situation depending on where they get stung and whether they are allergic to the bee sting.

Dog eating leaves

A variety of causes may explain dogs that munch on leaves, including sickness and issues with boredom and stress.

Dog ate a condom

Did your silly dog swallow a condom? It could become a problem for your dog’s digestive tract if left untreated.

Puppy eats own poop

Coprophagia is a behavior that’s more common than most dog owners realize, especially with puppies and young dogs.

Dog ate deer poop

Dogs should be discouraged from eating deer feces as they may pass on infectious bacteria and parasites.

Dog ate a battery

Batteries, whether they are the alkaline or acidic type, can have a damaging effect once they enter your dog’s body.

Dog eats another dog's poop

Does your dog like to eat another dog’s poop? Whether this behavior is normal or something of concern depends on the context and frequency.

Dog ate tampon

It’s no laughing matter if your dog just gobbled up a tampon. The menstrual product may make your dog sick if it isn’t treated quickly.

Dog ate a paper towel

Paper towel is considered a low safety risk but you should still watch over your dog if he eats one in case of any adverse reactions.

Dog ate rat poison

An immediate resolution is important for dogs that eat rat poison. The severity will depend on a number of factors such as the type and amount of rat poison the dog ingested.

Dog ate a disposable face mask

Swallowing a face mask can become an emergency health risk to dogs and other animals.

When dogs eat rabbit poop

Rabbit poop could make your dog sick if the rabbit is either sick or infected with internal parasites.

Dog ate the drywall

Eating drywall is unlikely to pose a serious health threat unless the dog ate a large amount or if the drywall contains toxic materials.

Dog ate a muffin or cupcake wrapper

Here are the steps we recommend if you dog accidentally ate a muffin or cupcake wrapper.