Rock Hound

Dear Fisher,

I am a nine month old Rotweiller and I love to taste anything and everything I can get my mouth on. My parents give me toys and they’re constantly giving me raw hides and bones, but they are completely gone in about two minutes. When my parents named me Rocky, they didn’t know I would take it so literally. Rocks are one of my favorite snacks. Seems like they help keep my teeth clean, but they can’t be too good for my tummy. My latest snack was a brand new wooden sculpture that was nailed to the fence outside. I devoured it. My parents went crazy! What can I do to keep my appetite for EVERYTHING suppressed so my parents don’t get so upset with me?

Rocky

Dear Rocky,

You are indeed well named! Eating rocks and wood sounds very odd to me, but there are many other dogs with the same appetite. Younger dogs will chew on wood or rocks when teething because they just like the feel of it on their teeth and it relieves some of the pain of teething. From my perspective, this seems a little like pounding yourself on the head if you have a headache. For some, this is a passing phase, but many older dogs continue the practice. You must realize that these are not chew toys and become very harmful if you swallow the pieces!

The results can be disastrous. Wood can send nasty splinters to your tummy and rocks can break your teeth. A trip to the vet to remove indigestible elements from your innards will surely help you keep your mind off your teething pain after you have been subjected to surgery and come home with a plastic cone around your neck. Once you have developed this habit that you deem “soothing”, it will be difficult to stop in your older age. The best thing you can do is to stop it now.

Your parents can help by removing smaller rocks from your play yard. Larger rocks, or boulders may give you pause, and you will get bored trying to think of ways to devour them and move on to something else. In your case, that would be wood. Not a good alternative!

Wood such as a sculpture or decorative piece can be sprinkled with cayenne pepper if not removed from your area altogether. The wooden fence poses a much bigger problem. Your parents must be aware of the smallest corner you manage to chew at until you can get bigger and bigger pieces of fence in your mouth. I can hear the theme song from “Rocky” right now. If they cannot keep you away from this feast, there are products on the market that are sour or bitter sprays. Oftentimes, one good taste will deter your appetite for fence.

While your parents are busy securing their property, they will do well to look for toys you cannot devour. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “For dogs and other animal companions, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity.” Their recommendations include:

1. Active Toys: Very hard rubber products such as Nylabone®-type products and Kong®- type products, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and for carrying around. “Rope” toys are usually available in a “bone” shape with knotted ends.

2. Distraction Toys: Kong-type toys, especially when filled with broken-up treats—or, even better, a mixture of broken-up treats and peanut butter—can keep a puppy or dog busy for hours.

3. Comfort Toys: Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but aren’t appropriate for all dogs. For some dogs, the stuffed toy should be small enough to carry around.
In light of your recent destruction, you will not have a lot of trouble convincing your parents to provide you with new toys. Show your appreciation by actively playing with them and keeping your teeth and innards safe!

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt Tampa Bay Out There weekend edition