Why is my dog eating dirt? (And what to do about it)

Updated 09/09/2024

Oh dear! Your mischievous dog is eating dirt again! If it’s a regular occurrence for your precious pup to be munching away at a puddle full of mud, you may be wondering “why do dogs eat dirt?” or “is it safe for dogs to eat dirt?”

While it might seem odd or concerning, understanding why dogs eat dirt is essential for your four-legged friend’s well-being. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the various reasons behind dirt eating in dogs (exploring both behavioral and health-related factors), offer practical solutions to prevent this behavior, and list the warning signs that should signal a trip to the vet.

Why dogs eat dirt

Keen to learn “Why is my dog eating dirt”? Let’s unravel this mystery one paw at a time and go over a few of the main reasons for this common but peculiar canine habit:

Canine pica: why do dogs eat non-food items?

Pica is a condition where dogs (as well as humans and other animals) often want to eat non-nutritional substances. Dogs with pica might try to eat a range of non-food items, including dirt, rocks, plastic, and even fabric. Ingesting non-food objects can be harmful to your dog and can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to psychological issues (more on this later).

Behavioral reasons

One main behavioral reason dogs might eat dirt is boredom. Dogs need regular mental stimulation and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. When these needs aren’t met, they might engage in unhealthy behaviors like dirt eating to pass the time or seek attention. 

Puppies, in particular, are known for their inquisitive nature. If you find your puppy eating soil it could be because they use their mouths to investigate their surroundings, which can sometimes include eating dirt. As dogs mature, this behavior typically decreases, but some dogs might continue eating dirt if it becomes a habit and hasn’t been stopped when they’re younger. If you find your puppy eating mud frequently, why not check out our puppy training guide?

Environmental and external factors influencing dirt-eating

Environmental triggers also play a big role in why dogs eat dirt. For example, soil with lots of plants or insects can be tempting for our curious canines. Also, a dog's home environment might encourage this behavior if they’ve easy access to soil and are often left unsupervised.

Nutritional deficiencies causing dogs to eat dirt

Nutritional deficiencies are another potential cause of dirt eating in dogs. If a dog's diet lacks essential minerals and nutrients, they might instinctively eat dirt to supplement these deficiencies. So, what is a dog lacking when it eats dirt? Well, common gaps in nutrition that could lead to this behavior include a lack of fiber, or deficiencies in iron, zinc, and certain vitamins.

Health issues linked to dirt eating in dogs

If you’re wondering “why is my dog eating dirt all of a sudden”, this habit your pup pal has picked up could be linked to a new underlying health problem. Gastrointestinal issues, such as parasites or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to pica behavior as your poor pup might be trying to soothe their stomach or induce vomiting by eating soil. Additionally, conditions like anemia might cause them to eat non-food items like dirt to get more iron in their diet. 

Is it safe for dogs to eat dirt?

No, it’s not safe for your dog to eat dirt. While an occasional nibble might not be harmful, if you find your dog eats dirt frequently it can cause health problems. Dirt can contain substances such as pesticides, fertilizers, and pathogens that can be harmful to your dog. Dirt can also upset your dog’s stomach and intestine and cause a build-up of stool which may require surgery. So, if you’re wondering “Should I stop my dog from eating dirt?” – yes, we advise you to do so and seek a vet’s help to uncover any root causes. 

What to do if my dog is eating dirt?

So now we’ve sussed the reasons why your slobber monster might be eating dirt, let's go over what you can do about it.

Preventive measures and solutions

There are many ways you can stop your dog from eating dirt – although it of course depends on the cause of their dirt eating. 

• Ensure your dog receives a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Talking with a vet about appropriate dietary supplements may help address these issues.
  
• Increase mental and physical engagement through regular exercise, training, and play. Provide exciting activities and interactive toys to help reduce boredom and, therefore, the likelihood of dirt eating.
  
• Reduce your dog’s access to dirt and use positive reinforcement to discourage this behavior.
  
• Seek a dog trainer if your dog’s dirt-eating persists and a vet has ruled out any health issues. A dog trainer might be able to help stop behaviors like your dog digging holes in the mud and dirt-eating.

When to see a vet: recognizing serious concerns

While occasional dirt eating might not be a cause for alarm, if your dog is consistently eating dirt and the above solutions haven’t worked it’s worth visiting your vet to see if there’s anything more serious going on and rule out any potential medical issues. 

If your dog is showing signs of illness after eating dirt, such as gastrointestinal distress or a parasite infection, or is exhibiting the following worrying symptoms it's important to see a vet as soon as possible to get your poor pup checked out:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inappetence or weight loss
• Changes in stool e.g. blood or mucous 
• Lethargy
• Pain or distress
• Upset stomach or gas

To prepare for your vet visit, note down the frequency of your dog’s dirt eating and any of the symptoms that have followed.

Most importantly, if your dog is showing signs of an emergency such as poisoning or if they’re choking on something they’ve found in the soil you should head to your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately. They may be showing symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Choking
• Coma or collapse 
• Frequent or severe vomiting or abdominal discomfort
• Gastrointestinal obstruction

Make sure to inform your vet that your dog has eaten dirt and the possibility of any poisonous plants, chemicals, or objects in or near the soil that your dog could have ingested.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Understanding ‘why do dogs eat dirt’ is crucial for addressing this behavior and ensuring your pooch’s health and happiness. By recognizing the potential causes, whether behavioral, environmental, nutritional, or health-related, pet parents can take appropriate steps to prevent and manage dirt-eating. 

TrustedHousesitters members get access to our 24/7 Vet Advice Line, so if your dog or a dog you’re pet sitting is eating dirt, talk to our trusted team for help and advice.