Answer

Hello and thanks for researching this very important question!

 

"Pica" is the medical term for ingestion of non-food items.

 

Puppies and dogs that are left outdoors for long periods of time unattended can develop this behavior as a result of boredom and nutritional deficiencies.

 

Adult and older dogs that suddenly become obsessed with eating non-foods are much more likely expressing medical problems, including (but not limited to):

 

1) Cancerous conditions of the digestive organs or blood

 

2) A kind of senility called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

 

3) Diseases that prevent complete absorption of nutrients, such as pancreatic insufficiency, and diabetes

 

4) Certain hormonal imbalances, such as are present in conditions like Addison's Disease

 

5) Any condition that leads to anemia (low blood iron levels)

 

Here are some links that give additional details of these and other illnesses, including other symptoms that accompany the pica:

http://www.cdsindogs.com/

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pica-in-dogs/page1.aspx

http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/canine-leukemia.aspx

 

***I do recommend that you have this Dear Pet evaluated by your regular vet in person so that you can get to the bottom of this behavior as quickly as possible.***

 

If you need additional support at this time, please "Reply", otherwise I thank you in advance for your "Accept" and will be holding a Good Thought for you both.