Reasons Why Dogs Eat Rocks

Dog owners would know that apart from being good eaters, dogs have the unaccountable inclination to eat repulsive things. Dog experts call this habit of ingesting non-edible things as pica. Eating non-edible items is a normal behavior of dogs but dog owners would still be puzzled by this behavior more so if the pet is provided with enough food. Rocks are one of the non-food items that are eaten by dogs.

Rock chewing is more common in puppies. Puppies are naturally inquisitive and one way of discovering their world is by using their mouth. The hard rock will be chewed by the pup as if it were a fruity bubble gum. The habit of eating rocks can endanger the life of the pet. Because rocks are hard, the teeth as well as the soft tissues inside the mouth can be damaged. The delicate digestive tract of the dog is not built to digest the hard rock thus ingestion can result to diarrhea. A rock can get lodged in the dog’s esophagus or in the intestinal tract and create a life threatening obstruction.

We know that dogs are voracious eaters. Pet owners would do anything to have the most well behaved pet but of course this is not possible as dogs are known to adapt dangerous and abhorrent behaviors. Dog owners will still be perplexed by the dog’s craving for rocks. A brain disease can be one of the reasons why the dog eats rocks. If an underlying medical concern was ruled out, the rock eating habit of the pet can be attributed to behavioral problems.

The dog’s propensity to eat rocks can be caused by boredom, anxiety or stress. Dogs would always love to get the attention of the family because these are social animals. If contact with humans or with other animals are not provided the dog will be bored. The unacceptable behaviors of dogs can be associated with boredom. Eating rocks is a manifestation that the dog is bored. This behavior can also be the dog’s way of getting the owner’s attention.

For proper diagnosis, humans have to have a series of laboratory tests. Dogs really do have amazing abilities, one of which is knowing what is wrong with their system. Rock eating can be the dog’s way of correcting an undiagnosed nutrient deficiency. The habit of eating rocks can be the dog’s way of calling the master’s attention to the nutrient deficient diet or to the attention that is being missed by the dog.

Learn more about why dogs eat rocks, first aid for dogs and other interesting dog behaviours.

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