This morning I awoke to spatters of blood on the floor. Abi has not been feeling well. And I know she’s been eating little stones she finds in the yard. I know because they pass right through her. (In the above photo, that’s Abi on the right.)
I had an appointment with my surgeon in a couple of hours, so I threw some clothes on and rushed her to the vet, which thankfully is only about five or six blocks away. They said they’d work her in. I go back home to shower before my appointment.
Charlie is beside himself with anxiety when sister is gone. So I gave him all the love I could.
The surgeon thinks there may be something else wrong than just my ankle. It was a complicated break, as I broke the ankle on both sides. When he repaired it in surgery, he said he was surprised it was not worse. So it’s now been over four months, and I still can hardly walk. I saw the physicians assistant, a Dr. Graham. And after doing an exam, he went to get the surgeon. They think I may have some tendon problems up my leg from my ankle. If it isn’t better with therapy and an orthotic insert that goes into my shoe, then in January they will do an MRI.
I then go downstairs to therapy, and they were gone to lunch. So no therapy today.
I get in the car and immediately call the vet’s office. They haven’t had time to see her yet. The vet is the sweetest woman named Wendy. She is very soft-spoken and just delightful.
I go home and Charlie and I wait. I call the vet’s office. They don’t think it’s pancreatitis this time, but perhaps gastritis. I had told them of her tendency the last few weeks of eating gravel that is out by the shed. They said that’s normally a mineral deficiency. But no, that wasn’t it. She isn’t anemic.
Dr. Wendy said she was ready to go home with some medicine. So I get Charlie, as he missed sister so, and we picked up Abi.
I pull into the garage. I’m hobbling from the car with two writhing dogs. I open the gate and let them down to use the bathroom in the backyard. I watch as Abi hightails it behind the garage.
Oh no, not the shed and the gravel! I hobble out there just in time to watch her gobble up a bunch and swallow. I wanted to sit down and cry. But it’s far too cold out there.
What on earth do you do with a dog that eats rocks? Does anyone else have a dog that does this?
{Note: Tweak It Tuesday is still going on. I just had to post this to see if anyone has any answers to this new dilemma. I’m stumped.}
Brenda i hope you get well soon!! It must be so hard on you not to do your usual routine.My daughter’s dog eats rocks too, but so far he seems to be ok.When i was taking care of him for my daughter you wouldn’t believe the things he eats on our walk, and i don’t know why he does that.Hope abi is ok.
Kathy
I pay a fortune for their prescription food because they have a tendency for pancreatitis. They never get a human scrap of anything after that last bout right after my surgery. And the dog prefers rocks…
Brenda
If I could move faster I might could get to the rocks before she does. Unfortunately whoever lived her before left a big mound of dirt and gravel out behind the shed. I wish I had done something about it before I got hurt, and now it’s more than I can handle. Hindsight is 20/20.
Brenda
Brenda,
I haven’t read all of the response and comments so forgive me if what I’m about to say is a repeat. Maybe you could block the pile of gravel off so that the babies couldn’t get to it. Maybe with something as simple as the orange plastic fencing that is used at constructions sights? It’s really inexpensive and you could block off the area to stop the access.
I’m so sorry you’re still struggling with your foot. I hope that you are better soon and find a solution to this problem. Best of luck and better days.
Belinda
If the medical finding of deficiency is negative and there are no other underlying medical conditions it most likely is a behavior known as pica. This is also found in people, eating objects not meant for consumption. Some people eat cigarettes, hair, metal objects and it can be quite dangerous in people and animals. As I see it you have a few options, the first would take some doing and it is behavior modification, which I don’t think would be successful soon enough. You could also have the gravel removed, big job. Or you could get a basket muzzle for her when she goes outside. It would take her some getting used to but it does not confine her breathing and is not cruel. It may be your only option since she seems intent on eating those rocks. Hope your healing continues Brenda, it’s so hard not be 100 per cent. Take care.
Brenda I did a quick search and saw this article.
http://voices.yahoo.com/does-dog-eat-rocks-it-865509.html I hope it helps
Barbara, that is the article I just read Judy over the phone. If she doesn’t have a brain disease, then it says it’s probably mental. This is a dog that has already been on the equivalent of Prozac, but for dogs. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect on her and she acted more crazed.
