You and your dog love to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s sitting out on the front porch on a sunny day or if there is a spontaneous urge to play out in the rain, you and your dog do fun things in an open, well-ventilated space. There may be times when your dog likes to do unusual things, like eat dirt.
If you see this happening, the first thought is “why?”. The question you might be asking is, “why do dogs eat dirt?” and you’re unsure of the answer. We will go over this question and more in this guide. Some may believe this has to do with potential health issues (and it might be the case). Let’s unravel this mystery of dogs eating dirt right now.
Could It Be Natural Instinct and Curiosity?
It’s no secret that dogs explore the world around them using their snout and even their mouth. Whether they’re puppies or adults, dogs will constantly be licking, nibbling, or chewing on whatever’s in front of them, especially outdoors. From sticks and grass to leaves and even dirt, sensory exploration is a natural behavior for dogs of all ages.
They use their taste and smell senses to gather more information on their immediate surroundings. Soil also has the ability to carry plenty of interesting scents like traces of other animal scents, decomposing plants, and even food scraps. Dogs deal with a wide variety of scents all at once. Assuming they eat dirt without exhibiting signs of illness, this comes down to good ol’ fashioned doggy curiosity.
Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt: Is the Issue Nutrient-Related?
Another reason for the question of “why do dogs eat dirt?” could be something serious. To begin, we’ll take a look at whether or not it's related to any nutritional needs your dog might be lacking. Let’s zoom in a little closer to specify the issues:
- Poor quality food or nutritional imbalance: You might be feeding your dog something that may not have the essential nutrients. For this reason, dogs may eat dirt since it tends to contain nutrients that can be found in high-quality dog foods (believe it or not). So, eating dirt will compensate for this nutritional deficiency.
- Anemia: If your dog has a low red blood cell count, this can be linked to iron deficiency. This can trigger strange cravings, only to be satisfied with eating dirt. With this in mind, you will need to take your dog to the vet for bloodwork to confirm this.
- Digestive enzyme deficiencies: Dogs who suffer from digestive enzyme imbalances may eat dirt or other non-food substances to self-correct the issue.
As such, it might be ideal to double-check your dog’s current diet in order to determine if their dirt-eating habit is due to gaps in what they’re getting nutrition-wise. Of course, you can always consult your veterinarian to pinpoint the actual problem.
Can Eating Dirt Signal A Medical-Related Problem?
Yes, one other reason why dogs eat dirt could be a signal that something might be wrong in terms of medical-related issues. The behavior itself is likely a symptom of an underlying medical issue. This could include the following:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs dealing with digestive discomfort will likely self-soothe it by eating grass, typically. However, dirt isn’t out of the question either. Both possess a good amount of fiber and a rough texture to ease their upset stomachs. It can also be done as a way to trigger vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): If your dog is dealing with chronic digestive issues like IBD, eating dirt can be seen as a behavior where it is looking for relief. Along with eating dirt, your dog might be experiencing frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss. Keep this in mind if your dog has not been previously diagnosed with the issue.
- Pica is a condition in which dogs compulsively eat non-food items. It can be caused by behavioral triggers like boredom or stress, and medical issues can also be linked to it. For dogs with pica, dirt is typically one of the things they eat regularly.
Please note that if your dog is eating dirt and shows signs of illness, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. This could be a sign of an issue that may not have been previously diagnosed. It also ensures that you can catch a potential medical issue earlier rather than later.
Can Dirt Eating Be Behaviorally Related?
Yes, dogs eating dirt can be related to behavioral issues. Think of humans who might overeat when stressed or chew their nails when anxious. Dogs can develop coping behaviors that seem odd to their typical demeanor. They can eat dirt due to these reasons:
- Boredom: If your dog is known for being energetic but doesn’t get enough mental stimulation, they will find a way to entertain themselves, even if it means eating dirt, digging more often than usual, or engaging in destructive behaviors.
- Anxiety or stress: There may be changes in your home, a lack of mental enrichment, or even separation anxiety. All of these behaviors can lead to your dog eating dirt. Watch out for other things they do like whining, pacing, or acting clingy (especially if it isn’t normal for them). Stress will most likely be the issue if these behaviors are associated with dirt eating. Regardless, consider solutions like over-the-counter anxiety medications or even Under The Weather’s Calming Soft Chews.
- Habitual behavior: Yes, dirt eating can become a habit even after the original cause, be it behavioral or nutritional, has dissipated. Their brains may program this behavior as being linked to comfort or relief.
It is possible to re-train your dog to stop eating dirt. This can be done by way of training techniques, dietary changes, or even environmental changes. If necessary, you can also work with a pet behaviorist to get a good idea of what strategies to use to ensure your dog stops eating dirt as a behavioral habit.
Is Eating Dirt Actually Dangerous to Dogs?
Eating dirt can be dangerous to dogs. While occasional licking or eating won’t result in adverse issues, it’s the consumption in large quantities that can become a medical condition. The potential risks of your dog eating dirt include:
- Parasites: Soil might contain harmful parasites like roundworms, hookworms, toxoplasma, or other intestinal parasites that might exist.
- Pesticides and toxins: If you have recently treated your lawn, the soil might be contaminated. At this point, you’ll want to make sure your dog avoids eating dirt. Even if you regularly treat your lawn, leftover chemical residue may still exist. As such, make sure they avoid eating dirt altogether.
- Choking hazards exist: Rocks, large clumps of soil, or other foreign objects can pose a choking danger as they are large enough to block airways.
- Intestinal blockages: Even if they don’t obstruct airways, dirt or even small rocks inside can lead to blockages in the intestines.
- Dental damage: Gritty soil can cause teeth to wear down or even fracture.
Again, occasional licking won’t be an issue. However, bear in mind that regular dirt eating can be an issue, especially if the soil quality is a bit on the rough side. Also, chemical residue from regular treatment (even if it’s been months after application) can trigger health issues for your dogs. Please notify your vet immediately if your dog eats dirt and exhibits adverse health issues some time after ingestion.
What Actions Should You Take If Your Dog Eats Dirt?
While there may be instances where your dog eating dirt might not be alarming, it is important to take the necessary steps. Here’s what you’ll want to do in the event that they are eating dirt:
- Observe and track their behavior: You’ll want to notice how often your dog eats dirt. Be sure to note where they have eaten it and look out for any patterns. Do they do this after meals or during walks? Are they alone when they eat dirt?
- Double-check their diet: Assess their regular diet and the food you feed them regularly. In addition, consider talking with a vet or even a pet nutritionist about any potential changes. You can also check out Under The Weather and their line of bland diet dog foods.
- Visit your vet: If the dirt eating persists or if the dog shows symptoms like weight loss, upset stomach, vomiting, or lethargy, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. There is a good chance that this can be an indicator of a medical issue in progress. Bloodwork and stool tests will typically be performed in this situation.
- Prevent access: Restricting access to dirt-prone areas can be a good approach for your dog. Use garden fencing if they tend to roam outdoors. If you are outdoors and supervise them, use a leash.
Final Thoughts
Your dog eating dirt might trigger concern, and that’s valid. However, it is important to observe what could also be happening when they’re doing it or after the fact. Be sure to monitor your dog closely to see if it’s just a one-time thing or a habit they have picked up suddenly. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to make sure they have a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients that will be ideal for their everyday life. Check out what Under The Weather has in stock for your dog’s needs now.
