Cocker Spaniel Puppy Eating Stones? All Answers

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former vet assistant who works with some of the best vets in the world.

Find out why dogs tend to eat rocks.

Why do dogs eat stones?

It is not uncommon for dogs to eat rocks. It’s more common in puppies who, just like babies, are more oral and therefore like to put things in their mouths to explore. As puppies grow, they eventually become bored with this behavior as they become more interested in other things like pee mail, rabbit droppings, and tasty blades of grass to feed on.

As funny as it may seem to see a dog eating stones, problems begin when stones are swallowed whole and are too large to pass through the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to complications that can become serious.

The indigestible consequences

It is never ideal for your pup to eat stones, especially if they are disproportionate to your dog’s size. A large rock trying to get through a small dog’s stomach will cause a lot more problems than a small rock going through a large pooch’s digestive tract.

If a stone gets lodged somewhere in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, it can potentially lead to what’s known as canine blockage, which often requires costly surgery and potentially long recovery times. Left untreated, blockages can cause the dog to stop eating, vomit repeatedly, and even die.

Now you may be lucky and your pup will either vomit up the rock or it will pass the next time he poops. But there is a very real chance that the stone will lodge in your dog’s intestines.

That sounds scary and is certainly not something you should avoid. If your pup hasn’t passed a rock that you know he’ll eat within a day or so, make an appointment with your veterinarian. You may need x-rays, contrast studies and possibly even surgery to ensure the safe removal of any foreign objects in your pup.

Hard on a dog’s teeth

In addition to the risk of intestinal blockages, you need to consider risks to your dog’s teeth. Chewing on rocks and other very hard objects can wear down and even break a dog’s teeth, sometimes requiring dental surgery.

Not all stone eating is created equal

Additionally, not all stone eating behaviors are created equal in dogs. If you find them doing this repeatedly or expressing a compulsion to chew stones, you should seek help from your veterinarian as this could progress from a boring boredom to a more complex condition.

So a dog that eats rocks should not be underestimated or taken lightly. The best way to deal with this problem is to figure out why a dog eats rocks in the first place.

Most dogs are drawn to stones simply because they like the texture and feel of them in their mouth.

Reasons Dogs Eat Stones

If you’ve noticed your pup sniffing around in the grass and walking away with a mouth full of rocks, rest assured you’re not alone. Well, while we’re not puppy mind readers, we can at least deduce some of the reasons for these whimsical behaviors by studying our pooch’s body language and other behaviors to get an idea of ​​why your puppy or dog is engaging in this activity . So let’s take a closer look at why stones attract your dog like magnets.

The phase of the curious puppy

Young dogs don’t know any better when it comes to engaging in behaviors that you find inappropriate for your pooch. They haven’t been around long enough to get the hang of it and understand what’s expected of them. And when they’re particularly young, they’re just learning about the world.

Just as a baby puts everything in their mouths to learn what it is and whether it’s food or a toy, puppies go through an “oral” stage that is very similar.

You will therefore find them carrying around stones and other small objects and chewing on them to learn. Typically, dogs will outgrow this phase as they develop and find other more fascinating things to chew on.

A matter of texture

Most dogs are drawn to stones simply because they like the texture and feel of them in their mouth. These dogs enjoy chewing on rocks and feeling the click of rocks against their teeth. Just like some people like to crunch on ice. Rock eating in dogs is therefore a very tactile activity.

Liberation from boring times

Dogs are active creatures by nature and breeding (after all, depending on your dog’s breed, they may have been conditioned to hunt, guard, or herd). So if they don’t get a lot of mental and physical stimulation, they may feel compelled to engage in behaviors that you may not want.

Of course, one of these activities can be rock chewing. Now, not all dogs will take to swallowing them, but as mentioned earlier, many dogs enjoy the sensation of the rocks grinding against their teeth and will therefore reach for a rock to chew on whenever they can.

A natural instinct

Although dogs are domesticated, they often perform behaviors reminiscent of their ancestors’ past. Although we feed them from bags and wear rhinestone collars, dogs remain animals with strong hunting, tracking and exploring instincts as part of their prey drive.

Stone chewing, in particular, stems from the “completing” phase of predatory behavior, Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman in the book: The Well-Adjusted Dog, Dr. Dodman’s 7 Steps to Lifelong Health and Happiness for Your Best Friend.

A Pica thing

If your pooch is no longer a puppy and has enough mental and physical activity throughout the day, but is still chewing and eating rocks, pebbles, or gravel, he may be trying to alleviate one of several disorders.

One of them is a disease called pica. This condition, which incidentally also exists in humans, drives the consumer behavior of non-food items. This can range from rocks to all sorts of other objects that you don’t want your pup (or people) to eat.

If you suspect this might be the case with your pup, make an appointment with your veterinarian to break this bad habit. Your pup may be trying to supplement their iron intake by eating stones if they have an underlining deficiency in their diet.

Other medical problems

Just as some dogs frantically munch on grass, some dogs seek to ingest rocks to relieve stomach pain caused by a whole host of conditions, from parasites to colitis to inflammatory bowel syndrome. So again, a vet visit would be important to rule out this possibility.

Eating stones can lead to a visit to the emergency doctor.

Help! My dog ​​just ate a rock; What should I do?

If your dog has just eaten a rock, you may be wondering if you should induce vomiting in your dog. veterinarian dr ChristianK. warns that there are dangers to do so, considering rocks can cause serious damage when brought up.

If your dog has just eaten a rock, Dr. Christian suggests feeding the dog his normal dog food mixed with canned pumpkin. The fiber in the pumpkin provides bulk and helps the stone pass through the intestines.

Signs of intestinal obstruction in dogs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. With a plain x-ray, the stone should show up very well on an x-ray.

How to prevent your puppy or dog from eating stones

Let’s quickly recap some of the main causes of stone eating and share some tips on how to make sure your pup isn’t searching for inanimate objects.

If you have a very young puppy, eating and chewing on rocks is part of his development as he uses his mouth to learn about the world. Typically, as they mature, they outgrow this oral stage and lose interest in eating stones. You can also consider getting them a chew toy with an interesting texture to give them another option to chew.

Dog boredom can lead to many undesirable behaviors. If your pup lacks proper stimulation throughout the day and is kept both mentally and physically busy, they may be more inclined to chew stones. Make sure you give them enough attention and make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied.

Your pup may suffer from disorders such as pica if he is constantly looking for and eating rocks and other non-food items.

You may also find that they eat stones to relieve stomach pain. In any case, see your veterinarian or a behavioral specialist immediately to control the behavior and treat any underlying medical conditions.

Keep an eye on your fur baby if you notice he’s eating stones and he hasn’t vomited it up or pooped it out relatively soon after ingestion. It may be that the stone has become lodged in his intestinal tract and will require medical attention to remove it and ensure your pooch has as little permanent damage as possible.

If you must leave your dog unattended for an extended period of time, making sure he is in an enclosed area with no access to rocks or other objects that you would rather not eat can help curb this behavior.

Before letting your dog loose in your yard, go to the rock inspection to make sure you are not leaving your dog with any accessible rocks.

While training your pup in general, you can teach him commands like “drop it” or “let it lie” to ensure he doesn’t pick up or keep any unwanted items.

If your dog is swallowing stones, it may be necessary to keep your dog on a basket muzzle.

An alternative to the basket muzzle is the Outfox® Field Guard. This is a nylon mesh product that covers the dog’s entire head. Of course, it’s breathable and its black coloring helps dogs stay cool.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

© 2020 Adrian Farricelli

Heidi Thorne from the Chicago area on September 08, 2020:

We had a few stone chewers. But sticks seem to be of more interest. From what I observed, it was more out of curiosity.

I think the rocks that are more of a concern are small pea gravel. You can swallow large amounts of it. That’s why we used river rock in our landscaping. It’s hard to swallow!

Great tips as always!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on 09/06/2020:

Thank you for sharing this information. The facts are very important for people with a dog in the family to know.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on 09/06/2020:

Of all the dogs my parents had and the ones my husband and I had, none have ever eaten rocks. Dogs eating rocks is new to me! At least with this article you point out what to look out for, possible reasons and solutions.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on 09/06/2020:

Hi Liz, your neighbor was lucky the lab would rather wear rocks than eat them! Labs are one of those breeds that we used to see more often at the vet because of swallowing things.

FlourishAnyway from the USA on 09/05/2020:

Omg this just taught me so much about how unqualified I am to own a dog! I have cats and dogs are cute but so different. They are like children.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on September 05, 2020:

A former neighbor of ours had a black lab who didn’t eat rocks but always carried them around!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on 09/05/2020:

Hi Rochelle, your friend’s strategy of keeping the dog’s mouth occupied with a tennis ball is a great way to prevent the dog from eating rocks.

