Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Dogs are really curious creatures and are interested in everything in their environment. They don’t want to miss a thing, especially something that may be a tasty treat! But sometimes, dogs eat things they shouldn’t, such as a rock. What happens if a dog eats a rock?
Has your dog eaten a rock? Are you worried the rock will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about rocks and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks?
Dogs may eat rocks for different reasons. For instance, some dogs suffer from a condition called pica. This behavioral condition causes dogs (and other mammals, including humans) to eat non-food items. Dogs with this condition will even eat rocks!
Some dogs may simply be curious about what a rock is and whether it’s edible. This may be the case with puppies and younger dogs. And other dogs may eat rocks because they’re bored (the dog, not the rock). These dogs may not have anything else to do and so do anything to relieve their boredom.
And dogs that need or want to chew may also find it satisfying to chew on something hard, like a rock. But can rocks make a dog sick?
Rocks & Dogs
It is possible for a rock to make a dog sick. It all depends on how many rocks a dog eats, the size of the rocks, along with the size and weight of the dog. If a dog eats a small rock, chances are he will be OK. The rock may pass through the dog’s digestive system without any problem.
However, larger rocks or eating many rocks could make a dog very sick.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Rock Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a rock:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. These may indicate your dog has a severe condition called an intestinal blockage. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated.
Treatment of Rock Ingestion in Dogs
If the vet diagnoses your canine companion with an intestinal blockage, they may need to perform surgery. However, this depends on where the blockage is located. The surgery generally involves going through the abdomen and removing the blockage. The vet then works to fix any damage the rock has caused to the dog’s digestive system.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt treatment after eating a rock. And in the future, it’s best to train your dog not to eat rocks. In addition, make sure to pay attention to what your dog is sniffing or trying to eat in the back yard or when you’re out on walks. We always say that prevention is the best medicine!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
