u/StarWarsCrazy1

Sometimes I wish he was real. Heh.

Original post.

Just got back from the vet about forty-five minutes ago.

TL;DR: Long story short, most of her symptoms are just her body aging, and a bit of anxiety of her own. Eating rocks is the weirdest coping mechanism I've ever seen haha.

The veterinarian did her bloodwork and took some x-rays. Her bloodwork came out perfect, thyroid and all. Her coughing and occasional raspy breathing are because of a mild trachea collapse, but the vet was not too concerned about it, and said it isn't uncommon in older dogs. Speaking of which, I found this amusing, but Brandy also has "old dog lungs".

During my research before the visit, I read that anxiety might cause a dog to eat things they aren't supposed to (i.e, the rocks). We couldn't actually see any rocks in her x-rays, her next bowel movement had none, and the only thing in her stomach was the treats I brought to reward her with- which did confuse the veterinarian a bit, she couldn't quite make out what they were until she asked me if I'd given her anything.

The vet said that the only thing she would prescribe would be maybe a cough suppressant, but there's nothing that really needs treating. Brandy is well and happy to be back home. Vet said she'll call to follow up tomorrow.

I went in expecting the worst, but it turns out Brandy is just a goober. Despite spending $650, I much prefer that and a healthy dog as opposed to coming home without her. Thank you all for your advice, and I'm so happy I got to give you all good news.

This is Brandy (12F, turns 13 on October 5th). My parents rescued her from a bad situation when she was a puppy, and she's been with us ever since. She's had no health issues or behavioral issues over the years, but in the past couple of weeks, she's started eating, well. Rocks. I get that dogs eat grass when their stomachs are upset, but I don't quite get why she would eat rocks. I found out today when I was cleaning up her waste and found them in her stools. Both in them, and just piles of rock int he grass that I found alone. I mentioned it to my dad, and he seemed dismissive, so I brought it up to my mom, who shares my concerns and is going to do some research about it. I figured I would ask other dog owners here to see what you guys think of it. Is she being silly- is it something we can train her out of doing- or does she need a vet? She's never done anything like this before. Thanks in advance.

(first picture is her today)

ETA: By rocks, I mean pebbly types rocks like this

Update: Parents agreed to let me take her to the vet, I told them about PICA and pointed out some of the symptoms of it that she has (retching/gagging and coughing while eating, and little to no feces when she has to go), and my dad is a bit more concerned now. I will be scheduling an appointment for Monday afternoon as soon as the vet's office opens tomorrow morning.