How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Dirt
According to Dr. Ellen M. Lindell of Veterinary Behavior Consultations, PC, it is important to learn the reason for the behavior before working on a treatment plan and giving recommendations. “The diagnosis drives the treatment.”
As there are several reasons why your dog may be interested in eating dirt, there are various ways to address and stop the behavior.
“If your pet’s dirt eating is caused by an underlying medical issue, it is important to treat this first,” recommends Keefe. Typically, baseline blood work will screen for anemia, and check organ function to determine kidney or liver disease. Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will tailor a treatment plan to your dog, which should stop the dirt-eating behavior.
If you have either recently changed the dog’s food or feed him a home-cooked meal, and the dog is exhibiting dirt eating, Keefe recommends speaking to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. Diagnostic tests can determine if your dog is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, at which point the veterinarian may prescribe a specific diet or supplements.
As a preventative measure, Keefe recommends feeding the pet a nutritionally complete, AAFCO-approved diet “that is certified as suitable for their size and life-stage.” Look for the AAFCO statement on the dog food bag or label to ensure the food is properly balanced.
In a situation where there is a lack of mental stimulation or boredom causing dirt eating, Lindell recommends that pet parents provide enrichment that the dog prefers. “That can be food, toys, social play with the owner or other dogs.”
Keefe suggests increasing the amount of daily exercise and playtime for the dog. “You can also provide interactive toys, such as food puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation, especially when they are home alone for longer periods of time.”
If the dog is acting out of frustration or compulsive behaviors, Lindell recommends providing the dog access to “satisfying alternative behaviors such as creating search-and-find food containers in the dirt area.”
Training may also help deter your dog from digging and eating dirt. When you notice your dog heading to a corner of your yard, Lindell recommends using a leash to prevent the dog from easily accessing the ground. However, she suggests not trying to ‘correct’ by jerking a leash or scolding. “You can train a ‘leave it’ using reward-based methods.”
Training and playtime outside are important because, “the yard does not become the snack bar but represents a place to enjoy social activity,” according to Lindell.
“Stress can also be a contributing factor in the development of behavioral issues,” adds Keefe. Some stress triggers in your dog’s life may include changes in their routine or environment, especially with pet parents returning to offices after a prolonged period at home. These dogs can benefit from having a “safe space” in the home to retreat where they feel comfortable.
Some natural therapies and products may also help relieve anxiety. Keefe recommends pheromone collars or anxiety wraps. Calming treats or supplements may also help reduce stress in dogs. For severe stress and anxiety issues, Keefe suggests enlisting “the help of a behavioral specialist who can assist with techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning.”
Why Is My Dog Eating Dirt and Throwing Up?
Dogs’ bodies are built in such a way that whenever they ingest anything inedible, they will attempt to remove the unwanted material via vomiting.
“Sometimes eating dirt and other non-food items is a sign of gastrointestinal discomfort and dogs ingest this material in an attempt to find some relief,” explains Keefe.
She adds that ingestion of a small amount of dirt and a single episode of vomiting may not warrant veterinary care. However, pet parents need to get the dog examined by a veterinarian if the dog “repeatedly vomits or gags without bringing anything up, has diarrhea, seems in discomfort, or is lethargic.”
Puppies are naturally curious beings that love nothing more than to roll around in the grass and dig for goodies. “They are more likely to accidentally ingest dirt as they’re exploring the world,” says Keefe.
However, if you see the puppy eating dirt repeatedly, have him examined by a veterinarian to rule out any of the underlying issues listed above.
“It’s also important to discourage them from this behavior, so that it does not become a habit into adulthood,” recommends Keefe. Try redirecting your puppy away from the dirt with a toy, treat, or interactive game and use positive reinforcement when your puppy stays out of the dirt pile.
Don’t scold, yell, or punish your puppy for eating dirt as this can create conflict in your relationship and negative associations with the outdoors or your backyard down the road.
Eating dirt can pose a number of problems for your pooch. Taking in large quantities could cause life-threatening gastrointestinal impaction or blockage, which could require emergency surgery, according to Keefe.
In addition, dirt may contain dangerous materials that could harm your dog. Pesticides or fertilizers may be toxic, small rocks could cause damage to your dog’s teeth, and in severe cases cause choking or intestinal blockage. Sharp sticks could puncture their mouth, throat, or intestinal tract. There is also a risk of your pet ingesting intestinal parasite eggs or other infectious organisms in contaminated soil.
Your Dog Might Have Underlying Health Issues
If your dog is eating a healthy diet, the next step is to rule out underlying health issues. Routine blood work will usually rule out serious medical conditions affecting the body’s organs.
Two potential problems in which eating dirt are symptoms are Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
These serious conditions cannot be diagnosed with a routine blood test. You should request cTLI & Cobalamin/Folate tests if you suspect either of these uncommon diseases.
Just like people, dogs sometimes suffer from indigestion or upset tummies. Most dirt contains quantities of clay that can ease your dog’s discomfort.
Clay has other health benefits, and depending on the type found in your soil, can be used to get rid of parasites or detoxify the body.
If your dog occasionally eats dirt, it could be that they’re taking advantage of the healing power of clay. If your dog eats dirt more often, there’s probably another underlying issue.
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Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt (and how to stop them!)
Oh joy. The things dogs eat. Yikes. Of all the things I have seen my own dogs attempt to wolf down (pun intended), dirt is probably one of the least disgusting. The pungent order of who-knows-what on their breath (oh my goodness, poop or vomit kills me!) just as they go in for a big kiss … Ew! You know what Im talking about. Yep, dirt isnt the worst one when it comes to having to smell it up close and personal.
Dogs wouldnt be dogs if they didnt do all sorts of weird things. Its these strange antics that often make us love them more. But, when you find your dog is enjoying mud pies or cannot seem to remove their nose from your plant bed, it can be concerning. Dirt consumption, or geophagia, can happen for lots of reasons. Luckily, the majority of times your dog chomps on Earth arent cause for concern. However, when it occurs frequently, or they select soil as much as kibble, it is time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.