When food stealing isn’t behavioral

Third in a series

Eating is a self-rewarding behavior, making food stealing difficult to control. Your dog’s counter surfing needs to stop, for sure, but simple prevention may not be the best remedy. If those raids on your kitchen are happening more often they may be driven by a worsening internal disorder. That rapscallion of yours needs a medical evaluation.

Make it clear to the doctor that the rapacious foraging is relatively new. Diagnostic testing for Cushing’s disease (excessive cortisol from the adrenal glands), diabetes, low pancreatic enzymes, or an intestinal disorder may turn out to be life-saving. All of these are treatable but potentially fatal if overlooked. A recent study showed that 78% of dogs with behavior complaints have another medical issue.

Binging and gorging is good fun, in the moment, but devouring a Thanksgiving turkey in just a few bites is dangerous. Poultry bones are thin-walled, ground up into small shards by the molars, and swallowed. Even if fragments don’t get lodged, they irritate the bowel and sometimes form concrete-like blockages in the rectum, causing a dog pain and embarrassment as he strains to defecate. Nobody’s happy including the veterinarian. Removing fecal impactions, much harder in small dogs, has been among my least favorite procedures.

Mammal bones, like pork and beef, are a lot riskier. Chewing with intensity, some dogs fracture their teeth. Others have swallowed chunks of bone that have lodged in their intestines. Sudden onset of lethargy and loss of appetite, with or without vomiting, are serious red flags. Get that pupster to the nearest veterinary clinic fast.

Chewing gum, candy, peanut butter, toothpaste and lots of other prepared products contain a sugar substitute called xylitol. Fine for humans, this ingredient causes a dog’s blood sugar to plunge rapidly while damaging its liver. And don’t leave out raisins or grapes; your dog or cat can suffer severe kidney damage. And don’t offer your dog beer or anything from your liquor cabinet. He may provide tipsy entertainment but alcohol toxicosis can kill. Be especially careful with chocolate, a common cause of seizures and liver damage. Macadamia nuts aren’t your dog’s friend either. Never wait-and-see. Know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility.

Next week: What people food can a dog have?

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 in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.