Rochelle Frank from California Gold Country on 09/05/2020:

My friend had a dog that ate rocks. They had to keep the yard clear of stones, and when they went for a walk they always put a tennis ball in his mouth.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on 09/05/2020:

I didn’t know dogs eat rocks. I’ve had a few dogs over the years but I never knew they ate rocks. This is a very well written, interesting article.

Most dog owners are used to their dog constantly licking and eating things.

However, this habit can turn into a tragic accident if your dog accidentally swallows a rock. And the worst part is that neither you nor your dog will see it coming.

So what should you do if your dog eats a rock? Try to get your dog to throw up the stone within the first two hours. If the stone doesn’t come out, look for symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Although your dog will likely survive this dangerous situation, it’s important to ensure the scenario doesn’t repeat itself.

To find out how, read on!

My dog ​​ate a stone – what to do?

The first few hours after your dog swallows a stone are the most critical. During this time, you need to keep a close eye on their activities and watch for any signs of discomfort.

There are three ways this situation is likely to play out:

Your dog will vomit up the stone. The stone will pass through his digestive tract. The stone will clog his intestines

A gut blockage is the last thing you want, but you should probably be prepared to deal with it, as stones can be difficult to eject. In this case, your dog’s life is in danger and he needs immediate veterinary treatment.

Your priority should be to help your dog vomit the stone. After swallowing, the stone remains in your dog’s stomach for two hours and can be pulled out by vomiting. However, we only recommend this step if you feel confident with the procedure. Make sure you’ve given your dog a meal of wet or dry food beforehand to make it easier for him to puke on the rock.

But if two hours have passed since your dog ate the stone, it’s probably already on its way to the intestines. This is the most critical phase as there is a high probability that the stone is causing some kind of blockage in the intestinal tract. When this happens, your dog will show the following symptoms:

1. Vomiting

As long as the stone is in your dog’s stomach, it will behave normally. But once it starts passing through the intestines and gets stuck, your dog’s natural vomiting instincts will kick in to expel the foreign object.

Track how often your dog throws up. A blockage in the intestines can make your dog vomit up to 20 times a day, depending on the size of the stone. Most of the time they just spit out stomach acid. They have to examine this vomit with a stick or staff to see if they vomited the rock or not.

2. Refusal to eat or drink

Refusing food and water is a dead sign of a major digestive problem. A healthy dog ​​will eat an entire bowl of food in minutes. But the stomach pain and constant nausea from an intestinal blockage will significantly reduce a dog’s appetite and desire to eat or drink.

To test this, leave the food and water outside for a few hours. You can also try hand feeding your dog some treats or kibble. If they refuse to eat or try to break it out right away, there’s a good chance the stone is blocking your dog’s intestinal tract.

3. Lethargy or distress

Most owners notice when their dog seems to have less energy than usual. An intestinal obstruction can cause vomiting and even disrupt blood flow to some organs, which can make your dog lethargic and easily distressed.

If your dog feels down and lethargic a few hours after eating a stone, the stone is likely blocking his digestive tract.

Veterinary help wanted

The presence of just one of the above symptoms should be enough to prompt you to take your dog to the vet immediately. Left untreated, an intestinal obstruction can stop blood flow to the surrounding tissues and, in the worst-case scenario, kill your dog within 3-4 days.

That’s why it’s important to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any of the three symptoms. A vet will perform a full body exam to assess your dog’s health and then decide to do an x-ray or endoscopy.

After analyzing the size of the stone and the exact location where it is stuck, your veterinarian will decide how to proceed. They either allow the stone to pass naturally or perform a gastrotomy and remove the blockage manually. This depends on whether the rock causes a partial or full occlusion and whether it could later get stuck down in the small intestine.

Surgery is often necessary in these situations, but usually has a favorable outcome if the dog is operated on in a timely manner. After the procedure, you will need to take your dog for some post-surgery check-ups, and your vet will prescribe some antibiotics to prevent infection.

Why Dogs Eat Rocks

Your dog eating a rock is a situation you probably don’t want. Aside from the immense stress the whole scenario causes, the cost of the surgery is also likely to put a big dent in your pocket. So how do you keep your dog from eating rocks again? And why would dogs eat something as disgusting as a rock anyway?

There are only three reasons for this behavior: dietary, behavioral, and psychological. Here they are all explained in detail:

1. Lack of nutrition

Nutrient deficiencies due to a poor diet can cause dogs to exhibit a behavior known as pica. It encourages dogs to eat non-edible objects like rocks as well as fabric, plastic, wood and other unconventional objects.

This condition is of concern as it can also lead to other life-threatening situations like choking, poisoning, and serious gastrointestinal problems if a dog gets things like medication or batteries in their paws.

2. Boredom

Dogs are curious creatures who use their gifted sense of smell to explore the world. But sometimes their nose can mislead them or even get them into trouble. If they smell an object out of boredom, the dog will try to taste or even eat the object out of curiosity.

This is a very dangerous habit and will encourage your dog to eat potentially dangerous objects on a regular basis. Because of this, most dogs that come to vet clinics for intestinal obstruction have multiple stones in their bodies that they have used up over time.

3. Attention

Dogs crave more attention from their owners compared to other pets. Some breeds have a larger appetite for attention, so being constantly ignored or not getting enough socialization can cause them a lot of stress, separation anxiety, and frustration.

If they go unnoticed for too long, your dog will develop pica and start eating unusual objects like rocks, dirt, and plastic.

How to teach your dog not to eat rocks

Luckily, with some training and reinforcement, you can break your dog’s habit of eating rocks and other dangerous objects for good. You must also make your home safe for your dog and remove any dangerous objects that could tempt him. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your dog never eats a rock again:

1. Obedience Training

Training of all kinds is essential for dogs. But obedience training in particular can go a long way in protecting them from potentially fatal situations. Some basic obedience commands that every dog ​​must be familiar with are “stop,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “leave it.”

Ideally, since these are puppies, a dog should begin training and becoming accustomed to these commands. But if you missed the window, with persistence and some effort, you can train your dog on your own.

If your dog is misbehaving, command it and see if it complies. If this is the case, give him some verbal praise or a few treats to acknowledge him. That way, if your dog puts a rock or other dangerous object in his mouth, he’ll just drop it on your order.

Remember not to yell or command your dog very harshly. If they get scared and already have a rock in their mouth, they’re more likely to swallow it than drop it. Once they’ve emptied their mouths, lure them in with a toy or their favorite treat.

2. Remove all stones and rocks around your home

The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating a rock is to get rid of all the rocks around your home or limit your dog’s access to them.

This includes all the ornamental stones and small pebbles in your home and yard. If that’s not possible, put a protective net over them to keep your dog from putting them in his mouth.

3. Give your dog plenty of toys and activities

Since boredom is a major reason why dogs eat rocks, it’s important to keep them stimulated and engaged throughout the day. Provide your dog with lots of chew toys and interactive puzzles to keep them mentally challenged and relieve their stress and anxiety by chewing on the chew toys instead.

If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, make sure he has someone to accompany him when you’re not home. You can do this through toys, but it’s better to hire a dog sitter or buy another pet that your dog can play with long-term.

FAQs

How long does it take for stones to go through dogs?

Anything that enters a dog’s digestive system takes between 10 and 24 hours to pass through completely. But if it lasts longer than a day and your dog becomes lethargic, chances are the stone has gotten stuck in his gut.

Can dogs with a blocked gut poop?

No, an intestinal obstruction can seriously affect a dog’s bowel movements as it doesn’t allow anything to pass. So your dog could get diarrhea or not poop at all if several days have passed since the obstruction formed.

How long can a dog with an intestinal obstruction survive?

A dog with a complete intestinal obstruction will die in 3-4 days. However, a dog with partial intestinal blockage can continue for up to 3-5 weeks before dying, depending on how blocked their intestines are.

How much does surgery to remove stones from a dog cost?

Most vet clinics charge between $200 and $900 for a standard gastrotomy to remove stones from the intestine. If the case is critical and the stone is stuck in a difficult spot, the cost can even go up to $1,800.

Can an intestinal obstruction in dogs go away on its own?

If the stone is small and only partially blocks the bowel, the obstruction may resolve on its own. However, this decision should only be made by a veterinarian after proper testing.

Dog eats stones: possible causes and tips

In view of the strange eating habits of some four-legged friends, it makes sense to call dogs omnivores. After all, it’s not uncommon for a dog to eat rocks, for example, or have a big appetite for other inedible things.

Nevertheless, dogs are so-called semi-carnivores whose diet should consist mainly of animal fats and proteins.

Regardless, it’s not normal or harmless for your dog to eat rocks. As the owner, you should therefore take this unusual behavior seriously and stop it as soon as possible. In the following we will explain how you can do this.

Why does a dog eat stones?

In puppies, eating stones is usually due to the curiosity of the little four-legged friend. But when an adult dog eats stones, this is not normal behavior that is in the nature of the four-legged friend.

