Dogs are curious animals. They love to poke around corners, bark, and will often eat just about anything they find on the road. This behavior can be dangerous for them, especially if they ingest substances that are not only far from a dog's he althy diet, but can also harm their he alth. Among these substances, is the earth, have you ever observed your dog eating it?
This behavior is not normal, so in the next article we'll explain why dogs eat dirt,as well as tips for stop him from doing it. You want to know more? Ahead!
Why do dogs eat potting soil?
Ingesting dirt is a fairly common behavior among dogs, whether it's from a pot in your apartment or directly from the garden. Also in the veterinary practice, owners often point out that " my dog eats roots " that he digs up from under the ground. What motivates this behavior? There are several reasons that lead dogs to eat dirt, you need to know them, as they will be of great help when taking measures against this habit. Below, we detail the main reasons:
1. Pica syndrome
Pica syndrome is one of several eating disorders that a dog can suffer from. It manifests as the desire to ingest inedible substances, such as soil. It is a behavior that should not be considered normal or positive in puppies and requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian. It can appear for a variety of reasons, from stress to he alth problems.
two. Discovery in puppies
Puppy dogs discover the world through their senses, just like human babies. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a puppy to eat non-edible food, such as dirt, occasionally Of course, this behavior should not continue to manifest itself from 4 months of age.
3. Boredom and stress
A dog that spends many hours alone, lives in an environment with poor environmental enrichment, receives punishment or does not go for a walk can begin to develop boredom, stress and anxiety. Thus, one of the ways to channel anxiety is through destructive or compulsive behaviors, such as eating dirt.
4. Demand for attention
Dogs that receive little attention from their guardians may display "inappropriate behaviors" for the sole purpose of receiving attention. Even if it means receiving a punishmentIn these cases it is important to review the dog's daily routine and look for alternatives that help improve its well-being involving all members of the family unit
5. Hunger
Although it is unusual, hunger can be one of the reasons that explains "why my dog eats dirt", so we recommend check the food packaging of your dog to confirm that the portions you offer are adequate. Remember that he should always be adapted to his age and level of physical activity. If, on the other hand, you bet on homemade diets, then consult a veterinary
What to do if your dog eats dirt?
We have explained some reasons that answer your question about "why does my dog eat dirt", however, you probably want to know what to do if your dog eats dirt, right? The first thing to point out is that you must go to the vet to make an accurate diagnosis. From there, the veterinarian will prescribe management guidelines, medication or whatever he considers appropriate.
But in addition, in general, we offer you some tips that will help you improve the well-being and he alth of your best friend:
- Preventive medicine: in addition to visiting the vet regularly, don't forget to follow the dog's vaccination schedule and regular deworming, both internal and external.
- A daily routine: Dogs appreciate having a strong routine. Always offer food in two or three feedings, depending on your availability, three walks a day, hours of games and fun, caresses…
- Balanced diet: offering a quality diet that guarantees its nutritional needs has repercussions on your dog's behavior and he alth. Check the composition of your dog's feed to ensure that it is of quality and that the portions are correct. In the case of changing your diet, remember that it should be done gradually, over one or two weeks, mixing both foods.
- Prevent him from accessing the soil: you must prevent your dog from ingesting soil. To do this, keep the pots off the ground and only allow them to access the garden in your presence.
- Don't punish your dog: You should completely avoid scolding your dog when he eats dirt, as we have explained, the demand for Attention is one of the causes that can motivate this behavior. Do activities with your dog outside to distract him and reinforce him regularly.
Why does my dog eat sand?
Dogs that live near the shoreline or have access to sand may start to eat it, which can become a real he alth problem. As a result, they develop diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and excessive thirst In addition, the sand may contain small stones, plastic debris, cigarettes, and other hazardous inorganic materials. The reasons that trigger this behavior are the same that lead the dog to eat dirt. However, sand is more dangerous for the reasons we have detailed.
