Buzz
Owning a dog means encountering plenty of questions they’ll never answer. Why do they lick windows? Why do they tilt their heads in confusion? And, perhaps the strangest of all, why do they find dirt so appetizing?
According to veterinarian Dr. Laurie S. Coger, DVM, speaking to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s tendency to eat dirt could signal emotional distress. Dogs that are bored or anxious may develop pica, which is the urge to eat things that aren’t food. When the craving is for dirt, it’s called geophagia.
Another reason dogs might eat dirt is to soothe a health issue, such as anemia, an upset stomach, or a nutritional deficiency. However, gastrointestinal troubles are more likely to result in a dog eating grass instead.
While dogs are often thought to have indestructible stomachs, allowing them to snack on almost anything, dirt is definitely not one of those things you want them consuming. Eating too much dirt can lead to a dangerous intestinal impaction, which might require surgery. Dirt also contains harmful substances like pesticides, toxins, and even rocks that can seriously harm your dog.
"I recommend addressing any new, unusual behavior, such as dirt consumption, immediately," advised Dr. Coger. "This is important both because of potential serious health issues and to prevent the behavior from becoming a habit. Dogs often learn behaviors from each other, and the last thing you want is a house full of dirt-eating pups."
If you notice your dog eating dirt, take them to a vet to rule out any underlying health concerns. If it becomes a recurring problem, try keeping them engaged and active to distract them from their dirt cravings. Some dogs may favor certain spots, which you can block off. If you catch them in the act, firmly tell them "no" or "stop eating dirt." Hopefully, they’ll return to their favorite glass-licking habit instead.
