Toys, junk, and a queasy tummy

Question:

We have a yellow Lab, “Tootsie”. She eats leaves, sticks, and other detritus including rocks, gravel, concrete chips, Hot Wheels and Legos. She minds the command to “Drop” but chews until it goes down the hatch and is seen in her droppings. She’s had diarrhea a few times. She has passed 6″ of nylon leash! Do these habits diminish over time?

Dr. Nichol:

Everything about Tootsie’s behavior is unhealthy. I’ve retrieved a variety of interesting objects from the GI tracts of dogs who’ve made it to my operating table. We see fewer of these cases now; the science has advanced.

Tootsie needs basic obedience training and a dog sport like Agility or Rally to keep her mentally and physically occupied. But even with full time employment she would still find opportunities to bite and swallow whatever she could get into her mouth.

Chewing is expected with teething puppies. It’s normal in adult dog too, a holdover behavior of scavenging from rotting carcasses. Even being the wild beast Tootsie is however, she shouldn’t be swallowing any of this junk. It won’t get better by itself; she needs to see her doctor.

Research has shown that the majority of dogs who swallow non-food items (pica) are chronically nauseated. They may also lick surfaces like floors, skin, clothing or themselves. Helping Tootsie will require more than commanding her to “drop it” or accessorizing her with a basket muzzle. The internal cause of her misery needs to revealed.

Bring a list of your observations to Tootsie’ physical exam. Is she swallowing frequently, lip-licking, burping, or has her breath changed? More belly growls? Vomiting and diarrhea are less common.

A full blood panel, fecal exam, abdominal x-rays and ultrasound, plus endoscopic biopsies are all part of the diagnostic workup that can effective treatment possible. And it’s cheaper than Lego removal surgery. Tootsie will be safer and she’ll lose that queasy belly.

Do they learn from their mistakes? No, they never learn. Dogs with yucky tummies just keep on chewing and swallowing hoping to feel better.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.