My girlfriend's new puppy (3 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback) has a habit of carrying around rocks in her mouth, and even swallowing them. She threw up several rocks two nights ago, but luckily she's fine - no stomach obstruction. I've been constantly removing the rocks out of her mouth (like everytime she goes outside) and telling her, 'No!', but this is not working. Any suggestions?
matt schmidt Webboard User Reg: 01-10-2005
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Loc: Los Angeles
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My pup was like that for the first few months picking up rocks and pebbles and swallowing them (small sticks too, and he loved to chew on tree bark). I had to be extra careful on walks constantly looking at the ground and removing them from his mouth. I chose areas with as few pebbles or rocks as possible - which is tough beacuse they are everywhere. They can be very dangerous when swallowed so be careful.
Good news is he grew out of it. He still occasionally picks up small rocks he finds in the yard and likes to hold them in his mouth but he doesn't swallow them. For some reason he likes to bring them to me and show me dropping them on my lap??? Weird dog!
Brad . Martin Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005
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Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I had that same problem with my dog, she would chew stones like bubble gum. I was really worried that if it developed into a habbit she would be breaking off teeth later in life. I used an e-collar to get her to stop. I did all the normal stuff, had a dummy on for about a week, during which time I was very careful to monitor her while outside so as not pick up any rocks (I was outside w/ her). Then I baited a few with tuna oil and left her outside alone as I watched from a window. As soon as she picked up a rock I corrected her. I had to do it twice and she has not picked up a rock since. I felt bad nicking her at such a youg age but I weighed the good and the bad -- two nicks or broken teeth.
My female GSD was quite the champ. We have a lot of pea gravel on property, and she would graze on it, no matter whether I got mad or not. Earned her a trip to the vet, so be carefull!
I am considering the remote trainer option. I don't really want to do that on a three month old, but the alternative is a potential intestinal blockage, perforation, or broken teeth. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
We switched her to Honest Kitchen after adopting her, and one thought I had was maybe she's not feeling full (and she is a little skinny), so she's getting some of her kibble back in with her meals to fill her up more. I'm also trying the distract/praise/re-focus (onto a toy) model of correction, as opposed to the 'No!'. I think she's healthy but a visit to the vet is scheduled for next week. I'm hopeful it's just a 'phase'.
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Puppy eating rocks
#103758 - 04/10/2006 11:39 AM 
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Re: Puppy eating rocks
[Re: Brad . Martin ]
#103762 - 04/11/2006 03:32 PM 
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