Why does a dog eat dirt and stones on a walk: should it be weaned off this habit?

08.01.2025 05:20

Many dog owners are concerned about their pets' habit of swallowing soil, stones and other inedible objects.

Veterinarians say it's an eating disorder known as "picacism" or "geophagy" if it involves eating only dirt.

Reasons for this behavior

Dogs sometimes start chewing the ground due to boredom and stress.

Dog
Photo: © Belnovosti

Sometimes they fill their mouths with mud while searching for something tasty underground.

Sometimes this phenomenon is the result of health and nutritional problems and signals the presence of anemia, hormonal imbalances or an improper diet.

Is it worth fighting this habit?

If you notice your pet eating dirt or rocks, you should stop this behavior as it poses serious health risks, from tooth damage to choking.

How to stop a dog from eating dirt

To wean your dog off this bad habit, use the following methods.

Distract your pet with a command or a loud sound when he starts to eat the soil.

Take your dog's favorite toy on a walk and offer it when he reaches for non-food items.

Keep your dog on a leash to ensure access to the property is not obstructed.

Provide enough physical activity and mental stimulation for your dog to keep him from getting bored.

Remove houseplants from your home or place them out of reach.

If you notice that the habit of eating earth, stones or other inedible objects is becoming “chronic”, you should contact a veterinarian for an examination.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources


Content
  1. Reasons for this behavior
  2. Is it worth fighting this habit?
  3. How to stop a dog from eating dirt

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