Why is my dog eating rocks?

If your dog eats rocks, it’s likely caused by an underlying medical-related issue called pica, which means they’re experiencing nutrient deficiencies. Parasites can also cause this. It may also be a behavioral problem. Some dogs, especially young ones, chew on rocks to relieve teething pains.

Should I worry if my dog chews on rocks?

Generally, if your dog chews on something that isn’t edible, you should interfere immediately since this can cause them harm.

If the behavior is something that they do sparingly and isn’t something that frequently happens, it may not be a cause for any concern. However, if you notice your furry friend always munching on rocks, you might wanna check on them - it most likely is a symptom of something more serious. 

A quick visit to the vet should be a priority at this point.

What causes dogs to chew on rocks?

The most common reason why dogs chew on rocks is pica.

Pica is a condition in dogs where they’re frequently munching on non-food items. This can include:

• Wood.
• Rocks.
• Plastic bags.
• Clothing items.

If your dog chews on this and tries to eat and swallow them, they might be experiencing either the medical or behavioral issues below.

Nutritional deficiency

If you see your dog eating rocks, this could mean that the dog food you’re giving them may not be of high quality.

It may also be filled with tons of fillers, such as grains and other ingredients, which have low nutritional value for dogs.

When buying dog food, you must ensure it has a good balance of nutrients such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals. But mainly, you need to look at the protein source of their meals. Meats such as chicken, beef, and salmon are best for most canines.

You can also choose ones that contain omega fatty acids, so they'll get the additional value of having a shinier and healthier coat and skin.

Internal parasites

Parasites such as worms cause discomfort in a dog’s stomach. Here’s a list of what your furry friend might feel when they have parasites:

• Bloating.
• Cramping.
• Extreme abdominal pain.

Canines tend to have pica to relieve their pain from these issues since they have no other way of removing what they’re feeling.

If your dog has been showing signs of pica and has lost weight and appetite, there’s a high chance that they have parasites.

Behavioral problems

If you’ve visited your vet and your pup is in perfect health, behavioral issues might cause their pica.

Some dog owners accidentally “train” their dogs to do specific activities that aren’t desirable. This happens when they get traits, praise, pets, and other rewards when they do something, in this case, eat rocks.

Dogs, however, can be trained to stop this habit. You can start by teaching them the command “drop it” or “leave it.” 

Remember to give them their reward only once they stop munching on the rock or any other non-edible item.