Eating rocks?

Hello,

My 9 week old Shihtzu/Bichon is always eating rocks. At first I thought he was just chewing on them, but he's thrown-up 6 in the last 2 days. He hasn't since yesterday, so maybe they're all gone.

I know puppies will try and lick/chew anything, but why would he eat and swallow them? It must be dangerous for his insides!

I'm taking him to the vet in a week or so for his 2nd round of shots, and I'll ask him/her about it, but is there anything else I can do in the meantime? Constant supervision outside, but anything else?

Thanks!
Sandy




Hi Sandy
All puppies have a tendency to eat odd 'stuff', but some do seem to have a particular fondness for rocks, but I've no idea why.

It's rarely anything to do with their diet, and seems just to be one of those odd 'quirks'. However, as you rightly suggest it's definitely not good for them. In fact rocks can cause an intestinal obstruction if they don't either 'pass through and out the other end', or be vomited back up. Hopefully your pup has managed to avoid this complication.

But, an obstruction of this sort is very dangerous and requires immediate veterinary attention, so if you notice that your pup vomits repeatedly (often without actually bringing anything up), seems constipated and strains unsuccessfully, his belly becomes distended or swollen, or he shows signs of distress such as panting, whining, pacing, drooling and so on - please get him to your vet right away.

Unfortunately there really isn't much you can to do to deter him from this habit other than supervising him. Definitely correct him firmly every time you see him pick up a rock, and redirect his attention to his own chew toys or another activity. If you only have a few rocks in your back yard, you could try spraying them liberally with 'Bitter Apply' (found in pet stores), this may make them less appealing to him.

When you take him for a walk (once he's vaccinated), use a leash-pop (short, sharp tug) and a firm "NO" if he tries to pick up rocks en route. Sometimes giving a pup like this a toy/bone to carry while out walking is enough to keep him happy and satisfy his desire to be mouthing on something.

Do talk to your vet about this too, he may be able to give you some other suggestions or recommendations that will help.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but this behavior may well subsided as your pup develops and matures, and I wish you the best of luck with him.