Why Do Dogs Chew or Eat Rocks? Causes, Dangers, and How to Stop It

At Jordan Dog Training, we’re often asked about unusual dog behaviours—one of the most concerning is dogs who chew or even eat rocks. While it might seem like harmless curiosity or play, this behaviour can lead to serious health risks and is never something to ignore.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons dogs chew or eat rocks, the medical and behavioural risks, symptoms to watch for, and how to safely manage and stop this behaviour. We’ll also link to some safe alternatives your dog can chew instead—because chewing is natural; it just needs to be directed appropriately.

What Does “Testing” Rocks Mean?

“Testing” is a term we use when a dog is investigating something in their environment—usually by mouthing or chewing. Puppies in particular explore the world with their mouths, and rocks often become part of that exploration. Unfortunately, what starts as curiosity can easily escalate into a dangerous habit.

Dogs may:

• Pick up rocks in their mouth
• Chew or gnaw on them
• Carry them around
• Swallow them

Ingesting rocks is especially concerning and can quickly become a veterinary emergency.

Why Do Dogs Chew or Eat Rocks?

There are several behavioural and medical reasons why a dog may develop an interest in rocks. These include:

🐶 1. Puppy Curiosity and Teething

Puppies explore everything with their mouths. During their teething period (up to 12 months), they often chew to relieve gum discomfort. Rocks are a poor but sometimes tempting option if safer alternatives aren’t provided.

🧠 2. Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation

Dogs that are not physically or mentally challenged may resort to chewing rocks out of sheer boredom. This is especially common in working breeds or high-energy dogs left to their own devices.

🐾 3. Stress or Anxiety

Chewing is a known stress-relief mechanism for dogs. If your dog is anxious, frustrated, or lacking enrichment, they may seek out rocks as a self-soothing behaviour.

⚠️ 4. Pica (Compulsive Ingestion of Non-Food Items)

Pica is a condition where dogs repeatedly eat non-food items, such as rocks, fabric, or even plastic. It can be caused by:

• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, zinc)
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Parasites
• Cognitive decline or neurological dysfunction
• Learned behaviours or trauma

Pica is often a medical issue and should always be assessed by a veterinarian.

🍽️ 5. Poor Nutrition or Hunger

In rare cases, dogs who aren’t getting what they need from their diet may seek out minerals from inappropriate sources. This behaviour can improve once their diet is corrected.

🐕 6. Learned or Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Dogs are smart. If they realise chewing rocks gets a big response from their human (e.g., yelling, chasing), they may repeat the behaviour for attention—even if it’s negative.

Risks and Dangers of Rock-Chewing or Ingestion

The consequences of chewing or swallowing rocks can be serious—even life-threatening:

• Broken teeth and damaged gums
• Mouth or jaw injuries
• Choking
• Oesophageal or intestinal blockages
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Internal bleeding
• Bacterial infections or parasites from dirty rocks

Many dogs who ingest rocks need emergency surgery. This is not a behaviour to ignore or assume they’ll grow out of without help.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Problem

If your dog has swallowed a rock or has a history of chewing them, watch for:

• Vomiting or dry retching
• Gagging or difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Abdominal bloating or tenderness
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or straining
• Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
• Pale gums or collapse (in severe cases)

🚨 If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Internal blockages can escalate rapidly.

How to Stop a Dog from Chewing or Eating Rocks

Managing and redirecting this behaviour takes a proactive approach, combining training, environment management, enrichment, and sometimes medical input.

🧠 Enrichment and Stimulation

The best way to reduce undesirable behaviours is to give dogs more appropriate ways to satisfy their needs. Try:

• Long walks with plenty of sniffing time
• Training games
• Nose work or scent-based activities
• Interactive puzzle feeders

Mental fatigue is just as important as physical exercise—especially for intelligent, working breeds.

🦴 Offer Safe, Long-Lasting Chew Alternatives

Chewing is a natural and important part of a dog’s behaviour—especially for puppies. But it needs to be directed to safe options.

Visit our Jordan Dog Training Online Store to browse a curated range of healthy, long-lasting chew treats and enrichment items. These are handpicked by our trainers to keep your dog busy, satisfied, and away from dangerous items like rocks.

We recommend:

• Air-dried roo tails
• Bully sticks
• Yak milk chews
• Rubber KONGs (stuffed and frozen)
• Healthy dental chews

Rotating different chews keeps interest high and prevents habit fatigue.

🗣️ Teach “Leave It” and “Drop It”

These two cues are essential for preventing your dog from picking up rocks—or helping them let go if they already have one. Teaching these with positive reinforcement helps build a calm, reliable response.

Our trainers at Jordan Dog Training can guide you through teaching these behaviours effectively, whether in private consultations or group classes.

🔒 Manage the Environment

If your dog has access to pebbles, gravel or landscaping rocks, take steps to reduce their exposure:

• Use temporary fencing or barriers
• Replace loose gravel with turf or paving
• Supervise outdoor time and use a long lead if necessary

In more extreme cases, a basket muzzle (introduced gradually and positively) can be a helpful short-term solution while retraining is in progress.

🩺 Rule Out Medical or Nutritional Causes

If your dog’s rock-chewing seems compulsive or obsessive, it’s important to involve your vet. They may:

• Check for mineral deficiencies
• Run bloodwork
• Assess digestion and gut health
• Refer to a veterinary behaviourist

When to Seek Professional Help

You should reach out to your vet or a qualified trainer if:

• Your dog is frequently chewing or eating rocks
• They’ve shown signs of illness or digestive upset
• They don’t respond to redirection or training
• You suspect anxiety, trauma, or compulsive behaviour is involved

At Jordan Dog Training, we take a holistic approach to behaviour, tailoring strategies to the individual dog’s needs, lifestyle, and temperament.

Final Thoughts

Chewing rocks might start as curiosity, but it can quickly turn into a serious and dangerous habit. The good news? With the right management, training, and enrichment, most dogs can overcome it.

Make sure your dog’s needs are being met, provide healthy alternatives, and don’t hesitate to involve professionals early. The sooner you act, the safer—and happier—your dog will be.

🦴 Need safe chews to redirect your dog’s focus?

Check out our selection of long-lasting, natural treats and enrichment toys on the

👉 Jordan Dog Training Online Store

🐾 And as always, give your dog a pat from all of us at Jordan Dog Training!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or behaviour, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.