PICA in Dogs: What Every Owner Needs to Know

This article was written in collaboration with Rover, and approved by Lemonade’s favorite Vet Dr. Stephanie Liff. 

Today, your dog has a sock in their mouth… again. Last week it was a rock, the week before that a piece of plastic. If your dog seems determined to snack on everything except their food, you might be dealing with a not-so-rare condition called PICA.

PICA isn’t just a quirky habit: it can become a serious, even life-threatening problem. Not to mention, it can rack up major vet bills. But here’s the good news: understanding what causes PICA and planning for the financial reality can help you protect your dog’s health, and your wallet.

Ready to tackle this head-on? Let’s dig in.

What is PICA?

PICA is a medical term for when dogs compulsively eat non-food items: socks, rocks, paper, toys, you name it. While most puppies explore their world by mouthing objects, dogs with PICA keep going long after the teething phase is over.

Although some breeds like Labradors and other retrieving breeds are especially prone to this condition, PICA can affect any dogs of any breed or age.

What causes PICA?

There’s no single cause for PICA, but it’s most commonly related to either medical issues or behavioral challenges. 

Medical causes of PICA	Behavioral causes of PICA
Nutritional deficiencies from poor-quality dog food or absorption problems	Separation anxiety leading to stress-eating behaviors
Underlying medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or anemia	Attention-seeking when dogs learn that eating inappropriate items gets immediate owner response
Malnutrition that drives dogs to seek nutrients in unusual places	Boredom from lack of mental stimulation or enrichment
Certain medications that affect appetite or behavior	Compulsive disorder similar to human obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) on Rover’s Pet People Panel, emphasizes that understanding the root cause is crucial:

“When dogs eat things they shouldn’t—like rocks, socks, or sticks—it’s often more than just mischief. Pica can be caused by stress, boredom, or even medical issues, so it’s important to dig into the ‘why’ behind the behavior to be able to help your dog move past this.”

– Nicole Ellis (CPDT-KA)

The real risks (and costs) of PICA 

The biggest concern for PICA is that curiosity can become dangerous in a short amount of time. Many dogs who eat non-food items face risks such as:

• Poisoning, which becomes a real threat when they swallow cleaning products, medications, or toxic chemicals
• Cracked teeth and serious gum injuries if your pup is crunching on rocks or other hard materials
• Choking, whether from items too large for their throat or objects that break into sharp, dangerous pieces

The biggest danger? Intestinal blockages from foreign objects that can’t pass through the digestive system naturally. Without urgent treatment, the intestines could rupture, causing severe pain and life-threatening complications.

We pulled real world numbers based on how much Lemonade pet parents claim for intestinal blockages*, and found that the cost of an intestinal blockage surgery can range from approximately $1,600 to $7,500 as of 2025. Here’s what drives these costs: 

Treatment category	Item or procedure	Average cost
Initial Diagnostics	Blood work	$135
	X-rays	$263
	Ultrasound	$333
Pre-surgical Care	IV fluids	$171
	Hospitalization	$200
Surgery	Endoscopy	$1,058
	Exploratory Surgery	$1,314
	Anesthesia	$284
Post-op Care	Pain Medication	$78
	Anti-nausea Medication	$79

​​Dr. Liff stresses just how serious these situations can become:

“Foreign body obstructions aren’t just expensive, they can be life-threatening. While we can often treat straightforward blockages, sometimes swallowed objects perforate the intestinal wall or cause so much damage that the intestines can’t be repaired. 

Prevention is absolutely critical here. For dogs with PICA, I often recommend basket muzzles during outdoor time and thorough puppy-proofing at home. Trust me, preventing these incidents is much better than treating them.”

– Dr. Stephanie Liff

For many families, a single incident can result in thousands of dollars in emergency care on top of emotional distress, underscoring just how serious this condition can be.

How do I know it’s PICA and not just puppy mischief?

Let’s be honest, puppies love tasting the world. But when does exploring become dangerous?

Watch for these symptoms of PICA in dogs:

• Obsessed with eating the same non-food items over and over
• Vomiting after eating something odd
• Losing interest in regular food
• Lethargy or straining during bathroom breaks
• Your dog is past the 6–8 month “puppy” stage

It’s normal for teething pups to get into trouble, but persistent, compulsive eating of non-food things, especially in adult dogs, is a sign to call your vet.

What should I do if my dog has PICA?

Managing PICA takes a game plan: immediate safety, medical workup, behavior tweaks, and daily prevention. We asked Dr. Liff and Nicole Ellis for their best strategies to keep PICA dogs safe.

