11/10/2023 0 Comments Pica dogs medical definitionMake sure to supervise dogs that like to eat rocks when they’re loose in the backyard or dog park. Providing them with a chew toy outside can help occupy their time and fight off boredom. If your dog is spending time with you outdoors, they may chew rocks out of boredom or to draw your attention. Contact your local AKC club to get started in dog sports or classes. Training together for a program like Canine Good Citizen (CGC) will help dogs master basic obedience lessons and give them more of the personal attention that they crave. For example, Agility or Herding can give pets positive outlets to funnel their energy into. Provide Your Dog With Engaging ActivitiesĪ dog that’s eating rocks may also be a plea for attention, so build in some bonding time with a shared activity. It’ll also make it easier for you to avoid serious health problems and expensive surgeries. When dogs understand these commands, they will have an easier time ignoring or dropping rocks. “Your love and affection is a very high reward for a dog,” says Tusko. Hugs, belly rubs, compliments, and pets tell your pet that they made the right choice. You can also use physical or verbal praise to reward dogs in addition to (or instead of) treats. Then redirect their attention with a toy or a treat as a reward. You’ll want to avoid yelling if you startle your dog, they may try to get rid of the rock quickly and swallow it (which can cause your dog to choke). If your dog is expressing an interest in sniffing or nosing around rocks, use the “leave it” command. “Proper training needs to start pretty much immediately from the time you get the puppy,” adds Tusko. The “leave it” command reinforces a habit of not eating rocks in the first place. This teaches them to safely release the rocks from their mouths. When you see your dog munching away on a stone, tell them to “drop it” in a calm but firm tone. “Those are so highly beneficial,” says Tusko. Teaching dogs and puppies two important basic commands, “leave it” and “drop it,” is the foundation of successfully destroying this habit. How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Rocks? Teach Your Dog Two Important Commandsīasic obedience training is the important first step to stopping this dangerous behavior. Pets get bored with their chew toys the same way human children do, so rotate dog toys and introduce new ones. Since dogs are highly intelligent and need both mental and physical stimulation, they need to be constantly challenged. “Boredom is a big problem,” says Tusko, “One of the reasons that we do find dogs are eating rocks is because have nothing else to do.” Y our dog may be tired of the same routine and activities, even if you think they should be enough. The stones could also have food remnants on them. Smell can also play a role in that attraction, as other animals may have marked the rocks. Tasting different objects allows them to better understand their environments. “They’re going to explore their world and they’re like human babies,” says Mindy Tusko, dog trainer and owner of Pawsitive Results Training.Ĭuriosity attracts some dogs and puppies to rocks. Your pet may be anxious, annoyed, or frustrated. Of course, dogs may also chew on rocks because they want to draw your attention. Puppies may bite, chew, or swallow rocks in search of relief from teething pain. Other dogs may have undiagnosed medical disorders like canine diabetes, internal dog parasites or worms in dogs, or tumors. When a dog obsessively eats inedible objects, the cause may be pica, an eating disorder that generally emerges because of a nutritional deficiency in your dog’s diet. Why Does My Dog Eat Rocks?Ī dog eating rocks can be the result of medical, behavioral, or psychological problems. These tips can help prevent or end this damaging behavior so your dog lives a healthier life. But why do dogs eat rocks? Dogs will chew and swallow stones for a variety of reasons. This can lead to intestinal blockages, digestive issues, and choking. Our dogs chew on all kinds of different things, including rocks.
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