How Can I Stop My Dog ​​from Eating Rocks?

Does your dog tend to eat rocks and other objects that are not digestible? Know that this is a disorder with varied causes and that it needs a quick solution to prevent the animal from presenting problems – more or less serious – in its body. In this article, we will teach you how to stop eating rocks.

This canine habit of eating weird things

Dogs, especially when they are still puppies, tend to ingest substances that are extremely unpleasant for us, such as feces, whether from the animal itself or from others.

This type of behavior can be considered normal and fits the desire to explore and know the world that the little ones have.

This habit becomes a problem when it remains over time or when the animal starts chewing stones and other objects that can harm its health.

Know the disorder called pica

Cock, also known as allotriophagy, is an eating disorder that doesn’t just affect dogs. Many animals, and even humans, end up with a compulsive craving for non-food things or substances. Thus, a dog – in addition to pieces of rock, can chew and swallow things like:

• Clothes, especially socks
• Books and magazines
• Tennis and other types of shoes
• paper bags
• Toys
• sand, cement and ash

Possible Reasons for a Dog to Eat Stones

But what makes a dog want to eat rocks? And, in any case, how can we avoid this behavior?

It is believed that by ingesting non-digestible objects, as in the case of grass, the animal is trying to induce vomiting to alleviate some discomfort caused by digestive or kidney problems.

But there may also be other causes for the habit, both physical and psychological. It could be that the dog is trying to get your attention with this kind of attitude.

If you notice that your dog has this strange habit, it is best to consult a veterinarian to find the precise cause and find the best solution for the problem.

What are the consequences of ingesting stones?

Either way, whether for a pathology, simple juvenile curiosity or an occasional mistake, it ‘s best that you watch your dog to prevent him from swallowing rocks or any other potentially dangerous object.

Pieces of rock, especially if they are very large or have spikes, can inflame the dog’s digestive tract. The animal may have no appetite or have diarrhea and gastritis.

In some cases, however, the stones even pierce the intestine, which can lead to death. In others, they can become trapped in the stomach, causing chronic gastritis, requiring surgical intervention to extract the rocks.

Also, chewing these elements wears out and even breaks the dog’s teeth, causing sores in its mouth. When trying to swallow very large objects, the animal also runs the risk of clogging its throat and choking itself.

Advice to stop your dog from eating rocks

Physical causes aside, among the things you can do to keep your pet from eating rocks are:

• Say NO firmly  when you realize he’s going to put something inappropriate in his mouth.
• Avoid games that include these elements. For example: don’t throw stones like balls so that he will fetch them and bring them.
• Paying attention to it helps a lot for the dog to stop eating rocks. If your pet feels ignored or bored, it may start exhibiting strange behaviors to get your attention, such as eating rocks.

• Do not expose him to stressful situations, such as leaving him alone or trapped for a long time, as this can trigger this very dangerous habit of eating non-digestible things.