Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Our furry friends are considered to be members of the family. Responsible pet owner would ensure that the pet is given nutritious food to ensure their health. This will prevent diseases and prolong the life of the pet. But are we sure we are giving our dogs food that meet their nutritional needs? Sad to say, a lot of commercial foods are deficient in fundamental nutrients.

Experts theorize that this is one of the reasons why dogs eat dirt. Isn't it frustrating to see your pet eating dirt when you are sure that you are providing him with enough food? This behavior of our canine friends is perplexing. It is necessary to understand the reasons behind this peculiar attitude as this could have harmful consequences to the health of our furry friends. Anti freeze in the dirt could lead to poisoning. Dirt eating would result to parasite infestation as the dog would surely get intestinal worms. Canine parvovirus infection is also a possibility.

Dogs are highly intelligent and they have an uncanny ability that is far superior to humans. The dog may have a well balanced diet. The owner is giving the pet high quality wet and dry food but the dogs digestive system can not absorb the nutrients from the food. Similar to the first case where the food is nutrient deficit, the dog will again scavenge the nutrient deficiency from dirt.

Pica is the eating of nonfood materials. Commonly, this is a sign of anemia. As mentioned the food lacks nutrients and the dog are driven to eat dirt to supplement the deficiency. Eating substances with no nutritional value can be a sign that the dog is hungry. The food given to the dog is not enough and they are forced to eat dirt to fill up their empty stomach. Dogs love to dig. Remember, they have excellent sense of smell and they may find something they like that is why they eat the dirt.

Experts have noted that eating dirt is a behavioral problem. The dog may be bored, have nothing else to do and would eat dirt to pass the time. Or it can be because the dog wants to gain the attention of the owner. Certainly, when they eat dirt, the concerned owner would fuss.

Eating dirt may be a wake up call for the owner to get higher quality food for the pet, to give the pet more food and to give more attention to the furry friend. But then if you are sure that you are providing all these to your dog, squirting the dog with cold water every time it eats dirt may curb this loathsome habit.