Black Lab Puppy Eating Rocks!!

Question
My Black Lab puppy Molly well be 4 months old on October 16.  Recently she has started eating rocks.  4 Nights ago she threw up 4 different times and there was a total of 40 rocks she had thrown up. The size of the rocks range from penny size up to quarter size, also when she moved her bowls that same night I could tell she was straining, but she did move them. I am very worried about her health because of this habit.  Is there anything I can do to break her of it?  Or is there any hope that she may grow out of it?  She is to the point now that she would rather rocks then treats!!!

Answer
You are right to be concerned.  When I tour the dog guide school's clinic, there are always rocks in their collection of things they have had to surgically remove from their dogs.  Now they have a fancy piece of equipment to fish stuff out without operating in many cases.  This could be tough to fix.  It may not be practical to remove all the wrong sized rocks from you yard or constantly supervise her outside.  Do what you can.  Keep an eye on her.  Further problems with bowel movements will mean a vet visit.  A blocked digestive tract is serious, although usually you have time to notice a problem and get to the vet.