Brenda
Brenda, as Teresa said, sounds like Pica and since she is so intent on eating them, maybe the muzzle would work best. I’ve never had a dog do that. My Malamute used to eat cactus, and I mean thorny ones. I’ll bet that great vet will do some research on it and get back to you. Maybe you could sweet talk Judy’s John into blocking that area off for you, too. Could this be stress related as you’ve been inside so much? Our little animals do some crazy things at times.
Well, the last bout of pancreatitis the vet said was stress-related. Judy is already talking to John about this. Poor man. As if he hasn’t had to do enough around here in the past four months. I had a rat problem that Terminix just could not handle and John had to go and stop up all the holes underneath my kitchen cabinets. (I blame the rats (not mice, rats) on those kids next door. Their trash is everywhere.) So now I have a long piece of rope across the front of my empty kitchen cabinets because there is rat poison down there and we didn’t want the dogs getting into it. John was the one that got down there and cleaned up the rat mess. They both could apply for sainthood.
Brenda
Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle and about sweet Abi! I don’t have any experience with this, but can you get someone to block off the area where the stones are most prevalent? I hope you get both issues sorted out soon, you’ve been through enough!
Kat
Well, thank you, I’m working on it. Do you know of any mental health specialists for dogs? They say that may be the next option.
Brenda
These dogs…What are they thinking? I can sympathize. My dog eats…well, I’ll just say it…other animals poo.(I’m embarrassed) I know, it’s gross! But eating gravel would scare me. Im glad she’s ok and I’m glad your getting better!
Have a good week.
Tammy
A vet told me once that there’s not a dog alive that won’t eat cat poop. Why? It’s very rich. And dog food isn’t as tasty.
Brenda
My dog eats socks and luckily throws them up before they get lodged in his bowel. He eats leaves, bits of rotten pumpkin and anything else that is on his path, including poop from other animals. The only thing I can do is keep him away from it. I think the best you can do is put some chicken wire or something to block her from the shed area.
Too bad those students are still an issue. Is there anything the City can do with respect to that? In Florida there are fruit rats and the City will come and put a rat poison box in a safe place in your yard.
Oh, I keep Terminix here on a regular basis on contract. Right now there’s trash strewn across the front of their yard by the street. Because the city implemented new rules whereas you have to put your trash in trash bags and then put them in the city trash cans. Those kids just put about 30 bags of trash out there last week because they filled their city trash can. Of course the city left it there. Apparently they can get by with a lot because the US wants Arubans to send them here. They bring in Aruban officials and take pics in their front yard. Maybe they’re Aruban royalty, I don’t know. Or maybe we like their Aruban oil.
Brenda
No- I have never had a dog that did that. You poor thing!!! I hope they can get it all figured out- xo Diana
I guess I’m just keeping her inside until I figure something out. Thanks for caring.
Brenda
I have never heard of dogs eating gravel like that, but it looks like others have found some information for you… You poor thing! I think you’re gonna have to have someone scoop out the gravel! Is there a lot? Maybe mulch in that area or grass instead? Good luck and I sure hope Abi is feeling better soon.
Yeah, there’s a lot. I would have leveled it out if it had just been gravel last summer before I got hurt. But it’s mixed with soil and pretty heavy. Think Oklahoma clay.
Brenda
Poor little Abie! I’ve never heard of a pup eating rocks before. Hope they can figure out what it is. And…I hope you’ll heal and don’t have to go through another surgery!
Blessings,
Shelia
I’ve never heard of it either. It’s a new one to me. Shelia, our dogs mean the world to us, so we’ll do anything we have to for them.
Brenda
Were your 2 pups part of the same litter or from the same bloodline? I wonder since they both get pancritis. I used to breed and show Yorkies for years and they never had a problem with pancritis.
It’s frustrating when they eat things like that. It could be psychological instead pf physical. Some dogs want to eat weird things for no real reason. I had one dog that wants to eat hair.
