- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s not unusual for dogs to lick or mouth non-food items, including rocks, pebbles, and stones. Rock eating is a particularly common behavior for puppies, who use their mouths to learn about the world around them.
Dogs eat rocks for a few different reasons, including boredom, anxiety, teething, and medical concerns, according to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, veterinary advisor to OnePack Plan by PetPartners.
Nibbling a few rocks isn’t necessarily an emergency, but Dr. Ostermeier says rock eating can lead to health problems, so you’ll want to discourage this behavior.
Read on to learn reasons why dogs might eat rocks, plus get expert advice on addressing and preventing rock eating.
Why Dogs Eat Rocks
Dogs eat things like rocks and dirt for many reasons, including natural curiosity, health concerns, and behavior-related issues.
Curiosity
Dogs are naturally curious animals who explore their surroundings using their mouths. Rocks can make interesting objects for dogs to chew on, especially ones that have lingering food remnants or scents from other animals!
A curious dog exploring a new rock might also have:
- A focused expression
- Perked ears
- Forward-leaning posture
- A tilted head
Boredom
When dogs are bored or have excess energy, they may begin chewing on non-food items like rocks for entertainment, according to Qiai Chong, Chief Behaviourist at Pet Coach SG.
Other signs that might suggest boredom in dogs include:
- Destructive behavior
- Increased vocalizations
- Hyperactivity
- Escape attempts
- Paw-chewing or licking
Attention-seeking behavior
Chong says some dogs eat rocks because they’ve learned this behavior gets them attention from their pet parents.
For dogs who lack the attention they need, a negative response is as good as a positive one—so even an adverse reaction can encourage them to repeat the behavior.
Other signs your dog wants attention include:
Anxiety and stress
Eating rocks can also be a sign of anxiety in dogs.
According to one study, anxious dogs were far more likely to have pica, a compulsive urge to consume non-food items. If your dog has separation anxiety or tends to get very nervous, they may nibble on rocks to cope with their feelings.
Other signs that might suggest anxiety in dogs include:
- Destructive behavior
- Hiding
- Tail tucking
- Drooped or flattened ears
- “Whale eye”
- Shaking and trembling
- Licking the air
- Yawning
- Panting
- Drooling
- Frequent vocalizations like whining and howling
Teething
Some puppies will chew on rocks to ease pain during the teething process, according to Dr. Shelby Baden, emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) South Tampa.
Rock chewing may relieve pressure, soothe aching gums, and create a distraction from discomfort.
Other signs you might notice during teething include:
- Increased chewing behaviors
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Whining or whimpering
- Pawing at the mouth
Nutritional deficiencies
Dogs who lack necessary nutrients may seek them out in non-food items, Dr. Baden says.
This is rarely a problem for dogs who eat a complete and balanced diet that meets Association of American Feed Control Offices (AAFCO) standards for pet nutrition.
However, certain medical conditions like intestinal parasites and stomach ulcers can keep your dog from getting the nutrients they need.
Other signs of nutritional deficiencies include:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Dull coat
- Excessive shedding
Health issues
Sometimes, dogs with an undiagnosed medical condition may eat rocks. Examples of these conditions include:
- Diabetes: Dogs with diabetes may have excessive hunger and nutrient deficiencies, so they might eat inedible items like rocks. You may also notice your dog drinking more water and peeing more than usual.
- Intestinal parasites or worms: Dogs with worms or other parasites won’t get all the nutrients they need and may end up eating non-food items as a result.
- Iron deficiency anemia: This condition usually develops due to chronic blood loss, which may happen with a bleeding tumor or injured blood vessels.
- Hyperthyroidism: Dogs with hyperthyroidism may experience excessive hunger, which can lead them to search for additional things to eat—like rocks and dirt.
Compulsive disorders
Rock eating could also happen with a compulsive disorder. These conditions can show up in different ways, but in some cases, dogs may obsessively chew and eat particular objects.
A compulsive behavior will generally be:
- Out of context
- Repetitive
- Exaggerated
- Relentless
Pica
Pica causes a compulsive urge to consume non-food items, and dogs with this condition may eat rocks and dirt.
It’s a complex disorder, Chong says, and the factors driving the behavior will vary from dog to dog.
Pica can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, like nutritional deficiencies, or a behavioral issue, like anxiety or boredom. One study found this condition most commonly showed up in young and neutered dogs.
