Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?
If you’re a pet owner, you have most likely caught your dog eating dirt. It’s strange, but many dogs have a habit of eating things like this. Whether toilet water, rocks or dirt, dogs have the need to taste new things This article will answer the question we know you’re all asking yourself, “Why do dogs eat dirt?” Pica is known as when dogs crave non-foot items such as dirt. This condition causes your pet to crave a number of strange things including socks, underwear and more. There are a number of reasons why dogs eat dirt.
Reasons for Pica-Related Behaviors
The first, is boredom or merely acting out. This may vary on the dog’s breed, but most require a lot of physical activity. When a dog is stuck inside often, they use eating dirt as a rebellious act. Many dogs are simply bored and do this to experience something new. When you’re noticing your dog is eating dirt often, try to get more play time in with them to offer them stimulation that may deter them from eating these strange things.
For other dogs, the smell of dirt may smell like leftovers. Dogs will sniff around, and smell left over food left in the grass and eat the dirt in that area. Be careful if you are having a cooking space in your yard that no oils or dropped foods occur leading to your dog wanting to eat the dirt in that area.
Some dogs even eat dirt to soothe their stomach. Sounds strange, right? If they have eaten dirt before, they probably have thrown up. A dog will remember this when they feel the need to be sick. The dirt is an internal scrub per say that cleans out their insides. The result is vomit and/or diarrhea. Dirt can be an effective way to get rid of any impurities in their gut. However, if you think your dog is eating dirt because of this reason, it’s important to see a veterinarian quickly to resolve any problems.
Lastly, a dog may be eating dirt because they don’t have the nutrients they need. Unfortunately, some mainstream dog foods don’t have an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals. This means that if your dog is turning to dirt for eating, they may have a void in their diet.
A Balanced Dog Diet
Some of the most important parts of canine nutrition are protein. Good protein sources for your dog includes eggs, lentils, beans, lean meats and fish. Water is also important s they help to flush waste, regulate body temperature, maintain hydration and distribute nutrients throughout their body. Healthy fats are also important as they help the nervous system and protect the organs. Carbohydrates aren’t vital to a canine diet, but provide extra benefits of antioxidants. Think sweet potatoes. Also, just like humans, vitamins and minerals are important too.
Dog Health Problems
Some dogs eat dirt because there’s a more serious health problem going on. Eating dirt and pica-related situations can be influenced by any of the following: intestinal parasites, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disease, anemia, increased hunger, malnutrition, thyroid disease or vitamin deficiency. Repeated incidences of pica are a sign of a bigger problem.
Diagnosing Pica
A vet can run tests to determine the actual issue. As a pet owner, you should be aware of your dog’s normal behaviors. That is because when they stray away from them, you can notice changes and take them into a vet as soon as possible for evaluation. If your dog has been diagnosed with pica, they can help you to determine the best way to treat it, depending on the cause of the condition.
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