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Our canine companions are curious about many things in their environment. Dogs love to explore and check out everything they find! But some dogs also like to find and eat things, such as gravel. Yuck! Gravel certainly doesn’t sound good to us. But what happens if a dog eats gravel?
Has your dog eaten gravel? Are you worried the gravel 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 put together some information about gravel and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Eat Gravel?
For some reason, there are dogs that love to chew on and/or eat gravel. These dogs could have a condition called pica, which is a behavioral condition that causes dogs (and humans) to eat non-food items. Pica is a common problem in dogs.
There are also dogs that may eat gravel because they’re suffering from nutritional deficiencies. The dogs may lack some vital nutrients that they’re trying to replace by eating gravel. However, that’s not the only reason a dog might eat gravel.
Dogs who have health issues such as diabetes, intestinal parasites, and other conditions may eat gravel. And dogs that have emotional health conditions may also eat gravel.
While eating gravel is a common behavior in dogs, can it make a dog sick?
Gravel & Dogs
Unfortunately, gravel can make a dog sick in several ways. For instance, gravel usually has sharp edges that may cause tears or punctures anywhere along the dog’s digestive tract.
Another problem is that gravel can clump together in the dog’s system, causing an obstruction. Intestinal obstructions can be life-threatening if left untreated.
It is possible your fur baby could eat gravel, and then this passes safely out into his poop. But if he’s eating gravel, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Gravel
If your dog regularly eats gravel, it’s a good idea to have him checked by the vet. The vet will check your dog’s blood, digestive tract, and more. They will also ask questions about your dog’s overall behavior.
Treatment depends on the specific symptoms your dog may have or on the vet’s findings after they examine your fur baby. If the vet finds your dog has a blockage, they may need to perform surgery to safely remove the blockage. Other conditions will be treated according to your canine companion’s symptoms and the vet’s findings.
It’s possible your dog will stop eating gravel after he’s treated. However, some dogs seem to have a penchant for eating things they shouldn’t. So, the best way to keep your dog healthy is not to allow him access to gravel in the first place. We always say 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.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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