{"id":16210,"date":"2026-03-18T10:05:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=16210"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T17:05:42","slug":"why-do-dogs-eat-dirt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/why-do-dogs-eat-dirt","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Causes and How to Stop It"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"16210\" class=\"elementor elementor-16210\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cb41f79 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6cb41f79\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cdd24f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cdd24f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs have some unusual behaviors, but dirt eating (geophagia) is more than an odd canine quirk\u2014it\u2019s a potential cry for help.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs and puppies may eat soil for a variety of reasons, including behavioral, nutritional, and medical conditions. Let\u2019s take a closer look at why dogs eat dirt, the side effects of dogs eating dirt, and how to put a stop to dirt eating and support your dog\u2019s digestive health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-do-dogs-eat-dirt\">Why do dogs eat dirt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the common reasons for this dirty little behavior helps you know when to seek veterinary care or if at-home adjustments are enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the most common answers to, \u201cWhy does my dog keep eating dirt?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nutritional-deficiencies\">Nutritional deficiencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs may eat dirt if they lack certain vitamins or minerals in their daily diet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nutrient imbalance: <\/strong>Diets that are incomplete, poorly formulated, or not life-stage appropriate can create nutrient gaps. When a dog\u2019s diet isn\u2019t properly balanced, they may crave substances like dirt in an attempt to compensate.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mineral deficiencies:<\/strong> Low levels of key minerals like iron or zinc can trigger dirt-eating behavior. Underlying health conditions can also interfere with nutrient absorption and cause deficiencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-behavioral-factors\">Behavioral factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mental and emotional well-being can influence this behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Boredom or lack of stimulation: <\/strong>Isolated or underexercised dogs will seek their own entertainment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anxiety or stress: <\/strong>Dirt or grass eating can become a compulsive behavior to relieve <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/critical-signs-of-stress-in-a-dog.html\">stress.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learned behavior or attention-seeking: <\/strong>Dogs can learn the behavior from other dogs who eat dirt. Others may do it to get a reaction from their owner. Learned behaviors are especially common in puppies.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taste or smell attraction:<\/strong> Dogs may be attracted to the odor or flavor of soil and mistake it for something edible. This is more likely if your dog is underfed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-medical-conditions\">Medical conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes dogs eat dirt because of health conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parasites: <\/strong>Fleas, ticks, and some intestinal parasites feed on your pet\u2019s blood. In puppies and with severe infestations, this can lead to anemia. Dogs may eat dirt to restore the lost minerals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anemia:<\/strong> Anemic pets have an insufficient amount of red blood cells. This condition can be caused by a range of issues, including parasites, bleeding disorders, tumors, and immune-mediated diseases. Dogs may eat dirt in an attempt to correct anemia.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gastrointestinal upset or malabsorption conditions: <\/strong>Dogs may eat dirt along with grass to settle an upset stomach or help them absorb nutrients from their food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-eating-dirt-bad-for-dogs\">Is eating dirt bad for dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/american-hairless-terrier-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"what is chicken meal\" class=\"wp-image-11182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/american-hairless-terrier-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/american-hairless-terrier-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/american-hairless-terrier-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/american-hairless-terrier.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While a single curious bite\u2014or an accidental mouthful as your dog dives for their favorite tennis ball\u2014is generally harmless, repeated or persistent dirt eating indicates an underlying issue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dirt eating is a behavior associated with pica, a condition in which animals, dogs, or humans consume non-food items. Left untreated, pica can lead to serious complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-side-effects-of-dogs-eating-dirt-may-include\">Side effects of dogs eating dirt may include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blockage: <\/strong>Accumulating dirt can form a solid, <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/how-to-help-a-constipated-dog.html\">impassable<\/a> mass in the stomach or intestines, preventing normal function. This can be a veterinary emergency.