How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Eating Dirty Things

Dogs might eat dirty things for a variety of reasons. Some eat little, while others consume more. If your dog only occasionally eats something dirty, it's usually not a cause for concern. Your dog could simply be trying to eat something it buried, and the dirty object is just in its path! However, if your dog frequently eats dirty things, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. You will need to closely monitor when your dog eats something dirty and try to figure out why. Only then can you effectively address the problem step by step.

Explore some reasons why dogs eat dirty things. Eating dirty items can be a form of pica syndrome, where animals consume non-food objects. In some cases, the cause of pica is a lack of minerals in the diet or a worm infection. However, in other cases, eating dirty things could indicate boredom, which is often true for puppies and young dogs. It could also be that dogs eat dirty things to soothe stomach discomfort from ingesting inappropriate food.

Consider when dogs start eating dirty things. Is it because of changes in their diet, activity levels, or environmental factors? Are there any unusual behaviors or signs that could explain this issue? If you have multiple dogs, do all of them eat dirty things?

• If your dog consumes an unusual amount of dirty food, keep an eye on them in case they've ingested something harmful, leading to potential poisoning.
• If several dogs in the same household eat dirty things, it may be a sign that they aren't getting enough food.
• However, if multiple dogs are eating dirty items in the same place, it could be because there is something tasty mixed in with the dirty food.

Check your dog's gums. Eating dirty things can indicate anemia due to a poor diet or parasitic infections. If your dog's gums appear pale or yellowish, take them to the vet immediately for a diagnosis and treatment.

Assess your dog's food. Most commercial dog foods provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy, though some brands may contain fewer minerals. Check the nutritional information on the packaging and compare it to other brands to ensure it includes adequate amounts of essential minerals like iron and calcium. If your dog is eating raw food or home-cooked meals, they may be missing essential nutrients. In such cases, consult a veterinarian for possible mineral supplements.

• It's also possible your dog eats dirty things because they're hungry. If you've reduced their food intake to manage their weight, consider offering low-calorie food options that still satisfy their appetite instead of cutting back on their regular portion.

Consult with a veterinarian. If you cannot determine why your dog is eating dirty things, or suspect it may be a sign of a more serious issue, take them to a vet for a thorough checkup. During the examination, the vet may perform general health assessments and conduct additional tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies or diseases, and look for any signs of parasites.

• Some veterinarians may offer advice over the phone. You can call ahead to discuss your dog's behavior and seek recommendations.
• Check your dog's stool. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea or greasy stools, it may be struggling to digest its food properly. This could lead to nutritional imbalances, which might drive the dog to eat dirty things to compensate. In this case, consulting with a vet is crucial to investigate and address the issue.

Keep your dog entertained. Spend more time engaging with your dog and provide them with new, exciting toys. If possible, take them on more walks. A busy and tired dog is less likely to resort to eating dirty things out of boredom.

Try switching your dog's food. If you suspect your dog's food lacks essential minerals, consider trying a different brand. There are many dog food options available on the market. If possible, choose a reputable brand offering higher-quality options with more easily digestible ingredients.

• Ensure that the food you choose matches any special needs your dog may have (age, size, activity level, medical conditions). If in doubt, contact your vet for advice.

Worm your dog. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can absorb nutrients meant for your dog and cause diarrhea and digestive issues, both of which may lead your dog to eat dirty things. Worms in your dog's stool are a clear sign of an infection, but other symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weakness. If you suspect a worm infestation, you can purchase deworming tablets from a local pet store or consult a veterinarian.

• Some dog breeds (especially Australian Shepherds and Collies) are sensitive to ingredients in deworming medications, so it's best to consult your vet before giving any treatment.

If your dog only eats dirty things in specific areas, keep them away from those places. It’s likely that your dog is more attracted to the items in the mess rather than the dirt itself. However, if this behavior bothers you, make sure to prevent your dog from going near these spots.

Keep a close eye on your dog when they go outside. Use a leash to walk your dog and always supervise them when they're in the yard. Scold your dog if you catch them eating something dirty. Try to distract them or redirect their attention, and reward them when they leave the mess.

• If your dog tends to eat in a specific part of the yard, you can use deterrents like chili powder, hot sauce, or bitter cucumber spray (available at pet stores) to keep them away.

Keep plant pots out of reach. If your dog eats things from plant pots, try moving the pots to a different location. You can also spray a deterrent on the pots.

• If you notice your dog approaching a plant pot, firmly tell them "sit." When your dog sits, reward them to reinforce the good behavior.

Use a spray bottle to teach your dog not to eat dirty things. Bring a spray bottle filled with clean cold water when walking your dog, and keep it nearby when they’re in the yard. When you catch your dog eating something dirty, approach and firmly say "No!" Wait a moment, then spray the dog’s face with the bottle.

• Never use hot water, or add anything that could harm your dog or irritate its eyes.
• Do not use the spray bottle with a dog that may bite you.

Try using a remote training device. These devices are controlled remotely, so your dog won’t associate the punishment with you. Popular options include air horns or collars that emit unpleasant smells when activated remotely.

• Many dog owners oppose using natural deterrents as punishment, while others believe it's justified if the behavior being prevented could harm the dog. Carefully consider the situation and do what’s best for both you and your dog.

Keep your dog indoors. If you cannot supervise your dog outdoors and are unable to prevent them from eating dirty things, you may choose to keep them inside while you're away. Make sure to remove any accessible plant pots, as your dog may try to eat from indoor pots if left unsupervised.

Consider using tranquilizers for your dog. If your dog continues to eat dirty things and shows signs of anxiety, first try offering more toys and removing stressors from your dog's environment. If this approach doesn’t work, consult a veterinarian about the possibility of using sedatives to help calm your dog.

Consult a dog trainer or behavior specialist. If the vet has ruled out any physical issues with your dog and home remedies aren’t effective, a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist may be able to assist. Ask your vet for a recommendation or contact your local veterinary clinic. You can also search online for "animal behavior" or "dog training" specialists in your area.