HI-TOWER BOXERS

Boxer Dogs|Boxer Dog Advice|Boxer Dogs for Sale
The Ultimate Source about Boxer Dogs,
Dog Behavior, Training & Behavior Modification

"robots" content="all, index, follow"

Pica (Depraved Appetite)
 

'Pica' is a term describing a condition when a dog regularly eats objects not considered a part of the normal diet. Examples include an appetite for wood, sand, metal, stones, rubber, etc. Pica is not an abnormality of the digestive system, or a nutritional problem, but a psychological abnormality.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms simply include a history of eating objects not meant to be ingested. To have a diagnosis of pica, a patient generally does not eat the objects just once, but rather seems to be obsessed with consuming certain materials.

What are the risks?

Eating foreign objects is risky because many cannot pass through the gastrointestinal tract normally. Objects such as rocks and socks cause a complete blockage of the intestines, requiring surgery to remove them. Additionally, they may cause damage to the mouth or abnormal wear on the teeth.

A wire muzzle may be helpfulWhat is the management?

Contrary to common belief, a patient with an abnormal appetite is rarely lacking in vitamins, minerals, or any other nutrients in the diet. Pica is a psychological abnormality and is more a habit than a medical problem, even though it can lead to one. There is no real cure for pica, however, providing alternative edible objects such as rawhide bones and other digestible treats will help. In some difficult cases, a wire basket muzzle may be used on the dog. This muzzle allows the dog to pant, sniff, and even drink, but not eat. NEVER use a muzzle on an unattended animal. Some human medications can be used to treat this obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs. Talk to your veterinarian.

 
    

 


© 2009 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com (http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208

Recent Blog Entries

by hitowerboxers | 0 comments

Boxer Dog Advice & Questions Answered

Need Advice or Help with your Boxer Dogs or any breed of dog, visit our forum to get the answers you seek from 40 Year veteran boxer dog owner and canine behavior consultant Angela Donald.

**HOT** Boxer Owners Join Our Site and Mailing List Above

In our effort to poll the public about their boxers,especially on diseases,deafness and behavioral issues affecting boxers, to be included in The Boxer Behavioral Journal, a research project, we are asking all boxer dog owners to participate for the continued improvement of the breed. Periodically you will be sent questions about your boxers and your input can be a valuable aid in our research for years to come. Your dogs registered name and number is not necessary, we are only interested in the number of dogs affected.Your name will not be included. This is a long term project of a minimum of 10 years. For the love of the breed please participate and give factual information with proof when requested. We thank you in advance for your participation. The project is open worldwide to all owners. We will NOT spam you we hate spam as much as you do. Our sincere thanks for joining. You may opt out at any time.

Dog News

Twitter

Newest Members

 

***NEW***Testimonials

  • "Zeus is our (almost) 3 yr old flashy fawn. We got him from Hi-Tower Boxers when he was a pup. We had just lost our 15 yr old pound puppy about 4 months prior, and also our fem..."
    Joan
  • "Hi , Great Site , great advice and very appreciated support ..couldn,t have done it without you...sean"
    Great site !! great advice!!
Read more testimonials...

Subscribe To Our Site

Facebook

Share on Facebook

NuVet Supplements

 

This great tasting, naturally healthy supplement is synergistically formulated to maximize the longevity and quality of your dog's life.We give NuVet  Plus daily to our own dogs, we are very pleased with the results & the dogs love them too !

Go on autoship  & get a 15% DISCOUNT, NOT SOLD IN STORES, Order Code : 65127

We may be compensated if you buy.