Instead, it is an apparent behavioral disorder that can be triggered by a variety of factors. It is possible that your dog will get bored or not sufficiently exercised by playing together or even doing dog sports.

Especially with animals that are kept in kennels and are left alone practically the whole day, such abnormalities can be observed quite often. Often a dog then not only eats stones, but also bites on other objects in its environment.

In addition to boredom and under-challenged, eating stones can also be caused by the so-called pica syndrome. This is a serious eating disorder that causes your dog to tend to eat anything. In addition to stones, this can also be socks, foam and many other inedible things.

Malnutrition as a trigger for stone eating

Another possible reason for dogs eating stones can be poor nutrition. It is possible that the four-legged friend is missing important nutrients that he tries to absorb in other ways.

But perhaps the dog also eats stones because it simply does not get enough food and is therefore hungry. Even if this reason for eating stones is comparatively rare, it is worth taking a look at the food of the four-legged friend in this context.

Why it’s dangerous if your dog eats rocks

If your dog eats rocks, you should never do so carelessly. Because the consumption of indigestible foreign bodies is associated with an enormous health risk for your four-legged friend.

Of course, stones are not usually poisonous. However, they can sometimes get stuck in the digestive tract.

While small stones may simply be passed out again, larger stones can then cause a dangerous intestinal obstruction in your dog or clog his esophagus, for example.

In these cases, surgery to remove the foreign body is usually unavoidable.

Even if your dog doesn’t eat the stones, just chews on them, it’s not without risk. Because the dog’s teeth are excessively rubbed off and can even break off in the worst case.

What to do if a dog eats stones

As you can see, having your dog eat rocks is far from harmless. It is therefore essential that you ensure that your four-legged friend gets used to this behavior as quickly as possible.

Make sure your dog doesn’t get bored and keep them entertained by playing together when you walk them. Retrieving a ball or stick is just as distracting as a hidden object game.

You should also consider whether you would like to try dog ​​sports with your four-legged friend. From obedience to Treibball to agility, there is something for practically every dog.

Eating the right diet can counteract stone eating

In addition to getting enough exercise to combat boredom, it’s a good idea to review a dog’s diet that eats stones. First of all, this means that you have to check whether you are feeding your four-legged friend appropriate portions.

However, you should also make sure that the dog food you choose is of convincing quality and provides your dog with all the necessary nutrients.

We recommend that you rely on the Bellfor nutrition concept. Quality-conscious dog owners will find everything they need for species-appropriate dog nutrition in our range.

From the Chihuahua to the Great Dane, we offer a suitable solution for all breeds. We also have numerous healthy dog ​​snacks on offer. These are ideal as a reward, for example, while you train your dog to stop eating stones.

What to do if a dog ate stones

If your dog has already eaten stones, it is important that you monitor them closely and seek immediate veterinary advice if you suspect it. After all, not every swallowed foreign body comes out at the other end and problems such as an intestinal blockage can be fatal in the worst case.

Possible symptoms that you should look out for in this context are vomiting, tiredness, a bloated stomach or lack of stool.

Of course your dog is happy about a nice treat every now and then, but rocks? Although tasteless and potentially tooth-breaking, some dogs will occasionally chew on rocks. If it’s a small rock, it probably isn’t a problem. However, if it’s too large to exit his stomach, he risks dehydration, vomiting, and peritonitis.

Food vs. Foreign Objects

When everything is fine in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, where it waits about 12 hours before passing through the pyloric sphincter to the small intestine. However, when it’s not the food that’s making its way in and out of your dog, but a rock or other foreign object, it’s often not that easy. If the stone is small, it usually passes through his digestive tract without harm. However, if it is too large to exit his stomach or any other part of his digestive tract, he can become seriously ill.

Stuck in the stomach

Your dog was able to swallow this stone because its esophagus can expand to accommodate pieces of food — and objects — larger than its stomach opening. Its stomach grinds and partially digests food, which it cannot do with stones and other nonfood items that can become lodged in the gastric discharge. If a dog’s stomach becomes clogged with a foreign object, they are likely to vomit. If the rock or object is small, the dog will usually vomit intermittently — maybe only once or twice a week. The larger the stone, the more likely the dog will vomit. PetEducation.com states that a golf ball-sized object can make a dog vomit 20 times a day. If the dog’s anus is completely blocked, he will not be able to hold anything down and will throw up whatever he eats.

Possible dangers

A stone or other foreign object blocking a dog’s stomach can be a life-threatening situation. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and weakness, and the stone’s effects on the body can be critical. Left alone, a foreign object can cause ulcers in the stomach, potentially leading to life-threatening peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen that can lead to sepsis, an infection of the bloodstream. If the rock puts too much pressure on the stomach, it can reduce blood flow to the tissues of the organ and lead to tissue death. When tissue dies, it releases toxic enzymes into the bloodstream, causing shock and peritonitis.

treatment and outcome

If the stone is too large to pass through the dog’s stomach and progress through the rest of the digestive tract, it will need to be removed. In some cases, the stone can be removed by passing a flexible endoscope down the esophagus to the top of the stomach. Usually, the dog will have to undergo a gastrotomy, or opening of the stomach, to remove the stone. After recovery time and treatment to address the effects of the obstruction, most dogs have a favorable prognosis for recovery from gastric obstruction. The vet will examine the dog for several days for signs of gastric leakage and will administer fluids and antibiotics as needed.

prevent disabilities

In this article, we’re going to look at the reasons why dogs eat inedible objects like dirt, rocks, or trash. We’ll help you understand this dog eating dirt problem. Then we give you a few reassuring and helpful tips. We also point you to some great training ideas and solutions.

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt, Rocks, and Other Trash? If you’ve ever worried about your normally well-behaved dog eating dirt, you’re not alone. Some Labradors eat the most amazing amount of litter. But besides Labs, other dogs will eat dirt, rocks, mud, disgusting dead animals, sticks, leaves, and even feces. Puppies in particular often eat stones, leaves and scraps of paper. And it’s natural to worry about whether it will harm them. Now let’s find out – why do dogs eat dirt? Why do dogs eat garbage? What can you do if your dog eats stones? We start with the first question.

Why do dogs eat dirt?

There are a few reasons you might have a dog that eats dirt. As we review each of these reasons, think about which one seems the most likely for your dog. It’s also possible that your pet may have more than one of these problems.

mineral deficiency

One possible reason is that dogs that eat dirt may be deficient in minerals. In this case, by eating soil, they try to get nutrients from the soil. There’s no hard evidence to support this theory, but it seems reasonable and it’s definitely worth checking out a dog’s diet that eats dirt. This is especially important when feeding a homemade diet. Most commercial complete pet foods contain the full range of vitamins and minerals your pet needs.

It is unlikely that your dog will be harmed by occasionally swallowing some dirt. However, if your Labrador is regularly chewing dirt, he will need to be examined by the vet. There are some diseases that can cause malnutrition and possibly these types of abnormal eating behaviors. One of these conditions is anemia – a drop in red blood cells. Dogs with anemia may show any or all of the following signs:

Pale gums

Weakness or reduced activity

eat dirt

weight loss

Tarry black stools (if anemic from losing blood from gastrointestinal bleeding)

Other diseases such as liver and gastrointestinal problems can also occur if your dog eats dirt. IMPORTANT: Some garden mulches are toxic to dogs, so never allow your dog access to mulch.

attention seeking

Eating dirt can occur in bored dogs or as an attention-seeking agent. Basically, your pup is saying, “Look at me, I’m eating dirt. I bet you want to stop me!!” Which of course you do.

If this is your dog’s problem, you may need to spend a little more time interacting with them and giving them some extra exercise and attention. However, you must do this if your dog is showing good behavior.

In the meantime, do your best not to worry about a dog that eats dirt. We’ll discuss more specific tips on what you can do later. However, if you’re looking for training ideas, check out our Training section for more information and tips.

Something buried in the ground

Another reason for eating dirt may just be a heavily flavored soil area. Maybe something treat (for your dog) was spilled there or is buried in that piece of earth? It might help to just wait them out and see if they come back with something specific or interesting. This option is especially worth considering if your dog keeps digging and nibbling in the same spot.

behavior aid

Again, if your dog takes it to extremes, get professional help. See your vet first, and from there you may need a referral to an animal behaviorist. Why do dogs eat dirt? There you have four solid reasons why your dog might be eating dirt. But what about stones? Why do dogs eat stones?

Why do puppies eat rocks?

Eating rocks is a very common activity in puppies. So if you are a dog parent with a dog that eats rocks, don’t feel bad. In many cases, it will likely start with the pup just exploring a pebble or two with its mouth. Puppies are similar to toddlers in this respect; They use their mouth to discover new sensations.

