Is It OK For Dogs to Eat Dirt?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

You’re out in your garden tending to your tomatoes, when you catch your dog with their nose deep in the dirt, taking a bite. While strange, this behavior is common. Often, dogs eat dirt when they are eating a poor diet, have GI issues, or lack things to keep them entertained.

However, don’t dismiss dirt-eating as a quirky habit—your dog might need medical or behavioral help.

We spoke with experts to explore why dogs eat dirt and how you can address it.

1. Their Diet Lacks Nutrients

Sometimes, dogs eat dirt because their food doesn’t give them enough important nutrients, like iron or zinc, says Ashley Yao, an associate veterinarian at Sploot Veterinary Care.

She says if your dog isn’t getting the right amount or quality of food, they might eat dirt to try and find those missing nutrients.

2. They Have Stomach Problems

Dogs with stomach issues, like an upset stomach, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), might eat dirt.

Dr. Yao explains that this happens because the dog feels uncomfortable and may eat dirt to help their stomach or make themselves throw up, just like they sometimes do with grass.

3. They’re Stressed or Anxious

“A dog may eat dirt because they’re stressed, scared, or otherwise experiencing some type of negative emotion,” says Rachel Lane (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA), a dog trainer, behavior consultant, and owner of Leash & Learn.

This is called displacement behavior—when dogs don’t know what to do, they might eat dirt to calm themselves down and feel better.

4. They’re Bored

When dogs are bored and don’t have enough to do, they might start eating dirt to entertain themselves.

If a dog isn’t getting enough exercise or attention, they could turn to things around them, like dirt, plants, or even your shoes!

5. They Have Behavior Problems

Dogs with behavior issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or anxiety might eat dirt over and over again. This is more serious than being bored and can become a habit. Stress and anxiety can make this behavior worse.

In fact, research suggests that behavioral causes of pica are far more common than medical ones.

6. They’re Young and Curious

Puppies and young dogs are very curious and love to explore the world by digging and tasting everything, including dirt.

While this is normal, it can become a problem if they eat something dangerous from the soil.

7. They Have Pica or Other Medical Issues

If your dog frequently eats dirt with other behavior problems, they might have pica. Pica happens when a dog regularly eats things that have no nutritional value.

It’s important not to ignore this behavior because it can be a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s health, diet, or how they feel. If pica isn’t treated, it can cause serious health problems, like blocked intestines, stomach pain, or even poisoning.

Though rare, some dogs eat dirt because of other health problems, such as:

• Nerve diseases
• Liver or pancreas problems
• Stomach or intestinal cancers
• Diseases that make them feel hungrier, like diabetes or thyroid issues

Even after getting treatment, a dog might continue eating dirt if it has become a habit.

Is Eating Dirt Dangerous for Dogs?

Eating dirt can be dangerous for dogs, depending on how much they ingest, how often they do it, and what’s in the soil. A small nibble every now and then might not hurt, but eating dirt regularly can cause health problems.

Dr. Yao says dirt can contain harmful things like pesticides, fertilizers, bug eggs/larvae, and sharp objects. These can all lead to poisoning, GI blocks, or infections.

Lastly, even if the soil looks clean, eating too much can make your dog vomit or have diarrhea.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Dirt

If you see your dog eating dirt, it’s important to act quickly to keep them safe. Here are some tips to help:

1. Stop them and redirect: Say “leave it!” and gently guide your dog away from the dirt. You can show them a safe alternative, like a chew toy. If needed, take your dog inside or away from the dirt area.
2. Check for harmful substances: Look at the spot where your dog is eating dirt. Make sure there are no dangerous objects or chemicals potentially mixed in with the soil.
3. Watch for symptoms: Look for any signs of illness or discomfort, like eating vomit, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, or bloating.
4. Rinse their mouth: Check if there’s any dirt stuck in your dog’s mouth or teeth. If you see dirt, gently rinse their mouth to help remove any leftover dirt.

iStock/marcoventuriniautieri

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Dirt

To help your dog stop eating dirt, you need to figure out why they’re doing it and make some changes. Here are some tips:

1. Feed them a balanced diet: Talk to your vet to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need from their food.
2. Keep them active and busy: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and has fun things to do. Lane says this can include long daily walks, playing with puzzle toys, scent games, or positive training.
3. Supervise outdoor time: Keep a close eye on your dog when they’re outdoors, especially in areas with loose dirt.
4. Give them safe chew toys: Provide your dog with strong chew toys, like a KONG with a little peanut butter inside, to satisfy their need to chew and keep them busy.
5. Manage their stress or anxiety: If your dog is eating dirt because they’re stressed or anxious, try to figure out what’s causing it. Lane suggests keeping a calm environment, sticking to a routine, and using calming treats, collars, or beds to help them relax.
6. Limit access to dirt: If your dog always eats soil in certain places, block those areas with fences or gates. If they eat dirt from potted plants, Lane says move the plants higher or block their access to them.

When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Dirt Eating

If your dog keeps eating dirt, even after you’ve tried to stop it, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They can check if any health problems are causing the behavior and suggest treatments.

Dr. Yao says you should take your pup to the vet right away if they are eating dirt and also showing these serious signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Poor appetite
• Frequent yelping or whining
• Excessive drooling
• Restlessness
• Sudden abdominal bloating

Quick action can help prevent more problems and keep your dog safe.