No, these dogs are not related at all. But for some reason they both tend to get pancreatitis. When they got it really bad back in July, I made sure they never got anything to eat but prescription dog food from the vet for their delicate tummies. But how can you control what they eat outside? I’m keeping her in for awhile till I get something figured out.
Brenda
Brenda, I have never heard of a dog eating rocks. That is just strange. Hope you find a solution.
Yeah, it is a bit strange, isn’t it? But apparently it’s not that rare. I’ve just never heard of it.
Brenda
My dog eats rocks,too. Drives me crazy. However, my dog is a 100 lb retriever who eats rocks for attention or boredom. Sometimes I just think he is dumb…
I broke my foot a year ago and understand your struggles getting around. I felt like I lost a year of my life because I couldn’t do my normal things. I am better now. It will never be what it was before the accident but I am able to do everything I want again which helps the state of depression it can throw you into.
Hang in there, Brenda. Life can throw curve balls pretty fast!
Well, it does seem pretty dumb, doesn’t it? I understand this could take a full year to heal on the ankle alone. And I feel like you do: like I’ve lost time because I’ve spent months in this house. Gained close to 20 pounds because I was very active before, and can’t be now. And it’s very depressing when you lose all your energy and things that once were so easy are now overwhelming to accomplish.
Brenda
While I am commenting, I feel the need to tell you yet once again how much I love your blog! I always look forward to seeing a post from you in my reader. I hope that they can figure out something with your ankle so you will heal up soon! What a long time you’ve had to deal with this.
My neighbor’s dog ate rocks. Big ones – but it was a big dog. This dog had to have surgery because the rocks didn’t pass. So every time it went outside they had to put a muzzle on it. Not fun for the dog but they couldn’t afford another surgery and didn’t want to lose their dog!
A woman standing next to me at the vet’s counter heard us discussing this and said her big dog ate a rock and had to have surgery.
Brenda
Oh Brenda I’m so sorry about all of this. What a headache. Sounds like the muzzle might be the only answer. Good luck dear.
Thanks. I’ll get it figured out.
Brenda
So sorry Brenda for more trouble with your ankle and Abi. I have a dog that eats some junk too and throws up. So far nothing fatal.
Seems so strange when they have perfectly good food to eat, but then I’m not a dog!
Brenda
First – Sorry to read you are still having so much trouble with your ankle healing. Put Abi on a leash to control where she goes in the yard and sit down so she can’t jerk you and cause you to fall if she takes off running. With your ankle, you do not need to be trying to chase after her. Contact the city health/sanitation dept./mayor’s office if necessary (who ever handles issues like rats in your area), and have them contact the people who own the property around you. Rats are a major health issue and if the exterminating company can’t deal with it, you know it is out of control.
Sorry you are having to deal with all this – hope it gets better.
Yeah, that’s what Terminix said: It was a health issue. But I’ve called the mayor’s office. They made them move three mattresses they had out by my house. But they say there’s not much they can do but fine them for not mowing their yard.
Brenda
Just saw where someone suggested putting a muzzle on Abi – good idea.
What a day you’ve had. We tried putting a muzzle on Penelope who had a bad habit of eating cat poop. She went bananas and banged her head against everything. What did help is putting a cone on her. She tolerated that better and soon got used to holding it up in the air to walk. I know it’s a lot of trouble but the soft velcro ones are easy to put on. I hope the orthotic insert helps you. I’ve worn them for several years and they help weak ankles so much. Of course you can’t wear them with pretty high heels but I guess you’re staying away from them anyway. I hope things get better soon. You certainly deserve a little good luck.
High heels were history for me by the time I was 30 because of my back. I wear good comfortable shoes. I hope this helps me as it did you.
Brenda
Oh Brenda, and I thought Bootsie had problems…do you think they are picking up on your stress levels? Sounds like you have been given some great advice, and that the first step to solving this perplexing problem.
John, and Judy are wonderful people!
Jen
They are fantastic and giving people, and I cherish their friendship. They probably think I’m a trouble magnet. Yes, they do pick up on my stress levels, according to the vet.
