Reasons My Dog Is Eating Dirt

Sometimes our dogs do silly things, such as eating dirt. While some things they do can be funny, there may be an underlying reason that they continue to do it.

If your dog occasionally takes a couple of bites of dirt, there shouldn’t be any major cause for concern. However, if they frequently chomp at dirt it could become dangerous. Continued consumption of dirt can create intestinal blocks, which would eventually require surgery. Before letting your dog eat emergency levels of dirt, understand why they may be trying to taste it in the first place.

Reason #1

Nutritional Deficiency

If your dog isn’t eating enough vitamins and minerals in their diet day-to-day, they may unconsciously start chomping at the dirt in an effort to fill those nutritional gaps. Dirt can contain important minerals like calcium, sodium, and iron. While these minerals are beneficial, your dog should be getting them from food sources instead of dirt.

Reason #2

Upset Stomach

A common reason your dog might be eating dirt is simply because they have an upset stomach. When pets have gastrointestinal issues, they may turn to outside solutions such as dirt to soothe their stomachs. However, grass consumption is much more likely to help dogs with an upset stomach than dirt is.

Reason #3

Anemia

Anemia is characterized as a condition when people or pets have low blood cell counts. Common signs of anemia in pets include irregular heartbeat, cold paws, or trouble standing up straight. Typically, anemia is diagnosed through blood testing and is frequently caused by nutritional deficiencies. Similar to other nutritional deficiencies, a dog may eat dirt to try to restore those healthy levels.

Reason #4

Anxiety

From a behavioral standpoint, your dog may be eating dirt due to separation anxiety. This commonly occurs if pets are upset that their owners have left them and start knocking down house plants and chewing everything in sight. In other cases, dogs may also eat dirt simply because they are bored or under-stimulated.

Reason #5

Eating Disorder

Some dogs may develop an eating disorder called pica. Pica is a condition characterized by the consumption of things that have no nutritional value like plastic, paper, or dirt. Usually, this behavior is compulsive and could lead to intestinal issues if unhealthy products continue to be consumed regularly.

When To See a Vet

A dog playing in the dirt occasionally is normal, and shouldn’t worry any pet parents. If you stay vigilant and observe your dog’s behavior on a regular basis, it will help you understand when any concern is warranted. For instance, if you notice your dog compulsively eating dirt often, it may be time to take them to a vet for further evaluation. Your dog may be signaling to you that they are not being fed enough nutrients, or perhaps it could be a signal of serious anxiety. Regardless of the cause, a vet can help walk you through your dog’s health history and find a solution for your furry friend.