Contributed by Angie Lewis
Dogs can eat anything that they can get into their mouth, even rocks. Pica is the name for the habit of eating non-food items. This can be caused by medical problems revolving around thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies, This behavior can also be the result of abuse or neglect. A stressed dog can exhibit pica.
If your dog eats rocks, you should definitely speak to your veterinarian, who will have suggestions on how to deal with this behavior. If you think your dog may have ingested a rock, monitor your dog’s activity level, look for digestive problems, lethargy, and check his stool. You may need to take your pooch to the vet to deal with an obstruction. The vet may decide to x-ray your dog’s abdomen to look for an obstruction. This is a situation where the rock blocks the colon and and will not allow it to function properly by allowing stool to pass. This can cause lack of appetite, vomiting, and eventually death.
How to avoid having your dog eat rocks – this can be challenging. Firstly, make sure that your dog is in good health. Then, try to avoid areas that a have rocks or pebbles, not easy to do in Alaska. Watch your dog like a hawk, make sure that he is not getting rocks while you are unaware.
Remove any rocks that your dog has put in his mouth and firmly tell him no or leave it. You may need to get some professional help to resolve these issues.
