Lucy is a mix actually, and we think she's around 3. Healthy according to our vet, but she will eat pretty much anything. (No grapefruit peels!) Dietary problem?
2007-02-12 14:11:22 · 8 answers · asked by Colleen K 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Lucy is my exercise partner. We got her from the local shelter last May. I spend a lot of time with her (no kids!), and we walk/jog between 50-55 miles a week. She loves the Nutro Lamb and Rice, and it's worked great fixing her sores from allergies. I have several kongs inside and outside. I guess I just wondering if there's a health problem eating charcoal? Or is it like some kind of "Tums" to her stomach? Like when they eat grass?
2007-02-12 14:59:06 · update #1
Lab breeds/mixes are heavy chewers in the first place...so she could be meaning to chew something and it accidently gets eaten.
However, she might be doing it for your attention or because she's not being satisfied by her diet.
My guess is probably for your attention because i'm sure she gets your attention (even if it's you yelling at her) when she does these things.
2007-02-12 14:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by good luck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family had a black lab - and he loved to chew on rocks, wood, and other misc stuff. Max had a 'soft mouth' so he never chewed so hard that he hurt his teeth - he was a bird retriever. But you want to watch closely to make sure that dog doesn't hurt their gums or teeth. You have to try and keep things away from a labs reach - they have an obsession with 'retrieving' things. That doesn't mean that they bring them to you thou - quite often they just chew on them for entertainment. Talk to the vet to make sure that they are getting enough vit/minerals in their diet - but it is probably just a retrieving-thing and you will need to get a door/gate to block off the fireplace, and keep things out of the pups reach (good luck!)
Two things about labs: 1. They 'retrieve' EVERYTHING that interests them, and 2. the tail is a 'coffee table cleaner' (the tail will wipe a coffee table clean with one swipe).
I also had a dog that was a garbage digger (because he was a stray as a puppy) - and I had to find garbage cans that he couldn't knock over. (and that was difficult he was over 100 lbs and that usually meant they were $80 kitchen garbage cans) You just have to look into solutions to each issue that comes up.
2007-02-12 16:09:22 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are something huh? If your vet thinks she is healthy she most likely is just a garbage gut. If at all possible keep the fireplace screen on and the cigarette puts in the trash. Although she's happy now, eating all that junk can cause some real problems in the future!
2007-02-12 14:19:59 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs frequently eat inappropriate items so it's up to us to safeguard them. Get a screen for your fireplace and don't leave cigarette butts out where she can get them. Supervise her when she's outside and teach her "OFF" if she starts to mouth something that you don't give her. Get her a Kong and fill it with little treats so that she has something to do. Get her some good chewies too - Nylabones, etc. Be sure to take her to the vet to make sure she is not ill and provide her with a high quality dog food and fresh water. Take her on long walks everyday - maybe she's just bored and looking for something to do. Walking helps you to bond, helps with basic training, tires her out and makes for happy, healthy and contented packs.
2007-02-12 14:22:56 · answer #4 · answered by Santal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely make a trip to the vet- my best guess is that his iron is low. Dogs are a lot like human's in that way- we crave what we're missing.. and anything with a woody or metallic taste usually indicates they're needing iron in their diet. But check with the vet to find out what kind of diet to put her on.
2007-02-12 14:19:48 · answer #5 · answered by beccalynn14bb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both my dogs steal charred wood bits out of the fire pit and eat them. doesnt seem to bother them. i would be concerned about the cig butts though, isnt there fiberglass in them or something. (yes i am completely ignorant about cigarettes)
2007-02-12 15:16:38 · answer #6 · answered by Eric J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is either missing something in her diet or she is having a serious behavior issue. If her vet can not pin point then try a second opinion.
2007-02-12 14:17:42 · answer #7 · answered by flawolfchild 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean your house. labs eat everything, and it will lead to stomach problems. things can get blocked, and then lead to surgery. be responsible.
2007-02-12 14:17:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
She a retard...
2007-02-12 14:20:05 · answer #9 · answered by Jean f 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