However, if left alone with the little rock/coin/plastic toy or whatever he has in his mouth, most puppies will just spit it out when they get bored. But of course we worry that the puppy will choke or swallow the thing and we try to get it from him. The puppy then swallows it, simply because no one else can take it while it’s in their tummy. For this reason, it’s always best to “swap” things you don’t want your pup to have for a tasty food. It helps to avoid the starting habit of swallowing.

Puppies often outgrow eating garbage. But if a dog that eats stones or rocks persists into adulthood, it can be much more serious. We’ll look at that below.

Why do dogs eat sticks?

Many dogs that appear to be eating sticks are actually just chewing them. An activity that many dogs enjoy very much. For Labs, this chew is often born out of their retriever instinct. Still, stress, boredom, and anxiety can make these chewing tendencies worse.

Most of the tiny pieces that the stick breaks down into are spat out. You can often find them in a bunch around the dog. But if your dog is actually eating and gulping wood, you should be concerned. Also in this case we do what we did with the puppy and the stones. If you swap out the stick for something tasty, your dog is less likely to swallow what’s in his mouth or run away with it.

For some dogs, however, eating anything and everything is a real psychological problem and health hazard. These dogs often consume items of clothing such as socks, tea towels and cleaning rags, toys, sticks and just about anything they can find lying around.

Why do dogs eat garbage?

If you’re wondering, “why is my dog ​​eating trash?” you’re not alone. Many dogs love a good garbage digging. There are a few reasons your furling love to snoop around in the trash. And no, it’s not because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure (dogs).

Sometimes it’s as simple as the fact that something in the trash smells like food to your dog. Other times it’s because your trash can seems like an exciting gadget for your dog. He may have noticed that pushing a lever magically opens up this food source. Dogs love strange smells too. If you’re a dog owner, you know they sniff everything from butts to smelly feet – don’t be shocked if they love the smell of trash.

Still, garbage-loving dogs can also have serious problems. Perhaps your dog’s appetite is skyrocketing due to an undiagnosed illness? However, if you find it’s happening too often or your instinct tells you there could be more to it, see your veterinarian. For more tips on dealing with dogs who eat litter, see our Tips section below.

Why do dogs eat socks and other clothing?

This is a habit I’ve noticed occasionally in gun dog breeds. It may also be related to their retrieval instinct. The habit often begins when the dog likes to carry items of clothing around in its mouth. Retrievers have been bred for generations to enjoy carrying things, so it’s perhaps not surprising if this instinct sometimes gets a little out of control.

But if no one intervenes, the dog wearing his sock can sit down to chew on it a bit. Then from there he can proceed to swallow some or all of it. Or, like the puppy with the stone in its mouth, it can swallow the sock to prevent its concerned owner from taking the sock away. But don’t panic if your lab swallows all or part of the sock.

Very often the sock will go through the dog in a day or two, maybe it needs a little help at the other end of its journey (lovely). You can read this article if your dog has swallowed a sock and you are not sure what to do.

However, it’s certainly a sensible precaution to call your veterinarian and let them know what happened. He will confirm whether you should wait or bring the dog in for a quick check-up.

Safety precautions for labs that eat clothes

Does your dog suffer from what is charmingly referred to as a “spoilt” appetite? In other words, is he constantly swallowing clothes and other strange objects? If so, you need to be very careful when picking things up around the house. You can’t hang laundry on radiators, leave tea towels within reach in the kitchen or shoes on the floor.

It would be advisable to dispose of all loose packaging conscientiously and to be very tidy in general. Your dog may need to wear a muzzle outdoors. But this is something you should discuss with your veterinarian first.

Why do dogs eat dead animals and poop?

Eating organic waste such as decomposing animals or animal waste products is a natural behavior for a dog. Still, for us, it’s no less disgusting. However, I can reassure you a little about your dog’s safety with this particular habit. You might think that carrion and animal waste are dangerous, but the dog’s stomach is a far cry from us.

Dead seagulls, horse manure, and its own droppings are actually substances your Labrador can digest. At least for the most part without any ill effects – as disgusting as we may find his behavior. But perhaps the most common source of anxiety for new owners is the dog eating poop, be it his or other dogs’.

We have an entire article on why dogs eat poop and what to do about it. It can help if your dog has acquired this charming habit. You may also like this article: How to stop your dog from eating garbage. It will help you fight the general garbage eating on walks.

Still, console yourself with the fact that unless your dog has developed a taste for poisonous mushrooms (it happens), eating organic matter is unlikely to do him any harm for the most part. Unfortunately, this is not the case for dogs that consume inorganic objects.

The risk for dogs eating rocks and clothing

Rest assured that most dogs are not at risk of occasionally swallowing a bit of dirt, a piece of paper or something dirty they found in the trash can. However, for some dogs, no matter how it started, eating anything becomes a dangerous habit. In fact, some dogs seem hell-bent on getting onto an operating table. These are dogs that will eat rocks, nails, plastic bags, and the contents of your clothesline.

We’re not talking about the pup that once swallowed a pebble you tried to take out of his mouth. Or the dog eating the rotten dead squirrel he finds on a walk. We’re talking about regular, compulsive eating of inappropriate and inedible objects. And if your Lab falls into this category, it can be very annoying and frustrating – not to mention expensive.

I know two such dogs. One was a Lab of mine who compulsively ate clothes. And another was a Flat Coated Retriever that ate dangerous amounts of plants. He eventually had to have surgery to remove a large, spiked piece of pyracanthus (a prickly shrub) from his stomach. Several dogs have had to undergo major surgery after eating stomachs full of pebbles or swallowing cutlery or laundry on the beach.

How to stop your dog from eating dirt or litter – tips

Although we’ve already mentioned a few ways you can stop your dog from eating dirt, let’s list them all now. This way you can have an organized list of tactics:

Use a trash can with a lockable lid. Check out some of our favorite dog proof bins here. This way your dog stays away from the garbage at least at home.

Have your dog checked out by the vet. If your dog continues to eat dirt voraciously, have him checked for anemia or other conditions that could be causing pica. Pica/spoilt appetite is the state of eating inedible materials.

Distract your dog by swapping out dirt, rocks, and other debris. When you go for a walk, try to have a treat to distract her. At home, buying them a chew toy can help. You can see some of our favorites here.

Don’t throw yourself at your dog if you see him playing with a rock or stick. This can cause them to swallow it. Approach carefully and try to exchange the malicious object.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day. This reduces boredom and the desire to dig.

Provide plenty of supervision. You have to be very careful not to leave clothes or bedding lying around, for example.

When all else fails, consult a behaviorist.

Give your best. But if your dog does manage to eat something it shouldn’t, you need to let your vet know what your dog ate. If the dogs seem healthy and happy, the vet will usually advise a wait and watch guideline to see if it shows up through the normal channels.

Symptoms to look out for

Keep a close eye on your dog during this time and don’t hesitate to take him to the vet if he shows any signs of discomfort or pain. Then speak to your veterinarian over the phone if you are unsure about bringing the dog to their office.

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt, Rocks, Garbage, And Other Strange Things?

We don’t know exactly why dogs eat the things they do. We also don’t know why Labradors are so keen on eating anything. But we do know that most dogs are not harmed by eating a bit of junk.

In some dogs, ingestion of dangerous objects persists and worsens as the dog progresses toward adulthood. This can develop into an extreme and obsessive behavior sometimes referred to as pica, or “worst appetite.”

Always contact your veterinarian if you think your dog has swallowed something inedible. You may well be asked to “wait and see”. Sometimes these objects go straight through, but it can be a tense time waiting for the outcome.

Check your dog periodically for signs of distress, discomfort, or pain. Contact your vet immediately if the situation changes. Keep in mind that most puppies will outgrow eating rocks, dirt, and bits of cloth. It’s usually just a phase and can be treated with distraction and “swapping”.

Check with your vet if your puppy is still eating strange things or seems to be getting worse at six months of age. And try not to worry if he eats a dead bird or two. He will probably digest it with no problems.

Does Your Labrador Eat Trash?

We hope you found Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt interesting. Maybe you have an interesting story too? Has your dog ever swallowed anything dangerous or weird? Tell us your story in the comments box below.

Further reading and references

MSD Handbook, Veterinary Handbook. anemia in dogs. Marks, SL, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine

Animal Health Network. anemia in dogs. Peter Kintzer DVM, DACVIM

Some dogs are known to enjoy consuming things that aren’t food. Socks, underwear, toys, ponytail holders, furniture, you name it. However, one of the most common non-food items that dogs eat is rocks. It’s an odd sight for us because it just seems so random to see your dog walking along, enjoying his day and then suddenly grabbing a bite of the neighbor’s garden gravel. Should you be worried about your dog eating rocks? Why do they eat rocks in the first place and how the heck do you stop it?

Is It Dangerous For Dogs To Eat Stones? Is It Dangerous For Dogs To Eat Stones?

