Reasons Why Dogs Eat Rocks
Anyone that had the opportunity to keep or to live with dogs would know that these animals not only have huge appetites but are also inclined to eat things that humans find disgusting. Dogs wise people refer to this socially unacceptable habit of eating non-edible items as pica. Eating non-edible items is a normal behavior of dogs but dog owners would still be puzzled by this behavior more so if the pet is provided with enough food. One of the non-edible things that dogs love to eat are rocks.
Puppies are more inclined to eat rocks. Because puppies are very curious, they investigate anything they find interesting by using their mouths. These “baby” dogs would chew rocks as if the stony fragment is a fruit flavored bubble gum. The habit of eating rocks can endanger the life of the pet. Chewing rocks is really dangerous as even if the rock is not swallowed it can still injure the soft tissues of the mouth. Moreover this object is not meant for the dog’s delicate digestive tract as ingestion can result to diarrhea. What would be more alarming is the fact that a rather large rock ingested by the dog can be life threatening if an esophagus or an intestinal tract blockage is created.
Dogs are really good eaters. Dog owners would always want to have the best pet unfortunately, dogs do have the inclination to develop not only socially unacceptable behaviors but dangerous ones as well. Nevertheless we would still be puzzled why dogs eat rocks. A brain disease can be one of the reasons why the dog eats rocks. If an underlying medical concern was ruled out, the rock eating habit of the pet can be attributed to behavioral problems.
The dog’s propensity to eat rocks can be caused by boredom, anxiety or stress. Being social animals, dogs would need interaction with the family. Boredom will set in if the dog is left alone at home all day. Boredom is one of the reasons why dogs develop unacceptable behavior. Bored dogs eat rocks. This behavior can also be the dog’s way of getting the owner’s attention.
Various lab tests would be necessary to know the health concerns of humans. The same tests and examinations would not be necessary for dogs as nature has provided these animals with the capability to know what is wrong with their system. Rock eating is associated with the effort of correcting a nutrient deficiency. The rock eating habit can be a wake up call for the dog owner not only to provide the dog with premium quality dog food but also to make time to bond with the dog.
Learn more about why dogs eat rocks, first aid for dogs and other interesting dog behaviours.