Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 5/28/2007

Question
Butterscotch, a six-year-old greyhound that we adopted three months ago, began picking up small stones and swallowing them a few weeks ago. I put a muzzle on her for a few days and she attempted to pick up stones thru the muzzle.  I also said, "Butterscotch, no stones!" She seemed to understand but still occasionally picks up stones and swallows them before I can stop her.  I had her stools tested for parasites and the results were negative.  Our vet says it is usually not an intestinal issue but a behavioral issue.  Otherwise, she is a happy, well-adjusted hound, and gets along well with our other grey and people  She has a very outgoing, playful personality.  My fear is that all the stones may not pass thru her system.  Why would a dog eat stones?  Do you have another method to stop this behavior?

Answer
Dear Jeannine,
Thanks for the question. Pica or eating non-food items is not unusual but can be dangerous.

Solving the problem requires that you analyze the events before and after the behavior.

What is going on before she eats the rocks- what happens immediately after she eats the rocks? You'll need to change the stuff going on before and the stuff going on after.

She could be eating the rocks for the attention she gets from you. She could be anxious or unsure of her place in the environment.

Even if you stop this behavior, you haven't really addressed the underlying cause. More than likely, she'll start some other unwanted behavior to replace the rock eating.

Instead of trying to stop the behavior, try to start other, more acceptable replacement behaviors. Teach her to play fetch, teach her to pay attention and come when called - that way you can call her and interrupt the behavior.  

Good Luck!
AT

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