Have you ever caught your dog chewing on wood, eating rocks, or nibbling on your plants and thought… “What is going on?!”
You're not alone. And it’s not just “bad behavior.”
As an animal homeopath, I’m here to share something fascinating with you: when your dog or puppy eats indigestible objects, they might be telling you exactly what they need.
Recently, I noticed my own 6-month-old puppy eating things like wood, pumice, and flax bushes. What looked like strange (and a little concerning) behavior was actually a sign of something deeper—something I see in my animal clients all the time.
Let’s take a closer look at what this means, and how animal homeopathy can help.
What Is Pica in Dogs?
When dogs or puppies start eating non-food items like dirt, sticks, fabric, or stones, we call this behavior pica. From a holistic and homeopathic perspective, this isn’t just a behavioral issue—it’s an instinctual response.
Animals in the wild often self-medicate. They’ll chew on bark, dig for minerals in soil, or consume certain herbs to restore balance in their bodies. Your dog might be doing the same thing.
Why Is My Dog Eating Wood, Rocks, or Plants?
Here’s what these unusual cravings might be pointing to:
🪵 Wood & Sticks -This may indicate that support is required in regard to their structural support and growth. Potentially pointing towards a homeopathic remedy like Calcarea Phosphorica (Calc phos). Puppies in particular have high mineral needs while growing. This remedy has been a staple in all of my puppy's development stages, including teething and growth spurts! I find that this remedy really helps balance out those calcium and phosphorus levels.
🪨 Pumice or Rocks - Craving minerals like silica or calcium. Homeopathic remedies such as Silica or Calcarea Carbonica (Calc carb) can be indicated here, especially in puppies who are sensitive, slow to develop, or prone to digestive issues. I often refer to Calc carb as the foundation remedy as it really helps influence their development, metabolism and function of the body. Silica really helps support animals that have issues assimilating vitamins and minerals, they just seem to be "lacking" in all areas; mental, emotional and physical.
🌿 Flax Bushes & Plants - These are often rich in trace minerals and oils. A desire for these may point toward imbalances in the liver, digestion, or even skin and coat health. Remedies like Lycopodium, or Nux Vomica could be applicable depending on the complete emotional and physical picture. Lycopodium in a low potency can help support and stimulate the gut/liver and digestion. We all know Nux vomica as this is a must have remedy in any homeopathic kit! It's main sphere of action is on the digestive system and a great remedy for when "over-indulgence" or "over-eating" is involved.
What Homeopathy Can Reveal That Conventional Care Might Miss
Where traditional approaches often suppress symptoms, homeopathy for animals focuses on the whole animal. We consider:
Physical signs (like pica or digestive issues)
Emotional traits (timid, clingy, reactive, etc.)
Life stage (e.g., teething, growing, recovering from illness)
This allows us to find the right remedy that stimulates your fur-baby's natural healing response.
🐾 Want to learn more? Explore my consultations here.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re noticing your dog or puppy eating strange things:
✅ Observe closely: Note what they’re eating and when. Are they anxious? Hungry? Going through a growth spurt?
✅ Check their environment: Remove toxic garden products. Dogs chewing natural materials might absorb harmful residues.
✅ Get support: Book a homeopathic consult to get a remedy tailored to your dog’s exact needs.
I offer both acute and chronic animal homeopathy consultations, as well as animal kinesiology to help uncover imbalances that might not be obvious.
Your Dog Is Wise - Let’s Listen
What looks like destructive behavior may actually be your fur-baby's way of saying: “I’m missing something. Help me find it.”
Through homeopathy, we don't just treat symptom, we honor the animal's inner wisdom and support true, lasting wellness.
Ready to Get to the Root of It?
📅 Book your animal homeopathy consultation now
📚 Join my free workshop on treating acute issues at home
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