If you see your dog eating dirt, make sure to immediately discourage the behavior, as it can pose a number of risks to their health. It's possible that in a dog's zeal to wolf down the grass, some dirt might get added to the mix. However, if your dog is having tummy issues, they're more likely to eat grass, says the AKC. Upset Stomach or Gastrointestinal Disturbanceĭogs might also turn to eating dirt in an attempt to soothe an upset stomach or rumbling bowels. Nutritional imbalances are very rare in healthy dogs, so make sure to talk to your veterinarian about choosing the best dog food for your pup. Or, a hormonal issue could be preventing your dog from absorbing the minerals and nutrients in their food. Eating dirt can be a sign that your dog isn't getting enough of the essential minerals they need for good health. Nutritional Imbalance or Mineral DeficiencyĮven without anemia, a nutritional imbalance alone could spur your pooch to gobble dirt. The only way to reliably diagnose anemia is through blood work tests. An anemic dog may instinctively turn to eating dirt in an attempt to restore any deficiencies causing this condition. According to CertaPet, anemia can be caused by a nutritional imbalance. AnemiaĪnemia in dogs is a condition marked by low blood cell count or hemoglobin levels. Compulsive geophagia might be a sign that your pooch has one of the following issues. But it could also signal an underlying health problem or a lack of proper nutrition, says the American Kennel Club(AKC). The desire for munching on soil might be boredom or stress, or it could simply be because they smelled something tasty mixed in the mud. Why Is My Dog Eating Dirt? Possible Explanationsĭogs eat dirt for a number of reasons. Here's why your dog might feel compelled to chow down on dirt and why you should take the behavior seriously. If the only non-food item they eat is dirt, then they might have what is referred to as geophagia, according to Wag! But is your dog's dirt eating just a strange habit or should you be concerned? When pooches eat non-food items, whether dirt, grass, rocks, sticks or garbage, they may be diagnosed with a condition called pica, which just means that your dog is eating non-food items. However, eating dirt is a fairly common behavior among dogs. Dog's will eat all sorts of things, but eating dirt might be one that gives you cause for concern.
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