Well, it’s certainly not ideal! But dangerous? Depends on. Factors that can affect whether a stone is dangerous to your dog include your dog’s size and age, the size and shape of the stone, and the composition of the stone, or any dangerous chemicals that may be on it, such as pesticides. There is certainly no benefit in letting your dog eat stones, and it carries the risk of developing intestinal obstruction, internal tears, internal bleeding, poisoning, constipation, and rectal fissures. Read on for the reasons why your dog eats stones.

The 11 Reasons Dogs Eat Stones

Diseases

1. Malnutrition

Did you know that a dog doesn’t have to be underweight to be malnourished? Malnutrition refers to something in your dog’s nutritional needs not being met. This means that even an overweight dog can be malnourished. The type and quality of food you give your dog should be checked regularly to ensure it still meets your dog’s needs.

Malnutrition in dogs is generally due to starvation, as in stray and abandoned dogs, or to nutritional malnutrition. This often occurs when people start cooking for their dog or feeding them raw food without understanding the nutrition a dog needs. If you are interested in making changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.

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2. Vitamin deficiency

There are several things that can cause vitamin deficiencies in dogs. Vitamin deficiency is often associated with malnutrition. However, some dogs can develop vitamin deficiencies related to illness or disease. For example, diarrhea can lead to nutrient deficiencies because the body cannot absorb all the vitamins it needs while food is being digested. Certain cancers can also block vitamin absorption.

3. Parasites

Some internal parasites that dogs are susceptible to can make your dog want to eat strange non-food items, including rocks. This is often because the parasites are blocking nutrient absorption in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Dogs with parasites that eat stones often suffer from vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Do you see how this all ties together?

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious but treatable condition that can cause your dog to rock ​​eat due to excessive hunger or nutrient deficiencies that develop due to the condition. Typically there are other symptoms associated with diabetes, such as excessive water consumption and excessive urination. If you think your dog may have diabetes, a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

5. Anemia

Anemia can be caused by several things, but iron deficiency anemia will most likely cause your dog to start eating stones and other unusual things. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by any form of blood loss, whether acute, like after major surgery, or chronic, like a slow-bleeding tumor. Iron is an essential mineral because it allows the body to carry oxygen in the red blood cells. If your dog is deficient in iron, he may start craving mineral things like rocks and earth to supplement the deficiency.

mental conditions

6. Anxiety and stress

Change, fear, and negative interactions can cause anxiety and stress in your dog. If your dog is experiencing any form of anxiety and stress, he may start eating inappropriate things like rocks to calm himself down. If your dog seems anxious and starts eating stones, try to determine the cause.

7. Pica

Technically, pica is a medical condition that causes animals and humans to eat non-food items. However, pica has a psychological component. All of the reasons on this list lead to pica if your dog eats rocks, but there’s not always a medical or behavioral explanation for it. Sometimes your dog might just develop unexplained pica or just like to eat rocks.

8. Confusion

If your dog is confused due to age, medical conditions, or medication, you may see your dog eating stones. This is simply because your dog’s confusion has reached a point where his brain is telling him that eating rocks is appropriate. If your dog suddenly seems confused, you should take him to the vet immediately.

behavioral conditions

9. Boredom

Bored dogs become destructive. Keeping your dog active and entertained is just part of dog ownership. Eating stones out of boredom is more common in puppies and young dogs, but any dog ​​can start doing it. Provide your dog with novelty toys and games, as well as daily exercise. You may even need to start participating in dog sports to prevent boredom in your dog.

10. Teething

Just like human babies, puppies tend to put anything and everything in their mouths. Sometimes they just do it because they are exploring the world around them. However, a puppy eating stones can also indicate that your puppy is unwell due to teething. If your dog is feeling excessively unwell, you need to speak to your veterinarian. Otherwise, teething is a perfectly normal part of a puppy’s growth and there is little you can do about it.

11. Seeking attention

Dogs are exceptionally intelligent. Whether your dog is manipulative and just wants you to spend all your time with them, or you really neglect spending time with your dog, dogs can use eating inappropriate things, including rocks, as a form of attention seeking. If your dog knows that you’ll suddenly start paying attention to him when he’s eating rocks, he can start doing it to get your attention.

The 5 ways to stop dogs from eating rocks

1. Make changes

One of the easiest ways to stop your dog from eating rocks is to rearrange the space so that your dog cannot eat rocks. Of course, this isn’t possible if the dog is eating the rocks in the park or neighbor’s yard, but if your dog enjoys nibbling on the rocks in your garden or yard, changing the area can quickly put an end to the behavior.

2. Talk to your veterinarian

If your dog has suddenly become a stone eater, a visit to the vet is in order. Your veterinarian can help you rule out medical causes and determine what behavioral or psychological causes may be causing the behavior. There are some serious problems that can lead to stone eating, so this shouldn’t be skipped when you’re working on getting your dog to stop stone eating.

3. Behavior change

If your dog’s rock-eating is psychological or behavioral, behavior modification training can be an effective way to stop the behavior. Positive reinforcement and balanced training can both work well to stop this behavior, depending on your dog and your training abilities. If you’re unsure how to train your dog to stop eating rocks, consult a veterinarian or dog trainer.

4. Muzzle training

Muzzles get a bad rap for their looks. However, a well-fitting muzzle is an exceptional tool that can be used to help dogs with a variety of issues, from responsiveness to rock eating. Muzzle training is a slow process and it is important to choose a muzzle that fits your dog properly. A muzzle should give your dog room to pant, drink, and accept treats for training purposes. A muzzle shouldn’t be left unattended with your dog, but if your dog eats rocks on your daily walk, a muzzle can act as a barrier to keep him from eating the rocks while you’re engaged in other forms of behavior modification or medical treatment work.

5. Pay attention

It sounds simple, but we often overlook this. If your dog is eating rocks every time you let them out in the yard, you should take them outside and block the behavior. The more attention you pay to the problem, the more knowledge you will gain about why your dog is exhibiting the behavior. This will set you and your dog on the road to success as you work to stop rock eating.

Finally Finally

Dogs eating stones can indicate serious problems, so it’s important to talk to your vet and make sure your dog is healthy if he’s eating stones. Medical, psychological, and behavioral issues can all lead to stone eating. So by keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior aside from eating rocks, you can pinpoint the cause. Sometimes there is no cause and you need to work with your dog to train the behavior away. Some dogs will always be stone eaters, so finding other ways to put an end to the behavior, such as feeding your dog, will help protect your dog from his own bad decisions. B. Modifications and muzzle training.

Selected image source: RJ22, Shutterstock

Monitor your dog closely after eating a rock.

If your dog has eaten rocks or stones, there are some symptoms to look out for, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, which may indicate your pup needs veterinary attention. Sometimes eating a rock is a one-off event, but if it becomes a habit it can be very harmful to your dog. Determine why he’s rock-eating and teach him to stop to avoid ongoing problems.

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dog eating stones symptoms

If your dog has eaten extremely small stones, they can easily pass through his body. However, larger stones in a dog’s stomach, or too many small ones, can cause serious complications, so be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms of a foreign object becoming trapped in their system. In addition to blocking the intestines, swallowed stones can perforate the stomach or cause your dog to choke.

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Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Also, keep an eye out for other behavioral changes that may indicate your dog is in pain or unwell. If you notice any of these symptoms or know she has eaten a stone, be sure to call your veterinarian or get your dog to the clinic right away.

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diagnosis and treatment options

When you take your dog to the veterinary clinic, your vet will likely perform a physical exam and take x-rays to confirm the stone was picked up and to determine where it is in the system. In some cases, the vet may also draw blood to check for infections and other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms.

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Credit: Aleksandar Boceski/EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages

Treatment depends on the size and location of the rock. If it’s in the stomach, your vet can induce vomiting. Alternatively, she may try to pull it out through the throat with an endoscope. Your dog will need to be sedated for this. If the stone has migrated to the intestine, the most likely treatment is surgical removal.

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Prevent dogs from eating stones

If your dog is eating rocks on a regular basis, it is important to their health and your wallet that you determine the source of the problem and fix it. Stones can not only damage your dog’s digestive system, which can lead to expensive surgery, but they can also damage their teeth and they can even choke if the stone is big enough.

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Pica is an eating disorder in dogs that can cause them to eat stones. It is often caused by an underlying medical condition, such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, or parasites. Your veterinarian can help determine the cause and offer treatment.

In other cases, rock eating can be a behavioral problem caused by teething or boredom. Teething puppies can outgrow the habit, but take steps to offer safe toys and create a safe space for your pup. If boredom is the problem, make sure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Training commands like “let it” and “drop it” are not only useful in stopping the behavior, but the training process will also help stimulate your dog and reduce boredom.

