Why puppy eats dirt

Dogs eat dirt for a number of reasons. 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. But it could also signal an underlying health problem or a lack of proper nutrition, says the American Kennel Club AKC.

Compulsive geophagia might be a sign that your pooch has one of the following issues. Anemia in dogs is a condition marked by low blood cell count or hemoglobin levels.

According to CertaPet , anemia can be caused by a nutritional imbalance. An anemic dog may instinctively turn to eating dirt in an attempt to restore any deficiencies causing this condition. The only way to reliably diagnose anemia is through blood work tests. Even without anemia, a nutritional imbalance alone could spur your pooch to gobble dirt.

Eating dirt can be a sign that your dog isn't getting enough of the essential minerals they need for good health. Or, a hormonal issue could be preventing your dog from absorbing the minerals and nutrients in their food. 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. Dogs might also turn to eating dirt in an attempt to soothe an upset stomach or rumbling bowels.

However, if your dog is having tummy issues, they're more likely to eat grass, says the AKC. It's possible that in a dog's zeal to wolf down the grass, some dirt might get added to the mix. 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.

Here are several risks associated with geophagia in dogs, according to the AKC:. Pay attention to see if your dog is eating dirt regularly or if it was just a one-off event.

If they only eat dirt once or twice to relieve stress or boredom, you should discourage this behavior, but it might not be cause for alarm. However, if it turns into a compulsive habit or you notice your dog acting different after eating the dirt, contact your veterinarian. They'll need to examine your dog for any underlying health issues that might be prompting this behavior.

The vet may also check your pup for any internal injuries that may have resulted from eating dirt. If a health problem or nutritional imbalance is behind your dog's geophagia, then treating the condition or upgrading your dog's food should stop the behavior. However, if eating dirt has become a habit that needs to be broken, here are several strategies to try:.

If none of these suggestions work, you might need to seek help from a professional trainer or dog behavior specialist to break this habit. While eating dirt might be common among dogs, it isn't safe to let it continue. The sooner you act to prevent this behavior and get to the bottom of why it's happening, the better it will be for your dog's health and well-being. Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.

Select Your Region. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube. A lot of the reasons why your dog eats dirt are the same as why they eat grass too. These include behavioural issues, stomach upset and simply just liking the taste! And, be on the lookout for poisonous plants too. If you are still concerned about your dog eating grass, we would recommend that you discuss it with your vet, just in case.

Looking to find out more information about dog behaviour? Find out how to stop a dog digging next. We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey. Next article. Why Does My Dog Bark? Dog Training. Related topics. Our experts are here to help.

Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. Shop Now. Jessica Peralta November 5, Share on facebook Facebook. Share on pinterest Pinterest. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Share on print Print. Post At A Glance. Chronic Health Concerns That search for vitamins and minerals could also be a sign that your dog has a medical condition like inflammatory bowel disease or hypothyroidism.

Tasty Dirt A less serious cause is simply that your dog is going after something tasty, like bacon or hamburger grease under a grill. Behavioral Issues Humans exhibit strange habits out of stress and boredom — hair twirling, knuckle cracking, overeating, etc.

Now, if the issue is food, a dietary change is in order. Start Now. Jessica Peralta. Jessica Peralta has been a journalist for over 15 years and an animal lover all her life.

She has had dogs, cats, birds, turtles, fish, frogs, and rabbits. Her current children are a German shepherd named Guinness and a black domestic cat called Derby. She loves spending time with them and also learning about all the ways she can make them healthier, the natural way. Related Posts. Popular Posts. Learn More. DNM Partners.