My puppy swallows rocks. How can I safely stop this habit?

Question

My puppy swallows rocks. She's already had a 3cm rock removed from her stomach by endoscopy and vomits smaller ones 2-3 times a week as well as passes them in her stool. We live in Arizona and cannot have grass, so all yards are rock. I'm at a loss as to what to do. For several reasons, I won't keep a muzzle on her. We have a dog door, so she has access to the yard at all times. I'm at a loss! Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 8 months and 29 days old | 26.5 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry but short of using a basket muzzle there is not much you can do. It is not cruel to use a basket muzzle if done the right way. Your only other options are to consult with a professional in-home dog trainer to help you train her to avoid eating rocks OR remove all the rocks from the yard and put down astroturf/artificial grass (that does not need water) . This is not going to be an easy thing to correct. Behavior issues like this are not a quick fix.

My puppy swallows rocks. How can I safely stop this habit?

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