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Create a pet-safe garden

Credit: Philip Thompson/EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages

Exercise and treating any medical conditions can go a long way in stopping stone eating, but it’s still important to make sure your pup has a safe space to play. Consider putting up a fence to keep your dog away from rocky areas, or replace the rocks with ground cover or pet-safe mulch, such as grass. B. Shredded pine.

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Also, check that the plants in your yard are safe for dogs in case your pup decides to chew on plants when rocks are no longer an option. Avoid poisonous plants like tulips, azaleas, oleanders, and daffodils.

What does it mean when a puppy eats everything? It means it’s time for you to take action to stop this behavior. First, certain items can pose a potential choking hazard once swallowed, and depending on the species, can even be toxic. Second, while it sounds like a scientific law, not everything that goes in will necessarily come out. The problem is more mechanical in nature and stems from poor design; Basically it boils down to Hoover’s esophagus being bigger than his stomach. Yes, Hoover, there is a problem.

“My pup eats everything outside” is a fairly common phrase to hear when listening to pet owners talk about their pooches, and it’s not surprising considering puppies explore the world with their mouths. Unfortunately, that means sometimes the wrong stuff can end up in their weird little caves – and it can be quite stressful for you.

It’s important to remember that sniffing around and eating foreign objects is perfectly natural and normal for the vast majority of puppies. It usually doesn’t hurt, but you should always pay close attention to what your pup is eating. Eating hard objects can cause problems with your pup’s teeth or take you to the vet if there’s a blockage somewhere in your pup’s system. If you find that your dog is persistently chewing on hard objects like rocks and pebbles, you might want to consider investing in some of the best puppy teether toys to give them a safer alternative.

On a less serious — but moody — note, you might just find that your dog is eating something that isn’t particularly pleasant to smell or mouth when he starts licking you. Therefore, teaching your pup to break this habit is certainly very beneficial in the long run.

There may also be other reasons why your pup is eating non-food items. You should always consult your vet if you are at all concerned as it could be a sign of other medical problems or deficiencies. Don’t think that you need to rush to the vet at the first sign that they’re eating something they probably shouldn’t, but watch them closely and if training and patience aren’t necessarily working, consider seeking further advice to fetch.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to try and prevent this from happening. From choosing the best puppy toys to distract them to choosing the best puppy treats for training exercises, there are many options. Let’s take a closer look at why your pup will eat anything and what you can do about it.

At What Age Do Puppies Stop Eating Anything?

Different puppies develop and mature at different rates. Depending on the breed, temperament, or even the behavior of other dogs in your pup’s life, you may find that they quickly reduce the amount of street eating, or you may find that they never do.

Although every dog ​​is different, you will usually find that most puppies stop picking up and eating anything in sight as they get older. And you’ll also find that most puppies can be trained fairly easily if they drop something particularly dangerous or troublesome. It just takes patience, training, and perseverance to get the desired results.

How do I stop my puppy from eating rocks and sticks?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You will almost certainly never stop your dog from eating anything outside – feeds are probably fair game their entire lives, and most of the time that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

However, other items that you are likely to find along the way can cause more serious problems. Sticks and stones can break their teeth and cause intestinal obstructions — both of which can be painful for them and land you an expensive vet bill.

Mastering the exit or cast off command is helpful for a number of reasons, but especially when they have something potentially dangerous in their mouth. This command is one of the earliest you’ll want to teach your pup because of the benefits it offers.

You can practice the leave command at home, with consistency and perseverance being the key to success. Try giving your dog one of their toys and then commanding “leave.” If they drop the toy, reward them with a treat. Do this over and over again and most dogs will soon get the hang of the “game”. Practice this every day to improve the speed and ease with which they drop the toy.

When you’re outside, you’ll likely find that you need a higher quality treat to lure them away from something particularly enticing on the street. In that case, bring something better than your average treat to have on hand when needed. Some good examples of this include small cubes of cheese or hot dog chunks—something different from their everyday munchies or pocket treats.

Eating stones can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency – such as: B. Calcium – so it may be a good idea to double check that you’re feeding your four-legged pal the best puppy food to ensure he’s getting all the nutrients he needs.

Will eating rocks harm my puppy?

Most puppies don’t eat rocks on purpose, they probably just chew them to find out what it is or if it’s something of particular interest to them. However, there’s always a chance—especially with smaller stones—that they’ll swallow something they shouldn’t.

It’s very important not to panic if you notice your dog has eaten a rock or two. In most cases, small pebbles and rocks simply pass through your dog’s digestive system. Watch their poop carefully and watch for illness after they eat rocks, and of course talk to your vet if you’re concerned.

If you notice your dog has a hard, tight stomach, don’t hesitate to get him medical attention, as it could be a sign of a more serious problem – especially if he’s eaten multiple rocks.

The best way to avoid your pup eating rocks is to teach them not to do it in the first place – if you use the tips above, they will usually outgrow it by adulthood.

Rock tasting is not a hobby for our dogs to try, and eating them can be a sign that something serious is going on.

Our dogs do all sorts of weird things… some are actually quite dangerous. Living with a juvenile dog or other breed that has pent-up energy, you’re likely to experience serious heart palpitations when your dog tries to chase not-so-cuddly critters, jumps off unsafe pieces of furniture, or (of course) tries to feast on weird things that are not considered food. They definitely want to keep us on our toes!

Sometimes the things dogs consume (even if we don’t want them to) are nothing to worry about. And sometimes, well, they may need to go to the emergency vet (you didn’t want to skip that stimulus check, did you?). If your dog is eating rocks, this is one of those things that needs immediate attention. We examine four reasons your dog might decide to try them and what you can do about it.

What Does It Mean When Your Dog Eats Rocks?

Dogs are connoisseurs of weird edibles. Be it dirt, socks, underwear or yes, rocks, our dogs find ways to eat things that at best make us gag and at worst make us call an ambulance. Puppies can bite, chew, and even accidentally swallow random objects as they explore their strange world. Adult dogs may find stones an appetizing treat or interesting hobby for a variety of reasons – including liking their taste and texture, boredom, behavioral issues and disorders, or an underlying medical problem.

Dog Chews Rocks with What the Fluff? Logo Credit: Aleksandar Boceski/EyeEm/Getty

4 reasons why your dog eats stones

Chewing, licking, or even accidentally swallowing a rock doesn’t always mean your dog has a serious problem per se, but it can quickly become an emergency situation. Stones can quickly cause damage to a dog’s body, and if your dog keeps trying to eat them, you need to see a vet immediately. Here are four common reasons your dog might become a rock picker.

1. Your dog just wants to try them

Like human toddlers, puppies love to try new things with their mouths. One hand? Put your mouth on it. A squeaky toy? lick it your new jeans? bite it And for some puppies, as well as adult dogs, a rock may be just one more thing to try with their mouth. If this is the case with your dog, using positive reinforcement to teach him a “leave it” signal can be very helpful and extremely useful in many contexts. Avoid just snatching something out of your dog’s mouth – not only does this increase the likelihood of your dog guarding things in the future, it can also increase the likelihood that rock-eating will turn into a fun game.

“It [stone eating] can be exacerbated by inappropriate attention, e.g. when you’re trying to grab and pull things out of the dog’s mouth instead of just acting or redirecting,” says Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA, veterinary behaviorist and owner of behavioral solutions in Hamilton, Virginia.

To avoid guarding resources and accidentally stepping up rock eating, teach your dog helpful cues like “give” and “leave.” Then act with your dog by offering him something else he really wants, like a treat or a favorite tug toy. If they go for that thing instead, remove the rock from their line of sight and move your dog to a different area.

2. Your dog is bored

Boredom is a common culprit for myriad reasons why our dogs do things. From chewing on furniture to picking up strange things in your yard like soil or plants, a dog that is not mentally or physically enriched will find ways to relieve boredom. And if a dog is constantly bored, which means their environment doesn’t offer much mental stimulation, they may pick up things that pique their interest more than a dog that’s just plain bored at random times.

This can lead to significant behavioral and health problems as dogs who lack consistent opportunities to activate their brains will soon become frustrated and anxious and will seek ways to alleviate these feelings.

To prevent this from happening, make sure you give your dog a daily opportunity to use their canine intelligence to explore and learn. You can help prevent boredom in your home and garden by offering new toys and puzzles, swapping out old ones, and adding safe chew toy options. Walk and hike your dog daily and let him sniff. Play games, offer daily sessions that teach them new skills and tricks, and get out to discover the world together.

3. Your dog has a behavior problem

If your dog is overly stressed or nervous and doesn’t know how to handle a situation, eating non-food items like rocks can act as a displacement behavior. These are behaviors that seem odd given the context and seem like they do nothing to alleviate your dog’s negative feelings.

