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Dogs are notorious for eating whatever food they can get their paws on. But, when they start munching on things that aren’t actually food—such as trash, paper, and clothing—their health may be in danger. That’s why Almost Home Pet Resort encourages dog owners to be observant of their dogs eating patterns and to address problems with a vet. These pet care specialists in Covington, KY, address a few key considerations to help explain why your dog should stay away from strange stuff.

Bad Blockages

One of the biggest reasons you should correct your dog’s odd eating behavior is to help prevent them from swallowing something that could cause problems to their digestive tract. If an object cannot naturally be digested, it can create a variety of problems, including abdominal swelling and obstruction of the intestines.

These blockages are not just painful to dogs, but may also keep them from eating their pet food, putting their nutritional health in jeopardy. If the obstruction cannot pass, your vet may have to conduct an emergency intestinal surgery. These procedures require animals to undergo extensive recovery periods, can leave a lasting impact on their digestive health, and can be quite expensive.  

Garbage Gut

pet careIf your dog gets into the trash, you may not really ever know what exactly was consumed. If the materials contained harmful bacteria, your companion could suffer from a condition known as garbage toxicosis or “garbage gut.” Similar to food poisoning, toxicosis can cause dogs to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, as well as fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

In severe cases, a vet’s attention may be required to help prevent toxins from being absorbed. For example, if the problem is caught early enough, the pet care doctor may induce vomiting or use intravenous solutions to flush out toxins.  

Pica Problems

If you notice that your pup is consistently eating—not just chewing—on non-edible items, he or she may be suffering from a condition known as pica. While eating these things is dangerous for a dog, pica may also indicate the presence of an underlying health issue. Sometimes, pica is caused by anxiety, poor pet training, or nutritional deficiencies. However, there are other cases when pica is a symptom of a more serious condition, including illnesses that affect the brain, pancreas, and liver.

If an underlying condition is present, early treatment from a vet could help protect your pooch. If the problem is more behavioral related, the animal doctor may recommend a few changes to your pet care routine to reduce your dog’s stress and improve obedience.

Whether your canine is eating unsavory items or is exhibiting other behavioral troubles, Almost Home Pet Resort offers pet training services that can help steer them away from unhealthy habits. If you’re worried about your dog eating stuff while you’re away, they also offer safe, comfortable pet boarding in Covington, KY. To book a stay, contact this outdoor and indoor kennel at (859) 356-8181.

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