Why do dogs eat rocks?

Answer 1

dogs are curiouse. they wonder what everything is. there like kids,,they don't know until they try it. its sometimes kinda funny but they will learn when they do it.

Because there hungry!

Answer 2

Not really! Regarding the gravel chewing, it sounds as if he is displaying the telltale signs of a condition known as "pica." Experts define pica as eating "non-food" items. Oddly, rocks are frequently the item of choice for dogs. Pica can be very dangerous, so you are correct to remove the rocks from your dog's mouth. Your pup is at risk for suffering severe - potentially deadly - intestinal damage. An ingested rock may cause a blockage that requires surgery. Keep a close eye on him; if he stops eating or going to the bathroom, vomits, becomes dehydrated or suddenly loses weight, seek medical attention right away. Chewing rocks will also cause severe damage to his teeth, and he could cut the inside of his mouth.
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According to Arizona Humane Society Chief Veterinarian Kathleen Croteau, the exact cause of pica is a bit of a mystery. Specific to rock chewing, many suspected that it stemmed from a mineral deficiency in the dog's diet; however, that explanation has never been proven. These days, Croteau said, the cause is thought to be behavioral and may even signal an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

"Pica may be the result of anxiety," Croteau said. "It's no different than a person displaying a nervous habit. The problem is that a rock-chewing habit is not safe."

Some dogs may respond to training, attention or exercise to curb the habit. For example:


• If the rock chewing stems from boredom, your dog will benefit by getting plenty of daily exercise and having "fun" and "stimulating" projects to occupy his time.


• Consider purchasing a doggie toy that has openings in it to hide peanut butter or small pieces of kibble. Your dog will have to "work" to get the yummy treats out.


• If he enjoys the company of other dogs, consider adopting a playmate for him.


• When possible, include him in your family "pack." Walk him, talk to him, brush him and allow him to spend quality time with your family. Isolating him will only worsen the problem.


• Consider a "diversion tactic" by giving him something else to chew. Pet product retailers offer a variety of hard-rubber dog toys that are virtually indestructible. These toys are made specifically for the dog who loves, or needs, to chew.

Unfortunately, many dogs with pica are fixated on a particular object and will chew only that object. And training does not always work. If that's the case, it's up to you to create a safe environment for him.

"In cases where a pet is focused on one particular item, the best bet is to remove that item from his environment and prevent him from coming into contact with that type of item," Croteau said.

Depending on the amount of gravel in your yard, you may consider removing some or all of it and replacing it with grass. If you aren't ready to re-landscape your yard, you'll need to keep your dog indoors. Be prepared to supervise all of his outdoor excursions.

Finally, talk to a professional behaviorist and consult your veterinarian. A behaviorist can assist you with training issues. Your veterinarian should do a complete examination and blood work to rule out a possible underlying medical condition. In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to reduce your pet's anxiety level.

Answer 3

Some dogs will just like to chew on rocks. I don't believe it has anything to do with a diet deficiency or the nursing. I have a litter that is four years old now. They have all been on several different foods over those four years and all been raised in the same environment. One dog of the four loves to eat stones which worries me to no end as I have read of dogs with blocked intestines from this very thing. She seems to know what rocks are small enough to pass but I still don't like it. Trying to limit their access to rocks can help but short of a concrete floor I'm not sure how that can be effectively done. This particular dog that I have will dig until she finds rocks if there are not any on the surface.

Answer 4

Puppies will eat just about anything because they are babies and they don't know any better. Especially while they are teething, they will try to eat anything they can get in their mouths, which is why you have to be especially vigilant and protect them from things that can harm them.

Answer 5

Dogs sometimes eat stones because they have a mineral deficiency, or it could just be plain boredom or curiosity (especially if the dog is still a puppy.) To get your dog to stop, you could cover the stones with vinegar (most dogs don't like vinegar) or salt. There are also some sprays you can buy from pet shops that could help.

Answer 6

procrastinators welcome to another answer by fourpara! dogs eat stones because ryan touches himself at night

Answer 7

My dog does it to get my attention to either play and chase with me or purely to really badly annoy me. It's usually the last one though, for him.