Unwanted behavior in a dog is a broad term and can have various causes, such as:
In the case of stress, eating soil helps the dog feel better. This is a type of displacement behavior caused by an internal conflict within the dog. The dog does not know how to handle the situation and therefore eats soil to calm itself. If the stress persists for a long time, the displacement behavior becomes learned behavior.
It is important to address your dog’s stress. First, try to find out what causes the stress. Subsequently, behavior therapy might help your dog overcome the stress. Supplements can often support this well, for example, Dr. Ann’s Stress Reduction or Adaptil. Royal Canin also offers a Calm diet that may help.
In the case of boredom, it is also important to take action. Challenge your dog with brain games such as puzzles, fillable toys, sniff mats, or targeted training like retrieving or obedience training. Consider dog sports as well.
If it is truly a behavioral disorder, it is important to have the dog examined by a veterinarian. If the dog is otherwise healthy, consult a canine behavior therapist.
Your dog eats soil due to stomach and intestinal issues
We all know that dogs who feel nauseous often eat grass. Instead of grass, a dog might also eat soil for this reason.
If your dog eats soil because of nausea, nutrition or supplements can help support the digestive system.
You might try a highly digestible diet to reduce this behavior, such as Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Dog Food or Vetality Gastrointestinal Dog Food.
Additionally, probiotics can improve intestinal resistance. Supplements like Puur Stomac can support the stomach environment.
Also, review your dog’s feeding schedule. Does your dog receive all meals between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.? Consider spreading meals more evenly throughout the day since that leaves 16 hours with no food. Try giving multiple smaller meals spread throughout the day.
Always have your vet rule out illness before experimenting with diets or supplements.
Your dog eats soil because of worms or other gastrointestinal parasites
Eating plants and plant material helps wild animals cleanse their intestines of gastrointestinal worms. Soil can also be eaten for this reason. Especially if your dog has suddenly started eating soil.
Check your dog’s worming status. You can choose to worm your dog or have stool samples tested by the vet for worm eggs.
Your dog eats soil due to nutrient deficiencies
It used to be thought that dogs eating soil lacked certain vitamins and minerals. This is rarely true, especially if your dog eats a standard commercial diet. If you prepare your dog’s food yourself, this might be different. Have your homemade diet reviewed by a veterinary nutrition specialist and get your dog checked for nutrient deficiencies.
Some diseases, like anemia and thyroid problems, can increase the need for certain nutrients, causing your dog to eat soil. Soil often contains iron, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and other minerals, which may be why dogs seek it as a supplemental source.
If you have any doubts about your dog’s health, always have them checked by a veterinarian.
Your dog eats soil because it is hungry
A hungry dog will eat anything — grass, feces, or soil. Sometimes the solution is to feed your dog a diet higher in fiber, which helps your dog feel fuller without increasing food quantity and risk of weight gain.
Examples include a gastrointestinal diet with more fiber like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Fibre, or a weight management diet like Royal Canin Satiety Dog or Vetality Weight Management Dog Food. When adding fiber, ensure your dog drinks enough water to avoid constipation.
Your dog eats soil to detoxify
Soil, especially clay-like soil, can help detoxify the dog’s body. However, it is not advisable to allow your dog to eat regular soil freely, as it is often contaminated. Choose a pure, organic clay product like Vertargil and get proper usage advice.
Detoxification consumes a lot of energy, so it is only safe for healthy animals, for example after antibiotic use or illness once recovered.
Is it dangerous if your dog eats soil?
Occasional small amounts of soil usually do no harm. Large amounts can cause intestinal blockage or problems with normal stool.
Soil is often contaminated, especially near roads or agricultural fields. It can also contain worm eggs, leading to worm infections in your dog.
For these reasons, try to prevent your dog from eating large amounts of soil. Identify and, if possible, eliminate the cause. Then work on unlearning the unwanted learned behavior (soil eating).
Keep your dog on a leash and watch closely. Distract your dog with treats or toys when it tries to eat soil. Use a muzzle temporarily if needed to prevent soil eating. Soil eating is rewarding behavior; even if you punish your dog afterward, the reward is already received. Teaching your dog not to eat soil is similar to stopping coprophagia.
If you have questions about a dog eating soil, contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
