If your dog is gulping mouthfuls of your garden soil a hidden health or behavioral problem may be to blame. Dogs eat dirt to satisfy mineral deficiencies, alleviate pancreatic illness and fight boredom. And, some pets simply enjoy the flavor of additives in the soil.
Mineral Deficiencies
Very active working dogs or those fed a poor quality diet may experience mineral deficiencies, such an anemia, according to “Dog eating dirt could be a sign of trouble,” a March 2009 article in the San Francisco Chronicle online. A simple blood test at a veterinarian’s office can determine if your dog is lacking essential vitamins and minerals in his diet. Switching to a high quality dog food may reduce the dog’s need to eat dirt.
Look for the following ingredients on the dog food package:
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-2
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D-3
Iron Proteinate
Zinc Proteinate
Copper Proteinate
Manganese Proteinate
Ferrous Sulfate
Zinc Sulfate
Copper Sulfate
Potassium Iodide
Calcium Pantothenate
Folic Acid
Pancreatic Illness
Dogs suffering from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (maldigestion disorder) eat dirt in an attempt to satisfy their unending hunger, according to Doctors Foster and Smith at the Pet Education website. The pet may also ingest other non-food items such as plants, rocks or their own feces.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a disease associated with the improper digestion and absorption of nutrients. The dog’s pancreas creates various enzymes, including insulin, to digest foods. When the pancreas isn’t functioning properly, the pet doesn’t get the health benefits of their food. The dog then tries to ingest as much food as possible to satiate his hunger from lack of nutrient absorption.
Additional symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency include dull coat, light yellow or clay-colored stools, soft or watery stools and eventually weight-loss from starvation.
Boredom
When pets are bored, they turn to destructive behaviors, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Chewing furniture, digging holes in the yard and eating dirt are just a few behaviors associated with boredom and anxiety.
Alleviate boredom by increasing the dog’s exercise. Offer him varied activities broken into short segments throughout the day. Take him for walks, run him at a dog park or throw a ball in the backyard. When the pet is kenneled, or left alone, offer him interactive toys. Chew bones with flavored filling or hard-rubber toys stuffed with a treat will take his mind off of the clock and temporarily reduce boredom.
Flavor
Dogs are dogs, and they like to investigate less than desirable things. Soil infused with manure, fish-based fertilizers or cocoa fiber-based compost are appetizing (and sometimes deadly) to pets. If your soil contains additives, it might smell like a buffet to your dog.
Sources and Suggested Further Reading:
Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder) in Dogs http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2103&aid;=331
San Francisco Chronicle: Dog eating dirt could be a sign of trouble
http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-25/entertainment/17213846_1_dirt-mineral-deficiencies-nutritional-deficiency
PetWave: Dogs Eating Strange Things
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Behavior/Modification/Eating-Strange-Things/Dirt.aspx
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Virtual Pet Behaviorist
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/8/Digging-.aspxhttp://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2103&aid;=331
Reference:
- Spring Dog Dangers: www.associatedcontent.com/article/2817444/spring_dog_dangers_bird_feeders_and.html?ca
- DIY Dog Bed Ideas: www.associatedcontent.com/article/2553109/diy_dog_bed_ideas.html?cat=53
- Understanding Natural, Organic and Holistic Pet Foods: www.associatedcontent.com/article/1342020/understanding_natural_holistic_and.html?cat
