If you own a dog, you’ve likely dealt with uninvited chewing. Dogs chew on a plethora of bizarre objects, some of which are hazardous and others of which are just bizarre. If your dog seems to prefer rocks or pebbles as chew toys, you might be one of the owners who wonders why on earth your dog would make that decision. Is your dog the only one who does this, and what’s the appeal of rocks, they’re neither comfortable nor tasty.
The answer to the second question is a definite no. Despite the fact that chewing rocks can be harmful to dogs’ teeth and digestive systems, plenty of dogs do it. Like many other peculiar canine behaviors, the reason for its popularity depends on the dog.
As the owner of a dog who chews rocks, you can begin by determining whether or not your pet is doing so with the intention of consuming the rocks. If so, the dog might suffer from pica, a psychological condition. Pica, a condition that affects both humans and animals, makes people compelled to eat things other than food. In dogs, the preferred item is frequently gravel or rocks. Although pica is the most frequent medical explanation for dogs who eat rocks, it is not the only one. Some dogs will chew and swallow rocks or stones because their bodies perceive them as a good source of the nutrients they are lacking. Others have an intestinal disorder, diabetes, or worms. However, if your dog is simply chewing on rocks rather than consuming them, the cause is almost certainly psychological or emotional. The dog may be trying to vent their frustration or anxiety, but it’s also possible that they are just bored. Many dogs chew on rocks because they feel the need to chew something, but they don’t have the proper chew toys.
Remember that dogs get bored with toys just like human children do. You may be scowling at the idea that your dog doesn’t have enough to chew on while looking around your home. To keep them entertained, they occasionally need toys that are new and different. Toys are no substitute for human attention, however. Even though your dog has a ton of toys, they seem to prefer chewing on rocks, not because they like the taste or texture of them but rather because it makes you angry when they do so. In this situation, chewing may have some advantages, but mainly because it helps to relieve the negative emotions that come with loneliness. The primary issue would still be that your dog needs some quality time with you because she misses you.
Finding the emotional cause of your dog’s rock-chewing may help to change the behavior. Make sure your dog has plenty of chew toys and begin by playing with him or her more during the day. Additionally, keep some on hand so you can switch them out. Many dog owners decide to solve the problem of their dogs chewing on rocks and stones by removing them from their yards. If you can find them all, this might work for you and your dog, but smaller pebbles might be more difficult to pick up. You can use vinegar or a pet repellent spray to cover any remaining rocks, but you must be sufficiently thorough to cover all of the stones in the yard. Your dog will then begin to associate rocks with negative experiences. You might also find it helpful to fence off a space in your yard that is devoid of rocks so that your dog can play there without risking injury.
Work on teaching your dog to say “no” and “leave it” in the interim. So that you can persuade your dog to drop any rocks he or she may encounter while out for a walk, practice with other objects before moving on to rocks. To help your dog learn what is and is not acceptable to chew, you can also make it a point to carry toys with you and replace any rocks that your dog may take. However, if the dog continues to go for the rocks, you might want to try a muzzle.
It is even more crucial for you to stop the behavior if you actually have a rock-eater rather than just a rock-chewer. A rock can be painful and dangerously obstructive because a dog’s system cannot easily pass it. Make an appointment with a vet so they can perform the tests required to ascertain whether your dog has a nutritional deficiency or another underlying medical condition before this occurs. If this is the case, treating the illness will probably stop your dog from wanting to use rocks as self-medication. If your dog is ingesting rocks for no apparent medical reason, the cause is probably pica. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), pica is a compulsive disorder that won’t go away on its own and calls for specialized training. There are professional behaviorists that can help.
Being a dog owner involves protecting your pet from objects that are inappropriate for him or her to chew on or consume. The most crucial thing to keep out of your dog’s curious mouth is a rock because they are one of those things that can really hurt a dog. That doggone habit is pretty dangerous!.
Why rock-eating is dangerous to dogs
Rocks can’t be digested. The rocks can create obstructions in the dog’s digestive tract. Sharp rocks may also cause organ laceration and internal bleeding.
The rocks and gravel the dog consumed were, in the best case scenario, very small. In these circumstances, the dog might simply poop out the rocks because they might just pass through the digestive tract unharmed. This, however, isn’t something you want to leave to chance.
Is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Rocks?
Well, it certainly isn’t ideal! Dangerous, though? That depends. The size, age, and shape of the rock, as well as its composition or any potentially harmful chemicals that may be present on it, such as pesticides, can all have an impact on how dangerous it is for your dog. Allowing your dog to consume rocks has no benefit whatsoever and increases the likelihood of intestinal blockages, internal rupture, internal hemorrhages, poisoning, constipation, and rectal tears. Read on to learn why your dog might eat rocks.
Your Dog Has an Underlying Health Issue
Its not uncommon for dogs to consume odd things, even rocks, when they are feeling an upset stomach or having problems with digestion and are looking for relief. “In general, dogs eating non-food items is most often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort of some sort,” Sinn says.
Eating things that are not considered food, like dirt or rocks, can also indicate that your dogs diet needs adjusting. When a dogs diet is lacking in the vital nutrients they need, they may seek those vitamins and minerals elsewhere. In severe cases, the nutritional deficiencies come from a serious medical issue like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or rickets. Pica, a condition where an animal constantly eats non-food items can result from other medical issues or anxiety and OCD.
These can all become serious conditions that need treatment. The following are indications that your dog’s rock eating is becoming a serious issue:
Call your veterinarian right away if your dog suddenly develops an obsession with eating rocks or if it is accompanied by additional physical or behavioral symptoms like these. You can also speak with a veterinary nutritionist to assist in developing the best diet for your dog after your doctor has ruled out any potential health issues.
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats gravel?
If your dog swallows a rock with protruding edges or the rock is not removed from the stomach, it may cause a perforation in the colon or the stomach.
Why does my dog eat dirt and gravel?
Dogs eat dirt for a number of reasons. Boredom, stress, or the simple smell of something delicious mixed in the mud could all be contributing factors to the desire to eat the soil. But according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it could also be a sign of a underlying medical condition or a lack of adequate nutrition.
What are dogs lacking when they eat rocks?
Another explanation why your dog might be consuming rocks or other inanimate objects is a lack of cognitive stimulation. If your dog lacks the stimulation they require to enjoy life, they may try to find it by chewing on things that aren’t food.