Make your home a “no-snack” zone 

Start by removing temptation and creating a safer environment for your dog.

• Get on your dog’s level and remove anything tempting like socks, kids’ toys, hair ties, rocks, etc.
• Use baby locks on cabinets and block off problematic rooms or spaces
• Try a basket muzzle if your dog tries to snack on the outside world during walks
• Reinforce “leave it” and “drop it” commands for emergencies

When it comes to toy safety, Dr. Liff emphasizes being selective:

“Choose toys that are too big for your dog to swallow whole, and remember—some dogs simply can’t be trusted alone with any toys. You’ll also want to block access to household hazards like electrical wires, garbage cans, and even the bathroom, where something as simple as hair clogs can become a dangerous obstruction if eaten.”

-Dr. Stephanie Liff

Work with your vet and (maybe) a trainer

Medical or behavioral support can make a big difference for dogs with PICA

• Start with a complete health exam including bloodwork, stool checks, and a thorough review of your pup’s nutrition
• Work with your vet to address deficiencies, health problems, and diet as needed
• Tackle separation anxiety with slow, positive behavior modification
• Add more mental enrichment! Try puzzle feeders, new toys, nosework games, or extra play sessions
• For severe cases? Medication may help, under your vet’s guidance

Prevention tips that really help

Long-term management is all about consistency. These habits can help reduce the risk of future PICA problems:

• Do regular “PICA sweeps” of your home to remove or secure tempting objects
• Switch up your dog’s chew toys weekly so they don’t get bored
• Use puzzle feeders or snuffle mats to make mealtime a fun mental challenge
• Keep up with positive training sessions and schedule a little extra daily one-on-one play

Training plays a crucial role, especially for situations you can’t control. Ellis explains:

“Prevention can be key with PICA—teaching a solid ‘leave it’ and I also love muzzle training to use on walks. A muzzle can give dogs the freedom to explore and sniff while keeping them protected from what we can’t control in the environment. It’s important to train our dogs to feel comfortable to wear a muzzle and not just put it on them.”

– Nicole Ellis (CPDT-KA)

The bottom line? Secure what you can at home, then teach your dog the skills they need for everything else.

How can I manage unexpected vet bills? 

Here’s something most pet parents don’t expect: no matter how carefully you PICA-proof your home, emergencies can still happen. One swallowed sock or garden stone can mean a trip to the emergency vet, and those bills can add up fast. 

Fortunately, Lemonade pet insurance is here to help take the sting out of those sudden expenses if your dog ever needs urgent care for PICA.

Lemonade’s pet insurance provides coverage for diagnostics, treatments, and medications your dog might need for eligible PICA emergencies, such as surgeries to remove swallowed objects or specialized imaging like X-rays and ultrasounds. You can also tailor your policy to cover behavioral therapy and treatments for underlying medical causes, as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition.

If your pup ever needs care after a PICA incident, just visit any state-licensed vet for necessary diagnostics, treatments, and medications. Filing a claim with Lemonade couldn’t be easier, just open the Lemonade app, upload the vet invoice or receipt, and include your pet’s medical records or notes from the visit. If your claim’s approved, the reimbursement goes straight to your bank account. Even better? About 50% of Lemonade pet claims are processed instantly, and 80% are resolved within just five days.

Whether your 6 month-old Shepherd swallows a sock or your senior Lab gobbles a rock, you can breathe easier knowing Lemonade pet insurance has your back.

What should I expect if my dog has PICA?

There may not be a permanent “cure” for PICA but most dogs show real improvement with time, training, and management. Success stories vary:

• Some dogs stop the behavior completely
• Others learn to chew safe toys instead
• Dogs with anxiety-linked PICA often get better as stress is treated
• Medical issues, when found and addressed, can lead to dramatic improvement

In some cases, lifelong management is necessary, and that’s okay. Most dogs with PICA can have happy, healthy lives when their family provides love, structure, and good veterinary care.

Ready to protect your curious pup?

A dog with PICA will test your patience, your home organization, and sometimes your heart. But when you get the right support from your vet, start early with preventive habits, and add financial protection, your dog can live safely and you can have peace of mind.

Want to see how insurance can help? Get a Lemonade quote today. 

*Lemonade Insurance conducted an analysis of claim data to determine the average costs associated with intestinal blockages in dogs as of January, 2025. This analysis is based on Lemonade’s internal data and is meant for illustrative purposes only; costs may vary depending on individual circumstances.

---

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.