Brenda
My dog seems to have some issues like yours. Phenobarb seems to work for her to help calm her down. Over the years she has had blood work and her kidneys and liver are fine even with the medication. I always have to walk her on a leash because she will swallow a bird whole and well just about anything. Ick! If I could not walk her I would put a stake in the fenced in back yard and she would have to adjust to doing her duty that way. I hope this helps you.
Thanks, Rita. I’ll have to ask the vet about Phenobarb. We tried the doggie equivalent of Prozac back in Texas and it made her worse.
Brenda
Brenda,
I’m a veterinarian myself, so here is my two cents. Lots of dogs eat rocks, socks, dirty laundry, diapers, feminine hygiene products, etc. I had a dog that would eat any of it he came across, except for the rocks. I have surgically removed rocks as well.
Basically, your options are cage muzzle til you can get the rocks removed, only putting her out on a retractable leash so you can reel her back in as needed, using Invisible Fence or some other way to physically prohibit access to the rocks.
Good luck!
Pica is just eating stuff that isn’t food. With today’s diets, and your dogs are on excellent diets, it isn’t likely to be a dietary deficiency. Just a freaky preference.
Thanks for chiming in, Carol, with your vet experience. It is a freaky preference!
Brenda
Hi Brenda..I so hope your doggie stops eating rocks soon…before it gets really sick…and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that your leg allows you to walk on your ankle and you get 100% BETTER!!!WITH NO MORE SURGERY!!! lOVE YA! Carol
Oh Lord, I don’t even want to THINK about more surgery.
Brenda
Hey Brenda…it’s a goofy thing but my golden retriever, Sadie (just died in July)loved rocks. Only they were really big ones that she would carry around like a prized possession. We would throw them instead of a ball for her to retrieve. Nubby to no back teeth by the age of thirteen. I miss her. Good luck finding out why. Does something go to the bathroom in the gravel???
I’ve thought of that. Perhaps cats going to the bathroom back there. But it’s hard to believe they would just have started in the past two weeks, when she started this horrid habit. There have been cats roaming the neighborhood since I moved here over a year ago. But anything is possible. Yet, I would think Charlie would be intrigued as well then.
Brenda
Animals are so strange – you never know why they react different to scents of other animals. Hope your baby is dong better.
Brenda ~ I read one of the other comments that mentioned that her dog eats rocks out of boredom or frustration. Could Abi be revolting because of your immobility? Just a thought. Think about what you used to do and what you can’t do now with your poor ankle. Maybe that will be the key. Animals will do strange things when their world is confused or changed. I think this may be something you can look to.
I wish you all the best with poor abi and I PRAY that you do NOT have to have any more surgery. My thoughts are with you.
I’ve considered that. The dogs’ world has vastly changed. I use to be outside with them all the time sitting and watching them, or taking photos. They seemed terribly confused and agitated when I was in the wheelchair. Then crutches, then steel boots, then braces. Lots of changes.
Brenda
In Nebraska they had a law where if a property were deemed a health hazard they would go in and clean it up and attach the cost to the property tax so the owners would have to pay it or be afoul of the law and maybe lose their property. I liked that law. It made a lot of sense as some of that kind of mess not only draws rats but can be a fire hazard.
The neighbors behind me told me they’ve already started at least one fire in their garage room back there where they seem to congregate. Heavens only knows what they do back there. And the there’s the cigarettes they throw around too.
Brenda
I’ve never heard of such a thing, but I suppose, dogs do eat a lot of strange things. Ours always liked to chew on wood chips and once he ate a corn cob and it got stuck in his intestine, which required surgery. Ugh, that was terrible! Eating little stones makes me think of birds…could the dog be having problems digesting food and is trying to relieve its symptoms? Poor thing…I hope you get the situation figured out.
I hope everything goes well with your ankle. That must be so awful for you! xo
I don’t know about the digestion. But the only food they get to eat is prescribed for intestinal problems.
Brenda
Brenda…after reading your post I Googled Dogs Eating Rocks and came up with EHOW.com. It’s common as dogs are scavengers but dangerous as it can cause intestinal bleeding. Basically they talk about behavior modifications such as filling a can with, well…rocks and rattling it at the pet every time she goes near the gravel. They also mentioned spraying the gravel with bitter green apple spray and they will give up. Read the article, it made sense. More than I am!