Does Rock Eating Have Any Risks For Dogs?
While occasional rock exploration and chewing might not always harm your dog, this behavior can be dangerous in some cases, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Some risks associated with eating rocks include:
- Intestinal blockage: This is a serious condition that prevents food and fluids from passing through the digestive system, Chong says. Removing the rocks may require surgery.
- Choking: If a rock becomes lodged in the throat, it can obstruct a dog’s airway. Smaller dogs have a greater risk of choking.
- Dental problems: Chomping on hard rocks can cause fractured teeth, scraped gums, and mouth sensitivity.
- Internal injuries: A rock’s sharp edges can irritate or damage the GI tract, Dr. Ostermeier explains. This may lead to internal bleeding and infection.
- Toxicity: Dr. Baden adds that some rocks may contain harmful toxic components.
If you think your dog has swallowed a rock, our experts say it’s best to err on the side of caution and have your vet evaluate them. An X-ray can help determine your dog has swallowed a rock, and your vet can monitor their condition and recommend treatment as needed.
Additionally, Chong advises seeking immediate veterinary care if you notice:
- Persistent vomiting
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
How To Keep Your Dog From Eating Rocks
You can do a lot to discourage your dog from eating rocks. The solution that’s right for your dog will depend on why they’re eating rocks to begin with.
Here are some practical strategies to curb rock eating.
Limit access to rocks
You can prevent your dog from eating rocks by managing their environment. Chong recommends avoiding areas with loose rocks or other non-digestible materials. Dr. Ostermeier adds that sometimes you may need to block off a section of your yard.
While you’re working on training, consider using a puppy playpen for safe outdoor time.
Supervise outdoor time
Chong suggests keeping a close eye on dogs during walks or playtime so you can quickly intervene if they spot a tempting rock. This is important for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors.
If you notice your dog seeking out rocks, Dr. Baden suggests redirecting their attention towards appropriate toys or chews.
Teach “leave it” and “drop it” cues
If your dog shows interest in non-digestible items, our experts suggest working on two basic cues:
- Leave it: This cue can help if your pup is nosing around a rock pile.
- Drop it: This cue comes in handy if your pup already has a mouthful of rocks.
Minimize stress
Stress can lead dogs to seek comfort in harmful items, including rocks. If your dog is prone to anxiety, creating a stable and predictable environment can make a difference.
Chong recommends avoiding exposing dogs to prolonged stressors like loud noises.
Anxious dogs can also benefit from:
- Exercise
- Lick mats
- Calming treats
- Cozy bedding
Encourage exercise
Making sure your dog gets enough exercise throughout the day can help keep them stimulated and content.
“A tired dog is less likely to seek out rocks,” Dr. Baden says.
Provide extra enrichment and chew alternatives
All dogs need physical and mental stimulation. According to one study, adding enrichment activities to a dog’s routine significantly reduced stress behaviors like rock eating.
Giving your dog plenty of chew toys and long-lasting chews can also help keep them from eating unwanted items.
Prioritize bonding time
If your dog is eating rocks to get your attention, spending time with them can make a difference. Aim to dedicate time to bond with your dog every day through shared activities like hiking, swimming, or playing together.
Feed your dog a complete and balanced diet
Dogs who have all their nutritional needs met may be less likely to eat rocks and other forbidden snacks.
You can make sure your dog is getting a complete diet by feeding them a nutritionally balanced dog food that meets AAFCO standards for their life stage. If you make homemade dog food, it’s important to do so only with supervision from a certified veterinary nutritionist.
Consider a temporary muzzle
Chong suggests using a muzzle on walks for persistent rock eaters. This can be a really helpful short-term tool during the training process.
For best results, choose a well-fitting muzzle and gradually acclimate your dog to wearing it. Always supervise your dog while they’re wearing a muzzle, and make sure they can still drink, pant, and accept treats with it on!
When To Get Professional Support
If your dog continues to eat rocks, Dr. Ostermeier says the first step is to consult your vet to rule out any underlying medical or nutritional concerns.
Once your vet rules out any medical causes, you can focus on addressing behavior issues that might lead to rock eating.
If your dog’s rock-eating behavior seems to be compulsive or continues after training, Chong advises working with a certified behaviorist or trainer. A qualified professional can recommend the right training strategies for your pup.
