Do you have a dog that loves to chew on rocks? Many pet owners notice this odd behavior in their furry babies and get worried about the consequences. Teddy and Bear, my two doggie children, are no exception. While Teddy’s interest in rocks has been brief, Bear’s obsession worries me. I sought expert advice to understand this behavior better and learn how to discourage it. In this post, I’ll walk you through why your pets chew on rocks, the risks involved, and how we are trying to stop this behavior.
Note: Originally, the landscaping around our house was primarily decorative wood chips, a fire hazard and dangerous for dogs to eat. Teddy found them irresistible, and he ate them. So we replaced the wood chips with rocks. It worked for Teddy, but now we have a problem with Bear chewing on the rocks.
Why do dogs chew on rocks?
Dogs are natural scavengers, and they love to explore. Rocks are an exciting and new object that many can’t resist. Pups especially love to chew because it soothes their teething pains and helps to develop their teeth. The texture, smell, and taste of stones also entice them. Another reason is that they have a natural drive for chewing, and objects with rough edges or sharp points are perfect for stimulating their senses.
The risks involved
While your pet may love to chew on rocks, it’s unhealthy, and you must discourage this habit. Swallowing small stones can cause blockage and disruption to the digestive system, leading to vomiting, lethargy, and even more severe health problems. Larger stones can cause constipation and more internal damage. The weight and size of the stone can also cause teeth fractures or damage the gum while chewing.
How to discourage this habit?
The best way to discourage this habit is to prevent their access to rocks. Keep your surroundings free of stones your pet could easily reach, and supervise them outdoors. Redirect their attention to other objects, such as chew toys, balls, or bones, that are more healthy and appropriate. Training them to stop this and other unhealthy behavior is also a great way to correct it.
Signs to watch out for
If you notice that your furry friend has swallowed a rock or has any of the following symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain.
Keeping your pets safe is a priority, and stopping them from chewing on rocks is vital. Understanding why they do it and the risks involved is the starting point. You can encourage your pets to develop healthy chewing habits through supervision, redirection, and appropriate training. Remember that prevention is better than cure, and avoiding stones within their reach is the most effective way to reduce ingestion risks. So with that in mind, we temporarily gated around the backyard where we have rocks. Bear doesn’t listen to reason, so we are trying to prevent access.
Does your dog love to chew on rocks like Teddy and Bear? I’ve suggested some ways to discourage it. But if you have other methods to stop this behavior, please share them in the Comments section below. The Bear is obsessed with the rocks, so I am open to more suggestions. Hopefully, with time and patience, we can break this habit.
Thank you for reading this blog post, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the Comments section below.
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The picture of your two puppies is adorable.