So sorry about your leg. When it rains it pours. I hope the additional therapy helps. Take care!
XO,
Jane
Thank you so much, Jane. We’ve been blogging buddies a long time now, haven’t we? Judy and John are coming over this afternoon to see what we can do about closing them off from that part of the yard. Poor John. He ends up with all the big duties. He’s truly a God send.
Brenda
Poor Abi ……I had a german shepard that used to do this, just small stones on the beach so they passed through odd ?
Brenda I totally sympathise with your ankle about 10 weeks ago I had a bad fall and tore ligaments and tendons. It was and still is very painful, the doctor told me it was far worse than a break. I love walking and we have two dogs but at the moment I can only walk for about 20 mins and then the pain kicks in.
Take care
Annie x
I wish I could even walk 20 minutes. I can barely hobble from one room to another. But yet, one’s pain is relative, isn’t it? My pain is no less than yours, because it has changed your patterns and your life. I miss walking around the neighborhood with my camera, block after block. My goal is to get to walk around the block. Thanks for caring, Annie.
Brenda
Hi Brenda, dogs will eat about anything, we have 3 dogs, I’ve seen it all over the years..I think the muzzle is a good idea, if temporarily until you feel more stable on your feet..hang in there and I hope you heal up and can get on with life!
hugs
Barb
Thanks, Barb. Our pets are our children when our children are grown. I’ll do whatever I have to.
Brenda
When our spoodle Molly was just a few months old she swallowed a pebble. Unfortunately because she was still small there was no way the pebble could have gone through her naturally so it cost us $1500 to have it removed it surgically. We’d just landscaped our garden & put in tonnes of pebbles. She was still interested in them when we brought her home so we just had to move them all. If it’s possible I would fence off the area where the stones are so Abi can’t get to them.
We’re going to try to do that. I say “we.” I mean Judy and John of course. Wow, just had it landscaped and then had to move them. That must have been aggravating. I had lots of gravel in Texas, and the dogs never showed any interest whatsoever. Strange.
Brenda
So sorry about the news from the surgeon. When I broke my wrist which was a bad break, I was in therapy a year and thought it would never bend or move. Eventually it did. Waiting can be frustrating.
Your neighbors- would drive me to drink I think. Can you call the owner of the house or do they own it? Can someone start a petition in the neighborhood and submit it to the police or mayor? That is awful. Every time I hear Aruba- I think of the unbelievable mess with Natalie Holloway and think I never want to go there.
when I had Harry, he ate things but not rocks. Small dogs have sensitive stomachs, mine did too. Maybe putting up something so she cant get to the rocks for now= not sure what. some plastic totes filled with the dirt and rocks that would block her entrance?
Hope today is a better day for you.
Thanks, Sara. We’re going to get something done. I haven’t let her out since I got her home yesterday and she gobbled up a mouthful right away. Yes, when I think of Aruba, I think of her too. And then there was another woman from here that was murdered there after Natalie went missing. They don’t own the house, according to the neighbors. But they’ve been there and outlasted several people who moved due to their antics. They’ve been there about 7-8 years, I understand. The neighbors say the landlord does not care as long as she gets her money. They’ve called the police, called the university down the street where at least one of them still goes to school, tried petitions, and nothing has worked. So basically they’ve all just given up. I put up a fence on that side so I could at least not see the trash. I have confronted them, but am kind of afraid if I continue they might retaliate: against my dogs.
Brenda
I clearly understand your frustration and feel so terrible for you. I can’t say that their being from Aruba has anything to do with how they are acting – just that they are acting this way you know? Anyhow please be careful with confronting them and leave it to the city if at all possible. I’ve had terrible neighbors before and they didn’t respond well at all to anything we said to them whether we were nice or not. And yes the could retaliate against your babies. Nothing is worth that. It’s just not safe Brenda….please just be careful. And I hope this all gets better for you very soon……
Is there any way to tell if another animal is peeing, spraying or making the gravel/dirt area smell differently ?
