Many dogs enjoy digging holes, sniffing around, and sometimes even eating the dirt. This seemingly strange behavior can puzzle or concern some dog owners, and sometimes rightfully so.
Dirt from flower pots, vegetable beds, or forest floors seems to taste really good to our four-legged friends. Some dogs enthusiastically devour it, prompting their owners to question the reason behind this behavior.
If a dog eats a bit of dirt occasionally, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, dog owners should stay attentive and observe their dogs. If a dog consistently eats a lot of dirt, it could be a sign of the dog’s underlying health problems.
This dog guide explains when eating dirt is a cause for concern and how to deal with this behavior.
Why do dogs eat dirt?
Explanations for dogs eating dirt are diverse. Despite numerous observations, studies, and research on this topic, there is still no universally accepted opinion in professional circles.
Possible reasons why dogs eat dirt include:
- Joy
- Curiosity (especially in puppies)
- Boredom
- Stress
- Nutrient deficiency
- Diet change
- Inherited behavior
- Digestive issues
- Problems in the mouth or with teeth
This list of potential reasons for a dog eating dirt is not exhaustive.
Physical discomfort can usually be identified by additional symptoms. For example, in the case of dental problems, the dog may excessively lick its mouth, chew seemingly without cause, and the gums may be pale or cloudy.
A visit to a veterinary practice can definitively determine whether eating dirt is related to physical discomfort or deficiencies.
Caution
There’s a possibility that the dirt contains dangerous foreign objects, toxic mushrooms or insects, as well as fertilizers and other substances that could harm the dog’s health. If there’s suspicion of injury, allergic reaction, poisoning, or the like, the dog should be promptly treated by a veterinarian.
When should I do something about it?
To determine whether a dog eating dirt is harmless or a concerning behavior, dog owners should observe their pets and ask themselves the following questions:
- How often does the dog eat dirt?
- How much dirt does the dog eat?
- Where does the dog eat dirt?
- When exactly does the dog eat dirt?
- What happens after the dog eats dirt?
If a dog occasionally eats a bit of dirt while digging or playing, it’s usually not a big deal. It becomes concerning when the dog consistently and excessively eats dirt. Vomiting afterward is also a sign of a potential physical problem.
Note
Is the dog really eating dirt? It might not be the dirt itself but something in the soil that the dog wants to consume. Sometimes, the soil may be infused with a liquid that is palatable to the dog.
What to do if your dog eats dirt
Before attempting to discourage this behavior or taking other measures, it’s important to determine whether there’s an underlying physical problem with the dog.
Once it’s ensured that the dog is healthy, consideration can be given to possible psychological triggers. It’s essential to address psychological causes to prevent the dog eating dirt from developing into a compulsive eating disorder (Pica).
Possible measures for psychologically-induced dirt eating in dogs:
- Provide sufficient physical and mental stimulation for the dog without overexertion.
- Establish a consistent daily routine for the dog.
- Offer alternatives to well-maintained flower beds in the garden.
- Make walks or playtime outdoors interesting for the dog.
If the dog is seeking attention through eating dirt, consistently ignore this undesirable behavior, as any reaction makes it rewarding for the dog.
Tip
If the issue is related to a change in diet, it should be done gradually. It helps to mix a small amount of new food with the familiar one at first, then gradually increase the proportion of the new food until the dog is only receiving the new diet
In any case, it’s advisable to consider the possible cause if the dog appears to be constantly eating dirt.
