Why Are Dogs Eating Rocks
Dogs have great appetites and these animals have the inclination to eat questionable (at least to us humans) things. Dog experts call this habit of ingesting non-edible things as pica. Dog owners are aware of the pets inclination to eat non-edible things but they can’t help but be exasperated if the pet eats disgusting things. One of the non-edible things that dogs love to eat are rocks.
Puppies are more inclined to eat rocks. Because puppies are very curious, they investigate anything they find interesting by using their mouths. The hard rock will be chewed by the pup as if it were a fruity bubble gum. This habit of eating rocks though can have dangerous repercussion on the health 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 blockage in the throat or on the intestinal tract that can be created if a large piece of rock is swallowed can be the cause of death of the pet.
Dogs are voracious and indiscriminate eaters. We also know that man’s best friends can develop hazardous and socially unacceptable behaviors. The dog’s habit of eating rocks will still puzzle a lot of pet owners. This undesirable habit can be attributed to a medical concern such as brain diseases. However if medical conditions are ruled out, a dog owner has to think about behavioral concerns.
Boredom, anxiety or stress can entice a dog to gnaw and to ingest rocks. Dogs are social animals thus they would crave social interactions with dogs and with humans. Dogs that do not get any attention from the family will be bored. Bored dogs will develop destructive behaviors. Eating rocks is a sign that the dog is bored. The habit of eating rocks can be the dog’s way of attracting the master’s attention.
Humans would need to have various laboratory tests to know what is wrong with their body. Dogs don’t need any of these test as these animals can recognize what is wrong with their system. A nutrient deficient diet will entice a dog to eat rocks in an effort to correct the imbalance. The rock eating habit can be a wake up call for the dog owner not only to provide the dog with premium quality dog food but also to make time to bond with the dog.
Learn more about why dogs eat rocks, first aid for dogs and other interesting dog behaviours.