Common crowding behaviors include excessive panting, lip-licking, shaking off when not wet, excessive self-grooming, and yes, unusual fast eating. A dog that exhibits a lot of displacement behavior is not enjoying their current situation, and owners should relieve the stress by bringing them indoors, leaving the park, or simply giving them space, allowing their dog to rest, and/or removing them of triggers that can cause the stress.

Some dogs may have significant behavioral issues that lead to their desire to consume stones. General anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (like OCD) can quickly become serious and cause a dog to engage in obsessive behaviors such as spinning, tail chasing, licking, or even eating many strange things like pebbles and stones. If you think your dog may have severe anxiety or OCD, seek help from a veterinary behaviorist.

4. Your dog has an underlying health problem

It’s not uncommon for dogs to consume strange things, even stones, when they have an upset stomach or digestive issues and are looking for relief. “In general, dogs that eat non-food items are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions,” says Sinn.

Eating things that aren’t considered food, like dirt or rocks, can also indicate that your dog’s diet needs to be adjusted. If a dog’s diet lacks the vital nutrients he needs, he may seek those vitamins and minerals elsewhere. In severe cases, the nutritional deficiencies stem from a serious medical problem such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PPI) or rickets. Pica, a condition in which an animal constantly eats non-food items, can result from other medical problems or from anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

All of this can lead to serious medical conditions that require treatment. Signs that your dog’s rock-eating is becoming a serious problem may include:

Excessive thirst

Diarrhea

Excessive urination

Vomit

Eating other non-food items

seizures

If your dog suddenly becomes obsessed with eating rocks or is accompanied by other physical or behavioral symptoms like these, call your vet immediately. Once your vet has ruled out any health concerns, you can also consult a veterinary nutritionist to create a diet that is most suitable for your dog.

What to do if your dog eats stones

If you’ve just witnessed your dog swallowing a rock, call your vet immediately, or better yet, go ahead and take him to the emergency vet. Better safe than sorry and a veterinarian can help you determine the next steps in the treatment process.

If your dog wants to constantly put its mouth on pebbles or rocks, it’s important that you rule out any major health or behavioral issues. Consult your veterinarian and a veterinary behaviorist. Then practice good management by preventing access to rocks and keeping your dog on a leash in areas where there might be a lot of rocks. This means that your dog cannot be left unattended in your garden or roam free.

In this article, we’re going to look at the reasons why dogs eat inedible objects like dirt, rocks, or trash. We’ll help you understand this dog eating dirt problem. Then we give you a few reassuring and helpful tips. We also point you to some great training ideas and solutions.

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt, Rocks, and Other Trash? If you’ve ever worried about your normally well-behaved dog eating dirt, you’re not alone. Some Labradors eat the most amazing amount of litter. But besides Labs, other dogs will eat dirt, rocks, mud, disgusting dead animals, sticks, leaves, and even feces. Puppies in particular often eat stones, leaves and scraps of paper. And it’s natural to worry about whether it will harm them. Now let’s find out – why do dogs eat dirt? Why do dogs eat garbage? What can you do if your dog eats stones? We start with the first question.

Why do dogs eat dirt?

There are a few reasons you might have a dog that eats dirt. As we review each of these reasons, think about which one seems the most likely for your dog. It’s also possible that your pet may have more than one of these problems.

mineral deficiency

One possible reason is that dogs that eat dirt may be deficient in minerals. In this case, by eating soil, they try to get nutrients from the soil. There’s no hard evidence to support this theory, but it seems reasonable and it’s definitely worth checking out a dog’s diet that eats dirt. This is especially important when feeding a homemade diet. Most commercial complete pet foods contain the full range of vitamins and minerals your pet needs.

It is unlikely that your dog will be harmed by occasionally swallowing some dirt. However, if your Labrador is regularly chewing dirt, he will need to be examined by the vet. There are some diseases that can cause malnutrition and possibly these types of abnormal eating behaviors. One of these conditions is anemia – a drop in red blood cells. Dogs with anemia may show any or all of the following signs:

Pale gums

Weakness or reduced activity

eat dirt

weight loss

Tarry black stools (if anemic from losing blood from gastrointestinal bleeding)

Other diseases such as liver and gastrointestinal problems can also occur if your dog eats dirt. IMPORTANT: Some garden mulches are toxic to dogs, so never allow your dog access to mulch.

attention seeking

Eating dirt can occur in bored dogs or as an attention-seeking agent. Basically, your pup is saying, “Look at me, I’m eating dirt. I bet you want to stop me!!” Which of course you do.

If this is your dog’s problem, you may need to spend a little more time interacting with them and giving them some extra exercise and attention. However, you must do this if your dog is showing good behavior.

In the meantime, do your best not to worry about a dog that eats dirt. We’ll discuss more specific tips on what you can do later. However, if you’re looking for training ideas, check out our Training section for more information and tips.

Something buried in the ground

Another reason for eating dirt may just be a heavily flavored soil area. Maybe something treat (for your dog) was spilled there or is buried in that piece of earth? It might help to just wait them out and see if they come back with something specific or interesting. This option is especially worth considering if your dog keeps digging and nibbling in the same spot.

behavior aid

Again, if your dog takes it to extremes, get professional help. See your vet first, and from there you may need a referral to an animal behaviorist. Why do dogs eat dirt? There you have four solid reasons why your dog might be eating dirt. But what about stones? Why do dogs eat stones?

Why do puppies eat rocks?

Eating rocks is a very common activity in puppies. So if you are a dog parent with a dog that eats rocks, don’t feel bad. In many cases, it will likely start with the pup just exploring a pebble or two with its mouth. Puppies are similar to toddlers in this respect; They use their mouth to discover new sensations.

However, if left alone with the little rock/coin/plastic toy or whatever he has in his mouth, most puppies will just spit it out when they get bored. But of course we worry that the puppy will choke or swallow the thing and we try to get it from him. The puppy then swallows it, simply because no one else can take it while it’s in their tummy. For this reason, it’s always best to “swap” things you don’t want your pup to have for a tasty food. It helps to avoid the starting habit of swallowing.

Puppies often outgrow eating garbage. But if a dog that eats stones or rocks persists into adulthood, it can be much more serious. We’ll look at that below.

Why do dogs eat sticks?

Many dogs that appear to be eating sticks are actually just chewing them. An activity that many dogs enjoy very much. For Labs, this chew is often born out of their retriever instinct. Still, stress, boredom, and anxiety can make these chewing tendencies worse.

Most of the tiny pieces that the stick breaks down into are spat out. You can often find them in a bunch around the dog. But if your dog is actually eating and gulping wood, you should be concerned. Also in this case we do what we did with the puppy and the stones. If you swap out the stick for something tasty, your dog is less likely to swallow what’s in his mouth or run away with it.

For some dogs, however, eating anything and everything is a real psychological problem and health hazard. These dogs often consume items of clothing such as socks, tea towels and cleaning rags, toys, sticks and just about anything they can find lying around.

Why do dogs eat garbage?

If you’re wondering, “why is my dog ​​eating trash?” you’re not alone. Many dogs love a good garbage digging. There are a few reasons your furling love to snoop around in the trash. And no, it’s not because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure (dogs).

Sometimes it’s as simple as the fact that something in the trash smells like food to your dog. Other times it’s because your trash can seems like an exciting gadget for your dog. He may have noticed that pushing a lever magically opens up this food source. Dogs love strange smells too. If you’re a dog owner, you know they sniff everything from butts to smelly feet – don’t be shocked if they love the smell of trash.

Still, garbage-loving dogs can also have serious problems. Perhaps your dog’s appetite is skyrocketing due to an undiagnosed illness? However, if you find it’s happening too often or your instinct tells you there could be more to it, see your veterinarian. For more tips on dealing with dogs who eat litter, see our Tips section below.

Why do dogs eat socks and other clothing?

This is a habit I’ve noticed occasionally in gun dog breeds. It may also be related to their retrieval instinct. The habit often begins when the dog likes to carry items of clothing around in its mouth. Retrievers have been bred for generations to enjoy carrying things, so it’s perhaps not surprising if this instinct sometimes gets a little out of control.

But if no one intervenes, the dog wearing his sock can sit down to chew on it a bit. Then from there he can proceed to swallow some or all of it. Or, like the puppy with the stone in its mouth, it can swallow the sock to prevent its concerned owner from taking the sock away. But don’t panic if your lab swallows all or part of the sock.

Very often the sock will go through the dog in a day or two, maybe it needs a little help at the other end of its journey (lovely). You can read this article if your dog has swallowed a sock and you are not sure what to do.

However, it’s certainly a sensible precaution to call your veterinarian and let them know what happened. He will confirm whether you should wait or bring the dog in for a quick check-up.

Safety precautions for labs that eat clothes

Does your dog suffer from what is charmingly referred to as a “spoilt” appetite? In other words, is he constantly swallowing clothes and other strange objects? If so, you need to be very careful when picking things up around the house. You can’t hang laundry on radiators, leave tea towels within reach in the kitchen or shoes on the floor.

