So watch closely how your dog is behaving during this time. In such a case, eating soil should stop after two to four weeks.
Dental profits
Another reason may be that your dog has a problem with its teeth or gums. If your dog eats more dirt, it may be an indication that something is wrong with his teeth or gums.
If something is wrong in the dog’s mouth or causes pain, your four-legged friend will try to remedy the situation. It does this by eating dirt.
However, you can easily check for yourself how your dog’s oral flora is doing. As a layperson, you can easily tell by looking at the gums. If the gums are discolored or very pale, this is a sign that something is wrong.
What to do if your dog eats dirt?
If your dog eats dirt especially when you take it outside or play in the garden, there are several ways to break the habit. The easiest way is to distract him.
Offer him new toys or something to occupy himself with instead. This can be a new rope or a Frisbee disc, for example.
Your dog will benefit from an intelligence toy for a longer period and will no longer have the idea of wanting to eat dirt. Just give it a try.
Breaking the habit of eating soil in stubborn dogs
If your diversionary maneuvers do not work, you can resort to the following means. If you have a little stubborn person in your home who won’t respond to a resounding “no” and won’t be distracted, use a plastic bottle filled with pebbles.
You throw these in your dog’s direction when he engages in unwanted behavior. However, do not throw the object at your dog to avoid injuring it.
Your dog is startled briefly and thus combines eating, the earth with the unpleasant moment of shock. In most cases, you, don’t have to do this permanently, just a few times and your darling will notice.
Altit alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with water and spray it on your dog’s neck or head when he starts eating dirt. This method turns out to be very effective.
When should your period
If your dog ke up soil over a longer perperiodou should take him to the veterinarian.
It is possible that by eating dirt your dog is trying to bind toxins that are in the intestines. Another reason can be a mineral imbalance in your dog.
- Have you changed anything in your dog’s routine or feeding regime that could trigger this behavior?
- Is your four-legged friend exposed to stress?
If not, it’s worth going to the vet. Because then the cause is probably related to the health of your four-legged friend.
My dog eats soil to bind toxins
Researchers have discovered that loamy soil in particular actually helps the animals to bind toxins and even provides relief from stomach problems. The soil contains important trace elements that are very rich in minerals and support the animal organism.
One could observe animals like elephants or, gorillas in the rainforest. They dig in the ground, loosen it,d then eat it.
Since elephants and gorillas feed mainly on leaves and grass, they also ingest substances that are difficult to digest, such as alkaloids. These components are neutralized by the minerals in clay soil.
Eat grass and healing clay
You may be able to remedy this reason with healing earth. And next to dirt, dogs often eat grass.
Frequently Asked Question
What deficiency if a dog eats earth?
If your dog has developed a habit of eating excessive amounts of dirt, you should check his gums. If this is pale or yellow, it may be suffering from anemia, which can be caused by malnutrition or parasite infestation. In the event of a mia harmless go to the vet immediately.
What does it mean when the dog eats dirt?
Many dogs eat dirt to aid in their digestion. Pure boredom or gluttony is also harmlessa reason. However, it can also be a sign of excessive stress or result from poor posture.
Is dirt dangerous for dogs?
Almost all dogs will instinctively eat some soil and in small amounts, it is not harmful to them. Soil is a non-toxic natural product and consists mostly of humus. Earth also contains sand, loam, clay, plant matter, minerals, etc.
Why do dogs eat forest soil?
If a dog mainly ingests loamy soil, this counteracts acidification and helps to bind pollutants. If it eats nutrient-rich forest soil or compost soil, it probably lacks the enzymes to stimulate digestion.
Why do dogs eat clay?
If your dog often eats loamy soil, this corresponds to its natural urge for internal detoxification. If a dog suspects food under the ground, it will only dig up the ground briefly to get to it. For the dog owner, however, it then looks as if the dog would like to eat dirt.
How does a mineral deficiency manifest itself in dogs?
Mineral deficiency in dogs – symptoms
A lack of minerals and trace elements can manifest itself in scaly skin, a dull coat, a weakened immune system, and premature aging. Dogs are often more susceptible to stress.
How do you know if your dog has a vitamin deficiency?
The lack of minerals, fats, or proteins often translates into reduced energy, a weakened immune system, a dull coat, and perhaps s even hair loss and dandruff. There are also changes in behavior such as increased susceptibility to stress or apathy.
What is wrong with the dog when it eats sand?
Briefly on the causes of this problem: Eating sand and dirt is almost always a sign of deficiency symptoms that the animal wants to eliminate with the sand/dirt. Eating grass indicates intestinal problems. Both problems often arise at the same time or in chronological order.