If your dog eats rocks and sticks, it can be alarming — and for good reason. Chewing or swallowing these objects can cause broken teeth, choking, or dangerous blockages. Yet many dogs seem strangely fascinated by stones, branches, and debris outdoors.
We outline the common reasons why dogs may eat rocks and sticks, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks and Sticks — Why It Happens
Dogs eat rocks and sticks due to natural curiosity, boredom, anxiety, teething, nutrient deficiencies, digestive upset, or compulsive behavior. Some dogs are simply hardwired to explore the world with their mouths, while others use chewing as a coping mechanism or a way to relieve discomfort.
Reasons Why Dogs Eat Rocks and Sticks
Natural Curiosity and Exploration
Many dogs, especially puppies, chew or mouth rocks and sticks simply because they are exploring their environment.
Dogs use their mouths the same way humans use their hands — to understand texture, weight, taste, and smell. Sticks crack, rocks feel cold and heavy, and both provide sensory input that dogs find interesting.
For young dogs, this behavior is especially common. Puppies learn about the world through chewing, and they may not fully understand which objects are safe or dangerous.
While most dogs grow out of this exploratory chewing, some continue the habit because it was rewarding or fun during puppyhood.
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Boredom
Dogs that don’t receive enough mental or physical stimulation often turn to chewing sticks or rocks to entertain themselves.
Chewing provides instant feedback, relieves frustration, and gives the dog something to do when they feel under-stimulated.
Bored dogs may roam their yard picking up sticks, digging up stones, or searching for objects to chew. High-energy breeds — such as working dogs, herding dogs, and retrievers — are especially prone to this because their natural drive needs frequent outlets.
Without enrichment, these dogs develop destructive chewing habits involving anything they can find outdoors.
Teething in Puppies
Puppies going through teething often chew excessively because their gums are sore and inflamed. Sticks provide satisfying resistance and texture that helps soothe discomfort.
Some puppies even pick up pebbles or rocks because the coolness helps numb their gums temporarily.
While teething is normal, chewing unsafe items becomes a risk if not redirected to appropriate chew toys.
Puppies may accidentally swallow pieces of sticks or stones when their chewing becomes more intense.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Some dogs eat rocks and sticks because their bodies are craving missing nutrients or minerals. Pica — the urge to eat non-food items — can develop when dogs are deficient in iron, calcium, or essential minerals.
Even dogs fed commercial diets can develop pica if the food quality is poor or if their body has difficulty absorbing nutrients properly.
Dogs with anemia, digestive issues, or malabsorption conditions may seek out unusual objects as a form of instinctive compensation.
They may gravitate toward soil-covered rocks or mineral-rich dirt because the scent triggers their body’s need for nutrients.
Stress
Dogs experiencing stress, boredom, or anxiety may chew rocks and sticks as a coping mechanism. The repetitive action of chewing releases endorphins that temporarily calm the dog. Over time, this soothing behavior can develop into a compulsive habit.
Dogs with separation anxiety often chew destructively when left alone. Outdoor anxiety or overstimulation may also lead them to chew on the first object they find — often a stick.
In severe cases, compulsive chewing becomes so ingrained that the dog continues even when the environment is peaceful.
Compulsive pica can be challenging to manage without identifying and reducing the underlying stressors.
Digestive Upset or Nausea
Some dogs eat non-food items like rocks and sticks because their stomach feels unsettled. Dogs experiencing nausea, acid reflux, or mild stomach upset sometimes chew or swallow unusual materials in an instinctive attempt to relieve discomfort.
Just as some dogs eat grass when nauseated, others may go for sticks or soil-covered stones.
The rough texture may stimulate vomiting or help move something through the digestive system. While this behavior is instinctive, it becomes harmful when the swallowed object causes injury or blockage.
Lack of Chew Outlets
Dogs with strong chewing instincts will turn to whatever is available if they don’t have appropriate chew toys.
Breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls have powerful jaws and a natural desire to chew. Without durable outlets, they may pick up sticks or rocks simply because they’re convenient.
Chewing is a biological need for many dogs. Rocks and sticks provide texture and resistance that mimic more natural chewing experiences — but at a dangerous cost.
Learned or Reinforced Behavior
If a dog eats rocks or sticks and receives a strong reaction — such as yelling, chasing, or grabbing the object — the dog may interpret it as attention or a fun game. Some dogs repeat the behavior because they enjoy the reaction, even if it’s negative.
In multi-dog households, dogs may compete for sticks or stones, reinforcing the behavior further. Over time, what begins as curiosity becomes a habitual cycle.
Oral Pain
Dogs experiencing dental pain, gum inflammation, or tooth irritation may chew sticks to relieve discomfort.
The pressure and texture provide relief similar to massaging a sore area. These dogs often chew more aggressively and may splinter sticks unintentionally, increasing the risk of swallowing pieces.
Oral injuries, cracked teeth, or early dental disease can all lead to mouth-focused behaviors, including chewing rocks or sticks.
Read more: Dog eating a lot of grass and throwing up (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Rocks or Sticks
Begin by removing access to sticks, stones, and unsafe chew materials in your yard or outdoor areas. Supervise your dog closely during walks or playtime, especially if they have a history of swallowing non-food objects.
Redirecting your dog to safe chew toys is key — offer durable bones, rubber toys, or puzzle feeders to satisfy chewing needs.
Increase mental stimulation through sniff walks, enrichment toys, training sessions, and games. A stimulated dog is far less likely to engage in dangerous chewing behaviors. For puppies, ensure they have constant access to teething-friendly toys and frozen chews that soothe gum pain.
Evaluate your dog’s diet and ensure they are receiving complete, balanced nutrition. If you suspect nutrient deficiencies or if your dog shows signs of pica, your veterinarian can perform bloodwork to rule out underlying medical causes.
If anxiety seems to be the trigger, work on building predictable routines, reducing stressors, and offering calming activities. Dogs with compulsive tendencies may benefit from behavioral support, training, or supplements designed to reduce stress.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary attention if your dog:
• Swallows rocks or large pieces of sticks.
• Vomits, gags, or has difficulty passing stool.
• Seems lethargic, dehydrated, or in pain.
• Has blood in vomit or stool.
• Chews obsessively despite redirection.
• Shows signs of dental pain or broken teeth.
• Eats dirt, rocks, or sticks daily (possible pica).
• Has bloating, abdominal swelling, or restlessness.
Foreign body blockages can become life-threatening very quickly, and early intervention is critical.
Read more: My dog is eating grass excessively (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Dogs eat rocks and sticks for many reasons — curiosity, boredom, stress, nutrient deficiencies, teething, or digestive discomfort. While some dogs only chew and never swallow, the behavior is still risky.
Identifying the root cause helps you redirect safely and prevent dangerous complications. With supervision, enrichment, and veterinary support when needed, most dogs can overcome this behavior and stay safe outdoors.