The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, says that when a dog does unnatural things, such as swallowing or chewing objects that it would not naturally eat, the dog has developed an obsessive behavior. If that happens, the owner needs to set limits. According to the Arizona Humane Society, gravel or rock chewing is a condition called ̶0;pica,̶1; which means eating non-food items. Both Millan and the Arizona Humane Society recognize that dog owners need to prevent their dogs from chewing on rocks. There are ways to do this.
-
Consequences
-
When dogs develop pica, they often choose rocks, according to the Arizona Humane Society. This practice is very dangerous for dogs. If the dog swallows rocks, this can cause severe intestinal damage or a blockage necessitating surgery. If you notice that after a rock-chewing episode your dog stops eating and starts vomiting, take him immediately to the vet. Rock chewing can also cause mouth bleeding and tooth damage.
Veterinarian Kathleen Croteau, of the Arizona Humane Society, agrees with Millan̵7;s theory that a rock-chewing dog is obsessive. In addition, if a dog is anxious or bored, it may develop a rock-chewing habit, similar to a person̵7;s nervous habit of nail-biting, for example.
What You Can Do
-
If your dog is a rock chewer, you must stop the behavior. Maybe your dog is not getting enough attention and exercise. Take your dog on daily walks. Try to spend 45 minutes a day on walks, either as one long walk or two or more shorter walks. In addition, play with your dog with more acceptable toys than rocks. Throw a ball with your dog for 15 minutes a day.
Get your dog a toy that it can play with on its own, such as a rubber ball or a toy with openings in it to hide food, such as peanut butter or small dog treats. It is important that your dog know that while you are letting it play with the toy, the toy is really yours. You should be able to take the toy from your dog, even while it is playing with it. You do not want to encourage any kind of obsessive behavior, with rocks or toys.
Your dog may be happier if you get another dog so that it can have a playmate. With or without a playmate, your dog should not be left alone for much of the day. Dogs need to feel part of the pack and are happier when spending time with the family.
If Nothing Works
-
If, despite your best efforts, your dog continues to favor chewing rocks, you must either remove the rocks from its environment or remove the dog from an environment with rocks. In other words, if you cannot remove the rocks from the outdoor area where your dog goes, then your dog cannot go to that area unless supervised. You also may consider hiring a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist to come to your home to help you train your dog to stop chewing rocks.
-