Why Your Dog Eats Dirt

If you're a dog parent, you're probably used to seeing your dog eat or try to eat some bizarre things. But have you ever caught them munching on pure dirt?

"Dirt eating is a form of what is termed 'pica,' the ingestion of nonfood materials. There are many causes, including nutritional, behavioral, and physical. Stress or boredom can also lead to eating all sorts of things, including dirt." Holistic veterinarian Dr. Laurie S. Coger explains.

You shouldn't ignore your dog's persistent dirt-eating behaviour as it could be a symptom of a more serious problem, including anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal disturbance.

Allowing your dog to eat dirt carries some risks. If your dog consumes a lot at once, the primary risk is the impaction of the intestine – hardened stool gets lodged in the body due to prolonged constipation. Surgery is typically required in such a situation.

It could be poisonous if the dirt contains pesticides, fertilizers, or other pollutants. Rocks in the dirt can harm your dog's teeth and obstruct their oesophagus or any other part of the digestive tract. Additionally, your dog's mouth, throat, intestines, or stomach could become punctured if the dirt contains sharp objects.

If you're concerned that your dog is eating dirt because of a nutritional imbalance, talk to your veterinarian about your dog's diet. Ensure your dog gets enough mental and physical exercise to prevent dirt eating from boredom.