One of my dogghehs used to go and lick where one of the others had urinated…
glahhh…
Maybe doing as ‘Jane’ up-above said- spray with bitter green apple or a strong vinegar ?
Fur children have a way of making us crazy, don’t they ?
Surely hope you can continue on the mend !!
xoxo
I used bitter apple on my furniture to get my dog to stop chewing on the wooden legs and it worked. they dont like it and it does not harm them. they learn to stay away.
I will get this figured out somehow before she goes outside again, I can tell you that. I can’t keep affording these big vet bills.
Brenda
Hi Brenda, So sorry about the rocks, I know it’s got to be so distressing. And frustrating. Sounds like you’ve gotten some advice. I just wanted to say I hope all is well soon. Abi stops eating rocks and your leg heals.
Thank you, Anne. Things have a way of working out, I keep telling myself.
Brenda
I’m really sorry about your ankle AND Abi eating rocks. I’m not familiar with dogs (I only have cats) so I googled Abi’s problem – and wow! – there’s a ton of info out there. I’m sure you’ve looked at all of it already, so I won’t repeat anything.
I know. I googled it and thought it would be unusual, when it apparently is not.
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
When our pug was young she liked to eat rocks, she would find them in the soil. They did not pass. She had to have 2 surgeries to remove them. After the first time I would not let her out of my sight when she went out. It was a year or so later and I got lax…she did it again(2nd surgery). She is almost 5 now and has grown out of this habit thankfully.
Hope there is a way to fence off that area. At Home Depot they have the rolled up plastic low fencing that is inexpensive.
No fun.
Wishing you the best,
Debbie
Wow, you’ve really been through it with your pug! I think they just bide their time and wait until we inevitably get lax!
Brenda
Oh, to keep our new puppy out of plants I sprinkle caynne pepper over them. When I see her wanting to dig in an area I sprinkle it there too. Really works. Might help on the rocks. You can get big cheep containers at Sam’s, Costco or Smart & Final.
Thank you, Debbie. That is something to try. I did that when they were young and got into mischief. Back then it didn’t seem to deter them. Maybe I didn’t use enough!
Brenda
Hi Brenda!
I hope your ankle issues are resolved soon…nothing worse than someone who is use to traveling to be stuck and dependant on others.
Now to the puppers issues…I have a Scottish Terrier and let me tell you he eats EVERYTHING that is not nailed down. So far tho we have been lucky and not had any major issues. One thing he does that drives me nuts is eat rabbit poo….it’s like caviar to him. He eats my furniture and although I spray it with bitter apple if he’s left alone too much he’ll eat right through it. Nothing is actually off limits as far as he’s concerned, clothes, toys, furniture, shoes, bowls…I even caught him knawing on my wrought iron fence. I would try to block your gravel if you can. Or leash her when you go out so she’s under your control. My daughter had to muzzle her dog with a cage muzzle when he chews on his foot…doesn’t seem to bother him in the least…he even drinks water through it..lol
Good luck…
Sue
Wow, I have no advice for you on this one. My dog eats leaves and weeds and I thought that was weird, but at least it doesn’t do damage like rocks. Good luck in solving this!
Hope your ankle gets better. Must have been a horrible break. My sister broke her leg (compound fracture) and had to have surgery a couple weeks ago and she isn’t able to put any weight on it yet.
I’m so sorry that you are still having so much trouble with your ankle. My sister broke her’s in two places last January and she still can’t walk right. I think she needs to go back to the doctor, too. I used to have a dog the chewed on rocks, but I don’t think he actually ever ate any. You are definitely doing the right thing by trying to find a way to limit his access to the pile. He could be acting out because of the stress of the last year. Animals are a lot like us and they absorb the stress around them. You have a lot on your plate, my friend. Hope it all gets better.
Hugs,
Laura
I dont know for sure. Ive only had one dog for a pet.
You need to get a leash for that little one and not let him or her?eat rocks.
But since your havin trouble with walkin-dont know how your gonna manage.
