C9: Feeding & Elimination Behaviour

Question 1

What 5 main problems stem from eating behaviours?

Answer 1

1. Obesity
2. Anorexia
3. Coprophagy
4. Pica
5. Destructive chewing

Question 2

What are a few reasons why obesity is common in pets?

Answer 2

• Number of fat cells inherited, genetics
• Over-eating due to highly palatable food
• Feeding tables scraps and high caloric treats
• Lack of exercise
• Behavioural problems, like food guarding
• Medical condition, like hypothyroidism

Question 3

What is coprophagy?

Answer 3

The ingestion of feces

Question 4

What is pica?

Answer 4

The consumption of unnatural articles of food, e.g. rocks

Question 5

What is the typical equation for how long a puppy can hold their elimination?

Answer 5

Age in months + 1 hour = hours the pup can hold urine/feces