This may not be the most common problem among dogs. In fact, many dog owners have probably never even heard of stone chewing before. But there are, nonetheless, dogs who do it. Stone chewing behavior in dogs is most likely a type of play. However, this behavior can pose a risk to your dog and his health.
First, the actual act of chewing the stones can wear down or even break your dog's teeth. This can be painful for your dog and it can lead to infection. It's also possible for your dog to accidentally swallow a stone or two. While smaller-sized stones may not necessarily be harmful, if your dog swallows larger stones, they can obstruct the passage of food or tear the intestinal wall. This can lead to serious illness and can even prove fatal.
Because of the risks associated with chewing stones, you want to discourage your dog from doing it. Since he most likely just wants to play, redirect his attention toward more appropriate and safer toys. Be sure that you have a variety of toys on hand that your dog likes, such as balls, chew toys, kongs, rawhide toys, and so on. You may also need to keep a close eye on your dog and keep him leashed in rocky areas. |