Brenda,
After reading most of this and looking at that article I think it is Pica also….what you may try is a “stun collar”. I used to think there was NO purpose for these, until my son got his hunting dog….he can use a tone, not a shock to kind of break the mind set….and if that doesn’t work a mild shock, I had it on my arm and it is really nothing but it gets the point across….perhaps someone you know has on? Pica is dangerous, and I would try all of the things people suggest before using a collar, but you don’t want to lose that precious pup. They use them to rattlesnake train all dogs here in AZ, and they shock the crap out the them once they show any interest in the snake. It is hard to watch but so is watching a dog die a terrible death from a snake bite…..just a thought.
HI Brenda! I’m so sorry your healing is delayed, and worrying about Abi isn’t helping, I’m sure. I’m just tossing this out here for you to run by your vet, but maybe vitamins might help if Abi doesn’t already take them? I’m a nurse practitioner for people, not dogs, but over the years I’ve observed that mammals often share the same issues, and our vets agree. So I thought I’d mention something called “subclinical symptoms”; this is when the person (or cat or dog or even chinchilla in our house!) develops symptoms that look as if they should normally be related to “X” condition…. except the person or four legged family member doesn’t have “X” condition by normal diagnostic criteria.If they are treated as if they do have “X’, it goes away, because the condidtion is really too mild to diagnose by standard tests, but exists just the same. It may exist in a mild form, but it’s there and enough to cause trouble with the particular person (furry or otherwise) and requires treatment. A typical example would be a thyroid panel that comes back absolutely normal, but the person’s symptoms indicate they need thyroid medication. Once given a VERY small amount – not enough to cause their panel results to become abnormal with the next blood draw – the symptoms vanish. If eating rocks is a sign of mineral deficiency for dogs, yet Abi has normal blood chemistries, perhaps your vet might think it worth a shot to give her vitamins for a month or so. If she has a subclinical deficiency, that should stop the rock eating. I have to say that I agree with those who have suggested Pica, which may be a nutritional deficiency in some cases, and may sometimes be stopped by providing what is missing. Try the vitamins? It’s inexpensive and if it works, you’re ahead of the game. And thsoe rocks in the back… if you can’t have them removed right away, perhaps someone could cover them with a big tarp and weight down the edges all around with either stones too large for Abi to swallow, or perhaps with garden ties? Just brainstorming here… Since the hurricane, we hav eto keepour collie on a lease because of all the debris that is not yet cleaned up. Gawdnose what’s in it for dogs to get into! Long Island looks like somebody upturned a tossed salad all over us these days. Wishing you a quick solution to Abi’s behaviour, and a faster recovery for you.
Oh my…sorry to hear that Abi is eating rocks. Hope that she stops soon, so that she won’t need surgery if she eats on one that is too big to pass.
Our little one year old Yorky eats leaves and weeds. Plus we have to watch her closely…she loves to chew on anything that is fabric.
~Cindy
Hi Brenda,
Sorry to hear that your ankle still isn’t healing properly. I had a Doberman that ate rocks. He was a show dog and I used to joke that he was the “six million dollar dog” because he cost us so much money. He had to have a surgery for eating rocks and it cost a bundle. I removed every rock in the yard that I could find and worried a lot.
His granddaughter ate any wires outside that she could get to (telephone and sprinkler) and his great-grandson gnawed on our patio posts, gate and his dogloo.
I think they all have some weird little quirk.
Brenda,
I am so sorry you are having such physical issues and hope you are back to your usual healthy self. Your doggies are the cutest ever! I hope your baby stops eating rocks, it is so scary when one of our pets gets ill so I know how distressing it can be.
Lynnie
Brenda,
When our dogs go outside and do things we don’t want them to do, such as barking or digging, we make a loud noise and yell “NO” very loudly. We use a plastic bat and bang it against our metal patio roof. It usually stops them in their tracks. We usually only have to repeat this once or twice because they associate the behavior with the loud noise that they don’t like. Can I suggest maybe taking out a tin pie plate and a metal spoon that you could clang together when the dog approaches the shed. When she gets close, clang them together and yell “NO” really loudly. It might help at least until you can get the rocks removed. I hope that helps.
Julie