8 Tips to Help Prevent "Pica" A Dog Compulsive Disorder

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Title: 8 Tips to Help Prevent "Pica": A Dog Compulsive Disorder

Author: Daniel Irwin

Article:
With some dogs, meals aren't the only source of oral intake they                                                                  
have. Wool and other fibers, non-digestible plant material,
rubber, plastic, wood, and even their own hair are just some of
the things a dog may choose to ingest. This problem - the drive
to consume material that is not generally considered food - is
called "pica" and is what animal behaviorists call a compulsive
disorder.

In a human, a compulsive disorder may be repetitive, such as
frequent hand washing or pulling one's hair out. In dogs, these
disorders can include excessive licking and spinning in circles.
Compulsive disorders are repetitive, nonfunctional,
nonbeneficial behaviors. Although the exact cause of compulsive
disorders is unknown, animal behaviorists feel that they are
often caused by stress brought on by environmental conflicts
such as competition with other pets, changes in the home,
constant punishment, or confinement to small areas such as cages
or crates.

Lack of socialization or too much attention, as well as a
nutritional imbalance, may bring about a compulsive behavior as
well. A dog with a compulsive disorder loses control over his
ability to initiate and stop these negative, repetitive actions.
Often the compulsive behaviors are oral in nature, causing the
dog to eat things he shouldn't.

Controlling Your Dog's Disorder

1. The first step in treating a compulsive disorder is to
identify the cause and eliminate it. For example, if your dog is
crated for a large portion of the day, allow him outside the
confined space to help get him on the road to recovery.

2. Don't reinforce the behavior by paying attention to him while
he is engaged in it. Providing good quality time on a set
schedule is preferable and more effective than petting,
stroking, or verbally consoling your dog in the midst of
repetitive activity.

3. Do not reinforce the behavior by punishing your dog for the
compulsive behavior or for other inappropriate activities. It
may make the problem worse.

4. Spray household objects your dog likes to chew with cayenne
pepper, essential oils in citrus, cinnamon, or eucalyptus
scents, spray deodorant, or perfume that is not your own.

5. Spray favorite chewables with a pet repellent to deter your
dog from sticking non-food objects in his mouth.

6. Keep dangerous objects such as yarn or string out of your
dog's reach to prevent him from chewing and wallowing them.

7. If your dog is chewing his hair, he may have an allergy.
Discuss the problem with your veterinarian before embarking on a
behavior modification program.

8. As a last resort to solve a compulsive eating disorder,
discuss drug therapy with your veterinarian. Drugs that increase
serotonin levels, like Prozac and some antidepressants are used
for treating compulsive disorders, including compulsive eating.

Compulsive disorders are not just a problem for adults; dogs can
suffer from them as well. If your dog suffers from "pica," or
the drive to consume nonfood material, then following the steps
outlined above will help you and your dog deal with this
problem. If you are unsure whether your dog suffers from "pica,"
or simply need help in dealing with this compulsive disorder,
then you should consult with your veterinarian.

Dan Irwin has been 'in love' with the Golden
Retriever breed for nearly twenty years now. For a limited
time, receive a free copy of "101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for
Under $10" when you sign up for his free golden retriever newsletter. www.AllGoldenRetrievers.com

About the Author

About the author:
Dan Irwin has been 'in love' with the Golden
Retriever breed for nearly twenty years now. For a limited
time, receive a free copy of "101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for
Under $10" when you sign up for his free golden retriever newsletter. www.AllGoldenRetrievers
.com

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