![]() If your dog has an odd taste for dirt every now and then, you have nothing to worry about. It could also be that eating dirt helps puppies to understand the world around them much better. DirtĮating dirt is a hugely common behavior in puppies, It's unknown why dogs will choose to eat dirt, but it's often thought that the scents given off by dirt are very appealing, whether they be from a mulch pile, forest floor or field. If your dog is eating an alarming amount of grass, ask your vet about how you can help to stop this behavior in your companion. Provided that your pooch is otherwise healthy, eating grass is generally considered to be safe provided that the grass is not heavily coated in chemicals.ĭogs will eat grass for any number of reasons, including introducing more fiber into their gastrointestinal tract, relieving their boredom, or even simply because they enjoy it. If you suspect that your pet's urge to eat inedible objects is a sign of pica, contact your vet.īelow are some of the most common substances that our four-legged friend love to eat: Grassĭogs will often nibble on grass, although some dogs enjoy grass eating more than others. It's often believed that animals with pica may be missing essential minerals or nutrients from their diet. The term for eating non-edible items in both people and pets is "Pica." Dogs with pica have an almost compulsive urge to eat non-digestible items like dirt, sticks or rocks. Puppies, in particular, are keen on eating things they find, including stones, trash, leaves and dead animals. While this behavior can be stomach-turning for many pet owners, it's actually natural for our canine companion to have a scavenging instinct. They’ll be able to examine your pet and, if necessary, run tests and find out if anything more serious is going on, such as intestinal issues, anemia, or another illness.If you are dealing with a dog that will eat anything and everything, know that you aren't alone. Talk to a vet - If your dog won’t stop eating dirt no matter what you do, head to your vet. □ Talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet or starting them on a new supplement. Also, consider a canine supplement or vitamin that will make up for any deficiencies in your pup’s diet. Consider talking to your vet about switching your dog to a new, well-balanced diet. Make sure they’re getting proper nutrition - Nutrient deficiencies are a potential cause of geophagia. Use training and rewards - Positive reinforcement is an essential and effective tool that you have to keep your dog away from dirt and mulch. This may include using a basket muzzle, fencing off the mulched areas in your yard, or keeping your dog indoors any time they can’t be supervised. If your dog is compulsively eating dirt, do your best to keep them away from the area until you can get them to the vet for evaluation. Keep them separated from the area - Avoidance is a crucial step that you should take. A little bit of mental stimulation (and maybe a few brand new chew toys) for your pup can go a long way! We love this interactive dog puzzle by Outward Hound. Keep them entertained - If your pup is eating dirt because they’re bored, they may need more physical exercise: time on walks, playing with toys, etc. If your dog’s dirt habit is behavioral or being caused by a lack of proper nutrition, here are a few tips: Your dog might be feeling sick and eating dirt is an instinctive response to help induce vomiting. Bacteria, viruses, or toxins in your pup’s gut may cause them to eat dirt. Because soil contains calcium, iron, and other necessary minerals, it’s one of the easiest ways for dogs to get these minerals when they lack a balanced diet. If your pup is lacking in key vitamins and nutrients, they may instinctively seek those nutrients out by eating dirt. Low red blood cell counts lead animals to seek out nutrients in any way they can, including consuming dirt. Sometimes, there might be something in the dirt that smells good and your dog simply wants to check it out. ![]() Getting a little taste of dirt is one of the quickest ways for a puppy to figure out what it is. Just like babies, young puppies are intrigued by many things. This is most often the case with puppies. Dogs that experience stress or separation anxiety react in many different ways one common stress response is eating things like dirt. Dogs that aren’t getting enough exercise may eat dirt simply because they’re bored, just like they might tear up furniture indoors. Important to establish whether your dog’s dirt-eating is behavioral or being caused by an underlying medical condition.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |