Your dog will eat all kinds of nasty things, like cat poop and dead animals. But some things are not only disgusting but also very dangerous. If your dog has eaten rocks, you need to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn why dogs eat rocks, why it can be dangerous, and how you can discourage this habit.
A dog will eat rocks for various reasons, such as:
Yes, it is very bad if a dog eats rocks. Rocks can damage your dog’s teeth, gums, and digestive system. Eating rocks can lead to serious problems like choking, perforation in the stomach, and intestinal blockage in dogs. If your dog has swallowed a rock, call the vet immediately. Your dog may need to have x-rays to make sure there are no blockages in the digestive tract.
Dogs frequently eat strange things, including rocks, if they have stomach upset or other digestive problems. The urge to eat non-edible items is believed to be due to the dog’s desire to get relief from digestive discomfort.
The compulsive urge to eat non-food items like rocks, dirt, clothing, etc., is called pica. This can be a medical problem due to nutritional deficiencies. Pica can also be a behavioral issue. Other symptoms of pica include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, straining to pass stools, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
You should consult your vet if you suspect your canine friend has pica. The vet can determine the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. For example, if your dog has nutritional deficiencies, they will guide you in choosing the best foods for your dog. In some cases, the vet may prescribe canine supplements. If behavioral issues are the cause, they will recommend re-training.
As mentioned above, puppies often chew on rocks and other things to get relief from teething pain. Puppies are also exploring their world and will sometimes chew on rocks and swallow them out of curiosity. These behaviors typically stop when a puppy is around 6 months old. However, some dogs do not outgrow chewing behaviors. Early training in puppies can reinforce that this is an undesirable behavior and prevent it from becoming a long-lasting problem.
If your dog eats many small rocks or a large rock, it can cause choking. It can also cause a perforation (hole) in the stomach, allowing stomach contents to leak out and cause a serious infection. A dog eating rocks can also lead to intestinal blockage, which may require surgery to fix.
Food and other items like rocks usually pass through a dog’s digestive tract in 10-24 hours. Small rocks can pass through a dog’s digestive tract without causing any problems. However, there is no way to be sure that a rock will not cause problems. You should take your dog to the vet without delay if you notice he or she has eaten rocks. If your dog starts vomiting or becomes lethargic, take him or her to the emergency vet’s clinic.
To lower the risk of your dog eating rocks, remove as many rocks from your backyard as possible. If your dog has eaten a rock while on his daily walk for example, remove the rock from your dog’s mouth if you can. If your dog has swallowed a rock, take him to the vet. And lastly, if your dog is in the habit of eating rocks, try to find out the root cause of the problem and address it accordingly.
09 January, 2023