outdoor
Stones and Rocks
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Swallowed stones can cause tooth damage, choking and gut obstruction or perforation.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog swallowed a stone.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention if your dog swallowed a stone or is showing signs of blockage.
Symptoms to look for
- choking
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
- bloody stools
Why
Dogs may chew or swallow stones out of boredom, curiosity or a behavioural condition called pica. Stones can break teeth, choke dogs, or cause gut blockage and perforation of the intestines. This often requires emergency surgery.
- Substances of concern
- physical obstruction, perforation, tooth fracture
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any stone or rock",gravel,pebbles}
- Preparation
- Supervise dogs outside and remove stones from play areas.
- How much matters
- Even one swallowed stone can be dangerous.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- PDSAVeterinary organisation — Obstruction risk
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.