Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account below, or login by clicking here.

Zip Code(Required)
Pet Information and Coupons

Disclaimer

Stay updated with Petland! By checking the above box, you are providing your electronic signature to consent to receive SMS text messages, emails, mailings and other communications from Petland, even if such communications are considered advertisements, and you confirm that you are the subscriber or customary user of any phone number you submit. Text messages may be sent using an automated dialing system. Your consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, and may be revoked at any time by responding STOP to any SMS text messages you receive. Message and data rates may apply. Additionally, you are consenting to location, usage, and information collection.

5 Reasons Dogs Eat Dirt

January 29, 2019

Dogs do the darnedestthings sometimes, don’t they?

Besides being comical they have the tendency to do weird things, like eating stuff that they shouldn’t! In this post, we’re exploring their desire to eat dirt. What does it mean? Should you be alarmed? Here are five reasons why dogs eat dirt.

It Tastes Good

One obvious reason dogs eat dirt is because it tastes good. For instance, if there was a cookout in the backyard and some food dropped in the surrounding area, one of your purebred dogs might just take a few bites. This is a less serious reason so don’t be too alarmed.

Bad Diet

Your dog may be eating dirt because he’s actually searching for minerals and vitamins that they may be missing in their daily diet. Make sure that your purebred dogs are fed healthy and nutritional diets.

Behavior Issues

Just like humans, dogs get bored and they do some weird things to entertain themselves. As odd as it may seem to pick up that as a habit, it could be because of a behavioral issue with your pup. Believe it or not, dogs can suffer from OCD and start eating dirt as part of that disorder. You may want to consult with a vet or animal behaviorist for assistance.

Chronic Health Concerns

As we mentioned in #2, when purebred dogs search for vitamins and minerals in such a way, this could be a sign of something more serious. Inflammatory bowel disease could be one reason.

Soothing an Upset Stomach

There are some types of dirt that contain clay that can actually soothe digestive issues your dogs may be having. Some say that dogs instinctively consume it in order to heal themselves, so to speak.

When dogs eat dirt, it may not always be the worst thing however it should be monitored for the very reasons we’ve outline. If you’ve started to notice a more habitual problem, we recommend that you contact your vet.

Related Articles

View All Articles

Help Need Help?