Why is My Dog Obsessed With Pine Cones?
Pine cones are often used as teething toys, but a more interesting question is: Why is my dog obsessed with pinecones? There are several reasons, including their high availability and fun-to-chase-ability. However, if your dog is regularly eating inedible objects, they might be suffering from a condition known as pica. Pica is a type of abnormal appetite in dogs, which can have many underlying causes.
It’s fun to chase
There’s nothing quite like chasing pinecones! Whether you’re a toddler or an adult, you’ll love this outdoor activity! Kids love collecting pine cones, and crafts and art enthusiasts don’t miss out on this fun activity. Here’s a fun way to get your kids into the spirit of hunting down the perfect pine cone. And it’s also great for your wallet!
It’s a choking hazard
If you’ve ever purchased a dog toy, you probably know that small pieces can become a choking hazard if your dog swallows them. Dogs explore the world around them through taste and smell. Consequently, your puppy may try to eat the parts of the toy or put them in its mouth out of curiosity. Unfortunately, these tiny pieces can cause damage, including abrasions.
Other choking hazards include sticks, tennis balls, and steak bones. These are all dangerous for your dog, and they must be removed immediately. Even toys that look fun to play with should be taken away immediately. Similarly, tennis balls, sticks, and small balls can be dangerous to your dog if they get caught and swallowed. Be sure to supervise your dog whenever he or she is chewing so they don’t accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t.
Once your dog has gotten something into its mouth, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver. This is a technique used by trained veterinarians to rescue dogs from choking. If you can’t get the object out on your own, you can always try to use a helper or get a veterinarian to remove it. When in doubt, you should open the mouth and try to grab the object with your fingers.
It’s toxic
While your dog probably won’t get a fatal reaction from eating pine cones, they can still be dangerous to your pet. Pine trees are not directly toxic to dogs, but their oils and sap are toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists these pine cones as potentially toxic, and says that accidents involving pine cones often occur around Christmas, when real trees are used in Christmas decorations. You should also be aware of any trees with pinecones in them, as some of them have a pronounced odor that can cause serious gastrointestinal upset.
The most common signs of poisoning from pine cones are vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog starts vomiting and having abdominal pain, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Your dog may have accidentally swallowed pine cones while consuming them. However, the symptoms will last for only a couple of days. If your dog isn’t experiencing these symptoms, you should take your dog to the veterinarian.
In some cases, dogs may be obsessed with pine cones because they are edible. Pine cones are popular teething toys. However, the toxicity of pine cones is a different story altogether. If you notice your dog chewing on pine cones, he or she may be suffering from pica, an abnormal appetite. There are many underlying reasons for this behavior in dogs.
