My dog ate pine needles and sticks. Why is he gagging and drooling?

Question

Took my 3 year old 70lb dog on a hike with my boyfriend today. He suddenly started eating pine needles, sticks, leaves and snow. He NEVER does this. Likes to chew sticks when we are taking a break. He had a lot of clean water, was going to the bathroom normally. When we got home fed dinner with rice. About 2 hours later he is salivating a lot (never does only for dinner sometimes). Licking his front paws and gagging every now and then. Concerned, looked in mouth and found nothing. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

This eating all sorts on non-food items is called "pica". There has been same research into this and the results were that in many cases dogs who show this behavior have gastrointestinal problems. Actually the salivating would signify nausea, possibly a reaction to the pine needles, and the gagging as well. Take your dog off all food until tomorrow. Make sure he has fresh water available. If he is better tomorrow morning do the following: Put Ren on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the vomiting or if the vomiting increases, or if your dog gets lethargic, or is not better in the morning, he needs to see a veterinarian/PetER for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

My dog ate pine needles and sticks. Why is he gagging and drooling?

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