It's not surprising if your dog foams up dropped food from the floor. However, if he starts eating things that are not edible, such as soil, stones, plastic or even used tissues, it could be due to a behavioural disorder, or pica. This habit can be dangerous because it can lead to choking, intestinal blockage, poisoning or even broken teeth.

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Here's why your dog eats inedible things, what might be behind the behaviour and how to manage it.

This habit can be dangerous as it can cause a number of health problems

Why do dogs eat inedible things?

Although chewing sticks, shoes or furniture is typical dog behaviour, most dogs do not eat what they chew. Pica, on the other hand, is a behaviour whereby a four-legged friend consciously and regularly eats things that have no nutritional value and no benefit. Examples include stones, wood, plastic or string. Some dogs will eat socks, used underwear or wet wipes. These materials can be dangerous, so it is important to recognise the signs and treat the condition.

Possible consequences of pica:

• Choking or foreign object trapped in the windpipe.
• Intestinal obstruction, which can block the flow of food and water and also reduce blood supply.
• Stomach or intestinal trauma: for example, a sharp splinter of wood can puncture an organ.
• Tooth fractures or mouth injuries if the dog chews on a hard or sharp object.
• Poisoning: may only cause gastric distress, but can also be caused by a poisonous object ingested.

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What causes pica in dogs?

There are many possible causes of pica. Sometimes, due to a nutritional deficiency, the dog eats something (such as soil) that may contain minerals. Or there may be a medical problem, such as anaemia or a parasitic infection. Sometimes pain can also cause pica: for example, one study looked at a Labrador who regularly ate stones until his hip pain was treated - after which the pica disappeared.

But the most common cause is behavioural: boredom, little mental or physical stimulation can cause a dog to start eating strange things. If, on top of that, the dog learns that it is getting attention from the owner, the behaviour is exacerbated. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (compulsive behaviour) can also be at the root of it, where the dog acts in a repetitive and excessive way that interferes with normal functioning.

The incidence of pica is not breed-specific

Are there more vulnerable dogs?

Many people believe that hunting and retriever breeds may be more prone to biting, as they instinctively like to carry things in their mouths. But according to veterinary behaviourist Dr Sagi Denenberg, there's not really a significant difference between the breeds. But puppies may be more prone to it, because they put everything in their mouths to explore the world - and teething increases the need to chew. Finally, dogs that receive little stimulation are more likely to show symptoms of the condition.

The most common symptoms associated with pica are:

• vomiting;
• diarrhoea;
• bad breath;
• chipped or broken teeth;
• reduced appetite or loss of appetite;
• scratching of the mouth or face, pawing;
• gagging or dry cough;
• bloating of the abdomen;
• straining to defecate;
• little or no faeces;
• dark, pitchy faeces;
• excessive drooling;
• coughing;
• bluish-purple mouth mucosa;
• visible malaise or unusual behaviour.

If you notice any odd behaviour in your pet, it's very important to rule out any medical reasons and take your four-legged friend to the vet for a check-up.

The behaviour disorder can be caused by boredom or anxiety

How can pica be treated?

Treatment depends on what has triggered it. If it has a medical cause, it should be treated and the pica should go away on its own. If it is caused by anxiety or compulsive behaviour, medication may be necessary.

Behavioural treatment is also key. This involves making sure the dog does not have access to inedible objects and is given enough physical and mental stimulation. It is important to teach him alternative behaviours that he can use when he is tempted. Dr Denenberg recommends that the dog should be on a lead or under supervision while walking, and in severe cases a muzzle with a basket can be used. This is safer than a nylon muzzle because the dog can pant and drink in it. If you do use one, get him used to it gradually.

It is also important to make sure that all his needs are met: enough exercise, play, attention and rest. At feeding time, it is a good idea to use a toy feeder or to give him smaller portions several times, especially if he is alone.

Consistency and patience can help correct your little friend's misbehaviour

Response-reaction substitution

This is an effective technique where the dog is taught an alternative behaviour instead of pica. For example, when he tries to eat something, we use the command “look at me”. If he looks at us, he gets a reward treat. Over time he learns that it is better to look at us than to eat that particular thing.

Later, we can modify the behaviour; for example, we can reward him only if he looks at us for a longer time. Eventually we can move to rewarding him only every second or third time.

The above management options will help reduce the chances of your dog eating things that are not edible. But don't be afraid to see a professional - a dog trainer or behaviour therapist - if you get stuck! Tackling pica takes time and patience, and even lifelong attention, but your dog can live a safer and healthier life as a result.