Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks? And What to Do About It.
Rocks are one of the most dangerous things for canine companions. The consequences of rock-eating include intestinal blockages or perforated stomachs and choking.
Rocks can cause damage to their teeth, gums, and digestive system. These tips will help you to prevent or stop your dog from engaging in this destructive behavior.
Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks?
Rock eating could be a sign of a mental, emotional, or behavioral problem.
Pica is a disorder in which a dog eats non-edible items obsessively. It usually arises from a nutritional deficit. Undiagnosed medical conditions may also be present in other dogs, such as diabetes or parasites or worms, and tumors. In an attempt to relieve teething pain, puppies may chew, bite, or swallow rocks.
It can also be a sign of attention-seeking. Dogs can also be anxious, frustrated, annoyed, or even angry.
The dog trainer Mindy Tusko said that dogs are going to explore the world around them and she feels like a human baby.
Dogs and including puppies may be attracted to rocks because they are curious. They can also taste different objects to gain a better understanding of their surroundings. The attraction can also be influenced by the way rocks are smelled.
You might be noticing that your dog has grown tired of the same toys and routines that they have been participating in.
” Boredom is a problem,” Tusko said. “One reason that we find dogs eating rocks is that they have nothing to do.”
Dogs are intelligent and require constant stimulation. Dogs can get bored with their chew toys in the same way as human children. Therefore, it is important to rotate chew toys and give them new ones.
How can I get my dog to stop eating rocks?
This is the first step in stopping dangerous behavior. This is how dogs and puppies can be taught to “leave” and “drop” the dangerous habit.
Tusko said, “Those [commands] can be so very beneficial.” It could save the lives of the dogs.
Dogs learn to release rocks safely from their mouths by using the “drop it!” command. The “leave them it” command encourages dogs to stop eating rocks.
Tusko stated, “Proper training must begin pretty much immediately after you get the puppy.”
Tell your four-legged friend to stop munching with a calm, firm tone. If they are interested in getting their noses close to rocks, you can use “leave them it” instead. You can cause them to swallow the rock if you shout at them. You can reward them with a treat or a toy. Dogs can be rewarded with verbal or physical praise, as well as treats. Pets can tell your pet they have made the right decision by giving them hugs, belly rubs, and compliments.
Tusko said, “Your love and affection are a very high reward to a dog.”
Dogs will be able to understand commands and have a better time dropping rocks or ignoring them. This will make it easier to avoid expensive and serious health issues.
You can prevent boredom from becoming a problem by increasing your dog’s daily exercise and playing time. Go on long walks or play fetch and tug-of-war with your dog.
Rock-eating can also be a way to get attention. So make sure you have some time for bonding with your dog through a shared activity. Dog sports such as Herding and Agility are great for providing both mental stimulation and physical stimulation. Working together in a program such as Canine Good Citizens (CGC) will help your dog learn basic obedience lessons and get more attention from you. To get started with dog sports or training classes, contact your AKC club.
Dogs may enjoy chewing rocks outdoors if they are bored or trying to get your attention. To keep them busy and occupied, you can provide them with chew toys outside. Dogs that like to chew rocks left out in the yard or dog park need to be watched at all times.
What to do if your dog eats rocks?
Your veterinarian should be notified if your dog eats rocks. To determine if your furry friend is suffering from an underlying condition or nutritional problem, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam. Your veterinarian will recommend special diets, medication, or advice if the behavior is due to a medical condition.
After any medical issues have been excluded, it is time to address behavioral problems. You can try any of these tips and then consult a trainer to learn obedience classes. Your dog undergo specialized training.
Dogs are notorious for eating things that aren’t food. Socks and underwear, toys, jewelry, accessories, ponytail holders, furniture… you get the idea. Rocks are a common non-food item that dogs consume. We find it odd that our dog will eat rocks. It seems like a strange thing to observe. Do you have to be concerned about your dog consuming rocks? How can you stop your dog from eating rocks?
Do Dogs Eat Rocks Dangerously?
It’s not ideal, but it is! Dangerous, though? It depends. It all depends on the dog’s age, size, shape, and composition. It is not a good idea to allow your dog to eat rocks. This can cause intestinal blockage or internal hemorrhage, poisoning, and constipation. Continue reading to learn more about the possible reasons your dog might eat rocks.
1. Malnutrition
Did you know that dogs don’t need to be overweight to be malnourished? Malnutrition refers to a dog’s nutritional needs being not met. If your dog is overweight, it can still be malnourished. Regularly evaluate the type and quality of the food your dog is eating to make sure it’s still providing for their needs.
Dog malnutrition is usually caused by starvation. People often cook for their dogs or feed them raw food without knowing what nutrition is required. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist if you are interested in changing the diet of your dog.
2. Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies can occur in many ways. Vitamin deficiencies often go hand in hand with malnutrition. Some dogs can experience vitamin deficiencies due to illness or other diseases. Diarrhea, for example, can lead to nutrient deficiency by preventing the body from absorbing all necessary vitamins as food is consumed. Vitamin absorption can also be blocked by certain types of cancer.
3. Parasites
Dogs can be susceptible to internal parasites, which can lead to them wanting to eat non-food items such as rocks. The parasites can block nutrient absorption in the dog’s stomach. Parasite-infested dogs who eat rocks often suffer from vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. This is how it all links.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to your dog eating rocks because of excessive hunger or nutritional deficiencies. Diabetes is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as excessive water intake and frequent urination. A vet visit is recommended if you suspect your dog might have diabetes.
5. Anemia
Anemia can result from many things. Iron deficiency is the most likely cause of your dog’s inability to eat rocks and other strange things. Anemia Iron deficiency can occur from any type of blood loss. This could be acute or chronic. Because iron is essential for the body’s ability to transport oxygen within the red blood cells, it is vital. In an effort to make up for the iron deficiency, your dog may start to seek out mineral-based items, such as dirt and rocks.
6. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress can be caused by fear, change, or negative interactions. Your dog may start to eat rocks to soothe anxiety or stress. You can determine the reason your dog is eating rocks when it becomes anxious.
7. Pica
Pica can be described as a medical condition in which animals or people eat non-food items. Pica can also have a psychological component. Pica can be caused by your dog eating rocks. However, there aren’t always medical or behavioral reasons for pica. Sometimes your dog might just be eating rocks or have undiagnosed pica.
8. Confusion
You may notice your dog eating rocks if they are confused due to old age, medical conditions, or medication. Your dog may be eating rocks because its brain has decided that eating them is a good idea. You should immediately take your dog to the vet if they suddenly seem confused.
9. Boredom
Dogs that are bored become destructive. Dog ownership is not complete without keeping your dog entertained and active. Dogs may become bored by eating rocks, although this is more common among puppies and young dogs. Your dog should be provided with new toys and games as well as daily exercise. To prevent boredom, you may need to start participating in dog sports.
10. Teething
Puppy babies are just like human babies. They love to put anything and everything in their mouths. Sometimes they do this because they are exploring the world around them. A puppy that eats rocks may be a sign your puppy is teething. Talk to your vet if your dog is feeling uncomfortable. Teething is normal and something you can’t do.
11. Attention Seeking
Dogs can be extremely intelligent. Dogs may seek attention by eating inappropriate foods, such as rocks, whether your dog is manipulative or just wants to be with you all the time. Your dog may start eating rocks if they notice that you are suddenly paying more attention to them.
These are the 5 Ways to Stop Dogs From Eating Rocks
1. Make Alterations
Modifying the area so your dog is not allowed to eat rocks is one of the best ways to stop your dog from eating them. This is not possible if the dog is eating rocks from the neighbor’s yard or park. However, if your dog enjoys chewing on rocks in your yard or garden, changing the area can quickly stop the behavior.
2. Talk to your vet
A vet visit is necessary if your dog suddenly becomes a rock-eater. A vet can help rule out any medical conditions and identify behavioral or psychological reasons that may be behind the behavior. Rock eating can cause serious health problems, so it is important to consult your vet before trying to get your dog to stop eating stones.
3. Behavior modification
Behavior modification training is an effective method to end your dog’s rock-eating behavior. Depending on the skills of your dog and your training methods, positive reinforcement or balanced training can be used to stop your dog from eating rocks. Talk to a veterinarian or dog trainer if you are unsure how to get your dog to stop eating stones.
4. Muzzle Training
Because of their appearance, muzzles are often criticized. A well-fitting muzzle can help with a variety of problems, including reactivity and eating rocks. It is important to choose a muzzle that is comfortable for your dog. Muzzle training can be a slow process. Your dog should have enough space to poop, drink water, and, for training purposes, receive treats. While a muzzle should never be left unattended on your dog, it can be used to prevent your dog from eating rocks during walks.
5. Pay Attention
This sounds easy, but we often overlook it. If your dog is constantly eating rocks when you allow him to play in the yard, you should go out with him and try to stop the behavior. You will learn more about the reason your dog is acting this way if you pay more attention to it. You and your dog will be successful in stopping rock-eating.
Conclusion
Dogs that eat rocks may indicate serious health problems. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is safe from any potential dangers. Rock eating can be caused by psychological, behavioral, and medical conditions.
It is important to keep track of all your dog’s behavior, including rock eating. Sometimes there is no cause and you will have to work together with your dog to eliminate the behavior. You can help your dog avoid making bad decisions by modifying its behavior and muzzle training.
Further Reading: