Is there a medical condition that would cause my dog to eat dirt?

Question

I recently found my dog scratching the dirt in different locations in my back yard and eating the dirt. My other dogs do not do this so I don't feel like there is anything nutritional involved.

Answer 1

Dirt contains micronutrients and also bug larvae and other nutritional 'stuff' for dogs and other animals.
It may also contain clay, a natural inner body cleanser.
If your dog has had all his shots, appears healthy in stature and fur coat, I wouldn't be concerned about this.
I would watch the dog for any signs of nutritional deficiencies (his metabolism may be different from that of your other dogs) and make sure he gets all the nutrition he needs. Perhaps offer a supplement (can't hurt).
Other than that, I have not found any relation between dogs eating dirt and dog diseases or medical conditions.
On the other hand, the dog scratching up and eating dirt may CAUSE a medical condition:
Especially in the southwest, a fungus infestation known as 'Valley Fever" afflicts dogs and humans alike.
This can be a long-term, expensive, and potentially fatal condition.
It might just be a habit the dog has acquired for no apparent reason, and it is probably a good idea to let him know that you don't want him to do it.
Just use the general "NO, OFF" command whenever you see him do it, and lend leash assists to enforce the command. Then substitute a chew toy or other acceptable activity to re-direct the behavior.
Any other questions, feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

NO medical condition i believe. Dogs in general are a little weird when it comes to eating. They eat their own throw up, poo, trash and various other items, not normally seen as food. Grass if eaten by a dog is used to help regergitate food, or to help digest the food. Now i wouldnt be to worried, unless your dog eats rocks, then seek vetinary help A.S.A.P for the rocks can clog their digestive tract and they can get really sick. I am not a vet, but have grown up with lots of dogs. And have seen forst hand the oddities of them eating things. Also if you think your dog is getting sick from eatin too much then seek a vet as well.

Answer 3

Mineral deficioncy! Posible bowel blockage. What type of dog food do you feed? Has he been wormed? Had Fleas? Every pup should be wormed. There is a product called Forbid you sprinkle on food to prevent this habit, it only takes a few times. Puppies need high quality food esp lg breeds that require high protein. Don't skimp and buy the cheepo brands they need to eat 3 times as much & therefor poop 3 ximes as much.

Answer 4

Some dogs do and some don't. Is she really eatting it or just sniffing and making licking it, eating worms or bugs?

I am a Bichon . . . the cute fuffy white things with long hair? . . . yeah she like to do this too.

Unless she is really eatting chunks of soil, I just really eating it, not just licking or digging, it shouldn't hurt her.

Answer 5

Are you sure it was dirt and not deposits from a cat or something else? Have you been gardening or fertilizing lately?
It could be something tasty to your dog but not good for him.

He could have pica.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/29/AR2005092902646.html

Answer 6

Are you sure he is not trying to eat grass. Dogs eat grass to help them with there digestion as well as to settle their stomachs when they do not feel well.