It would be advisable to dispose of all loose packaging conscientiously and to be very tidy in general. Your dog may need to wear a muzzle outdoors. But this is something you should discuss with your veterinarian first.

Why do dogs eat dead animals and poop?

Eating organic waste such as decomposing animals or animal waste products is a natural behavior for a dog. Still, for us, it’s no less disgusting. However, I can reassure you a little about your dog’s safety with this particular habit. You might think that carrion and animal waste are dangerous, but the dog’s stomach is a far cry from us.

Dead seagulls, horse manure, and its own droppings are actually substances your Labrador can digest. At least for the most part without any ill effects – as disgusting as we may find his behavior. But perhaps the most common source of anxiety for new owners is the dog eating poop, be it his or other dogs’.

We have an entire article on why dogs eat poop and what to do about it. It can help if your dog has acquired this charming habit. You may also like this article: How to stop your dog from eating garbage. It will help you fight the general garbage eating on walks.

Still, console yourself with the fact that unless your dog has developed a taste for poisonous mushrooms (it happens), eating organic matter is unlikely to do him any harm for the most part. Unfortunately, this is not the case for dogs that consume inorganic objects.

The risk for dogs eating rocks and clothing

Rest assured that most dogs are not at risk of occasionally swallowing a bit of dirt, a piece of paper or something dirty they found in the trash can. However, for some dogs, no matter how it started, eating anything becomes a dangerous habit. In fact, some dogs seem hell-bent on getting onto an operating table. These are dogs that will eat rocks, nails, plastic bags, and the contents of your clothesline.

We’re not talking about the pup that once swallowed a pebble you tried to take out of his mouth. Or the dog eating the rotten dead squirrel he finds on a walk. We’re talking about regular, compulsive eating of inappropriate and inedible objects. And if your Lab falls into this category, it can be very annoying and frustrating – not to mention expensive.

I know two such dogs. One was a Lab of mine who compulsively ate clothes. And another was a Flat Coated Retriever that ate dangerous amounts of plants. He eventually had to have surgery to remove a large, spiked piece of pyracanthus (a prickly shrub) from his stomach. Several dogs have had to undergo major surgery after eating stomachs full of pebbles or swallowing cutlery or laundry on the beach.

How to stop your dog from eating dirt or litter – tips

Although we’ve already mentioned a few ways you can stop your dog from eating dirt, let’s list them all now. This way you can have an organized list of tactics:

Use a trash can with a lockable lid. Check out some of our favorite dog proof bins here. This way your dog stays away from the garbage at least at home.

Have your dog checked out by the vet. If your dog continues to eat dirt voraciously, have him checked for anemia or other conditions that could be causing pica. Pica/spoilt appetite is the state of eating inedible materials.

Distract your dog by swapping out dirt, rocks, and other debris. When you go for a walk, try to have a treat to distract her. At home, buying them a chew toy can help. You can see some of our favorites here.

Don’t throw yourself at your dog if you see him playing with a rock or stick. This can cause them to swallow it. Approach carefully and try to exchange the malicious object.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day. This reduces boredom and the desire to dig.

Provide plenty of supervision. You have to be very careful not to leave clothes or bedding lying around, for example.

When all else fails, consult a behaviorist.

Give your best. But if your dog does manage to eat something it shouldn’t, you need to let your vet know what your dog ate. If the dogs seem healthy and happy, the vet will usually advise a wait and watch guideline to see if it shows up through the normal channels.

Symptoms to look out for

Keep a close eye on your dog during this time and don’t hesitate to take him to the vet if he shows any signs of discomfort or pain. Then speak to your veterinarian over the phone if you are unsure about bringing the dog to their office.

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt, Rocks, Garbage, And Other Strange Things?

We don’t know exactly why dogs eat the things they do. We also don’t know why Labradors are so keen on eating anything. But we do know that most dogs are not harmed by eating a bit of junk.

In some dogs, ingestion of dangerous objects persists and worsens as the dog progresses toward adulthood. This can develop into an extreme and obsessive behavior sometimes referred to as pica, or “worst appetite.”

Always contact your veterinarian if you think your dog has swallowed something inedible. You may well be asked to “wait and see”. Sometimes these objects go straight through, but it can be a tense time waiting for the outcome.

Check your dog periodically for signs of distress, discomfort, or pain. Contact your vet immediately if the situation changes. Keep in mind that most puppies will outgrow eating rocks, dirt, and bits of cloth. It’s usually just a phase and can be treated with distraction and “swapping”.

Check with your vet if your puppy is still eating strange things or seems to be getting worse at six months of age. And try not to worry if he eats a dead bird or two. He will probably digest it with no problems.

Does Your Labrador Eat Trash?

We hope you found Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt interesting. Maybe you have an interesting story too? Has your dog ever swallowed anything dangerous or weird? Tell us your story in the comments box below.

Further reading and references

MSD Handbook, Veterinary Handbook. anemia in dogs. Marks, SL, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine

Animal Health Network. anemia in dogs. Peter Kintzer DVM, DACVIM

Dogs eat all sorts of things, but eating dirt might give you cause for concern. However, eating dirt is a fairly common behavior in dogs. When pooches eat non-food items, be it dirt, grass, rocks, sticks, or trash, they can be diagnosed with a condition called pica, which simply means your dog is eating non-food items. If the only non-food they eat is dirt, then according to Wag, they could have something called geophagy! But is your dog’s dirt-eating just a weird habit, or should you be concerned?

Here’s why your dog might feel compelled to eat dirt, and why you should take this behavior seriously.

Why is my dog ​​eating dirt? Possible explanations

Dogs eat dirt for a variety of reasons. The desire to chew on dirt can be due to boredom or stress, or it could simply be because they’ve smelled something delicious mixed in the mud. But it could also indicate an underlying health problem or a lack of proper nutrition, says the American Kennel Club (AKC). Compulsive geophagia could be a sign that your pooch has any of the following issues.

anemia

Anemia in dogs is a condition characterized by low blood cell counts, or hemoglobin levels. According to CertaPet, anemia can be caused by a nutritional imbalance. An anemic dog may instinctively turn to eating dirt to try to correct deficiencies that are causing this condition. The only way to reliably diagnose anemia is through blood tests.

Nutritional imbalance or mineral deficiencies

Even without anemia, a nutritional imbalance alone can encourage your pooch to gobble up dirt. Eating dirt can be a sign that your dog is not getting enough of the essential minerals he needs for good health. Or a hormonal issue could be preventing your dog from absorbing the minerals and nutrients in his food. Dietary imbalances are very rare in healthy dogs, so be sure to speak to your veterinarian about choosing the best dog food for your pup.

Upset stomach or gastrointestinal disturbances

Dogs may also turn to eating dirt to try to calm an upset stomach or a growling gut. However, if your dog has stomach problems, they’re more likely to eat grass, the AKC says. It’s possible that in a dog’s eagerness to gobble up the grass, some dirt might be added to the mix.

The Dangers of Dogs Eating Dirt

If you see your dog eating dirt, make sure you discourage this behavior immediately as it can pose a number of risks to their health. Here are several risks associated with geophagia in dogs, according to the AKC:

Affected bowel that requires surgery

Consumption of pesticides and other toxins

choking

Damage to the teeth, throat, digestive tract, or stomach from ingestion of stones or sticks

Ingestion of soil-dwelling parasites

When should I go to the vet?

Notice if your dog eats dirt on a regular basis or if it was just a one-off event. If they only eat dirt once or twice to relieve stress or boredom, you should discourage this behavior, but it may not be a cause for concern. However, if it becomes a compulsive habit or you notice your dog behaving differently after eating the dirt, consult your veterinarian. You need to examine your dog for any underlying health issues that could be triggering this behavior. The vet can also check your pup for internal injuries that may have resulted from eating dirt.

How to prevent your dog from eating dirt

If a health problem or nutritional imbalance is behind your dog’s geophagia, treating the condition or improving your dog’s diet should stop the behavior. However, if eating dirt has become a habit that needs to be broken, here are some strategies you can try:

Provide a distraction when your dog starts eating dirt. You can distract her with a verbal command or a loud noise, or offer a toy to chew on instead.

Always leash your dog when you go outside so you can lead him away from areas with exposed ground.

Remove houseplants or place them out of your pup’s reach.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to reduce stress and prevent them from eating dirt out of boredom.

Address possible causes of stress in your dog’s life, such as: B. a major change in routine or family structure, or separation anxiety. It could be that your dog just needs time to get used to it.

If none of these suggestions work, you may need to seek help from a professional trainer or canine behavior specialist to break this habit.

Although eating dirt in dogs is common, it is not safe to continue to allow it. The sooner you act to prevent this behavior and get to the root cause, the better it is for your dog’s health and well-being.