Why do dogs eat dirt

Anyone that has wisely chosen to have a dog for a pet would know that these animals are addicting. The outstanding qualities of dogs encourage people to have more than one dog for a pet. Dogs’ loyalty and affection to the human family is what made these animals gain the title of being man’s best friends. Dogs have been the companions and helpers of man for thousands of years. In spite of this fact dogs still manifest some perplexing behaviors. Pet owners are perplexed by the dog’s dirt eating habit. So why do dogs eat dirt?

It is necessary for a dog owner to know the reasons behind the pet’s partiality to dirt so that the habit can be curbed. Dogs owners take measures to save the dog from parvovirus because this is a fatal canine disease. Dogs that eat dirt can be infected with parvovirus easily as the virus that is shed through the feces by an infected dog can remain on the dirt for months.

A dog that has the propensity to eat dirt can have whipworm infestation too. Poisoning is a very dangerous consequence of this behavior given the fact that dirt can be contaminated with anti freeze and other toxic substances. Because of these dangers to the pet’s life, it is very necessary for a dog owner to know why the pet has a partiality for dirt.

Dogs have huge appetites and one that is not given sufficient amount of food can eat dirt to satisfy the gnawing of the stomach. Owners provide the pet with sufficient food thus eating dirt may not be due to the fact that the dog is hungry. Dirt eating can be due to the dog’s propensity eat anything. Eating non-food items is known as pica. Pica, similar to other unwanted habits can develop from a behavioral concern. Dogs that are often left with no toys and no one to play with develop unacceptable behaviors. Boredom is one of the reasons why a dog will eat dirt.

Dirt eating may be a sign that the dog’s diet is nutritionally deficient or that the dog has a gastrointestinal concern. Stomach upsets are not uncommon given the indiscriminate eating habits of dogs. Dogs that are given low quality commercial food may have sodium, iron or other mineral deficiencies. Dogs have an uncanny ability to correct an imbalance in their system. Dog experts believe that by eating dirt the dog can cope with the vitamins and mineral deficiencies. The dog’s dirt eating habit must be stopped because of its potentially dangerous effects. The habit can be a wakeup call for the dog owner to devote more attention to the well being of the pet.

Learn more about why dogs eat dirt at Sarah’s Dogs.