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toxins or pesticides:<\/strong> Dogs who eat grass or soil can ingest harmful chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parasites or bacteria:<\/strong> Soil-dwelling parasites, parasite eggs, and bacteria can infect dogs who eat dirt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dental damage:<\/strong> Munching on gritty dirt and rocks can wear down tooth enamel or cause painful fractures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy metal ingestion:<\/strong> Natural metals in the soil can accumulate in your dog\u2019s bloodstream, causing toxic changes. <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To determine if your dog\u2019s dirt eating is serious, consider how often it\u2019s happening, how much they\u2019re eating, and whether there are other signs. See below for more details on when to call the vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-stop-a-dog-from-eating-soil-dirt-or-mud\">How to stop a dog from eating soil, dirt, or mud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/uzstzfgxzm4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"dog and woman outside\" class=\"wp-image-15909\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use what you know about your dog\u2019s behavior, health, and daily routine to find a suitable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-improve-daily-enrichment-and-exercise\">Improve daily enrichment and exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing more physical activity and <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-enrichment-ideas.html\">mental enrichment<\/a> helps relieve stress and anxiety, gives your dog an outlet for their energy, and reduces boredom-based behaviors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-interrupt-and-redirect-the-behavior\">Interrupt and redirect the behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you catch your dog eating or playing in the dirt, call their name and say \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d in a cheerful voice. Guide them away, then immediately ask for a simple behavior, like \u201cSit.\u201d When they sit, praise them and give them a small treat, or <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/sniff-walks-for-dogs.html\">go for a walk.<\/a>\u00a0Your dog will learn that coming to you and sitting leads to good things while eating dirt does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adjust-the-feeding-schedule-or-portions\">Adjust the feeding schedule or portions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If hunger is causing your dog to eat dirt, try feeding them several small meals throughout the day rather than only one or two. If your dog is underweight, increasing their daily calorie intake can also help them feel more satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-address-stress-triggers\">Address stress triggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for ways to remove your dog\u2019s stress triggers or reduce their impact. If there are factors beyond your control (e.g., loud noises, being alone), work with your veterinarian on ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/natural-calming-remedies-for-dogs.html\">manage your pet\u2019s anxiety<\/a> and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-clean-and-supervise-outdoor-areas\">Clean and supervise outdoor areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Controlling your dog\u2019s access to appealing areas can be an effective and easy way to reduce dirt eating. This could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Replacing dirt with landscaped rock beds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blocking access to preferred areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Placing decorative items or furniture over areas of interest<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always supervise your dog outside so you can interrupt and redirect any attempts to eat dirt.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-treat-underlying-medical-conditions\">Treat underlying medical conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Underlying problems such as anemia, parasites, and digestive upset must be addressed before trying to address your dog\u2019s dirt eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-should-you-call-the-vet\">When should you call the vet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See your veterinarian if your dog\u2019s symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-vomit-color-guide.html\"><strong>Vomiting<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><strong>or<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/my-dog-poops-a-lot.html\"><strong> <\/strong><strong>diarrhea<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>May indicate digestive upset, parasites, illness, or a blockage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight loss:<\/strong> May be caused by parasites, nutrient disorders, or malnutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lethargy:<\/strong> Associated with anemia, parasites, and nutrient deficiencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pale gums:<\/strong> Can indicate anemia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compulsive or frequent dirt eating:<\/strong> May indicate a serious problem, and increases the risk of blockage or toxicity<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Why is my dog eating dirt all of a sudden?<\/em> Abnormal behavior or personality changes are always a red flag. Seek prompt veterinary care if your previously healthy dog is suddenly showing signs of pica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-a-feeding-routine-that-satisfies-instinct-and-supports-overall-well-being\">Build a feeding routine that satisfies instinct and supports overall well-being<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dirt eating isn\u2019t merely misbehavior or a strange canine habit; it\u2019s a sign that a deeper need isn\u2019t being met.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your dog\u2019s dirt eating is related to nutritional deficiency, digestive upset, or an inconsistent <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-schedule.html\">meal schedule<\/a>, adjusting their feeding routine can make a meaningful difference. JustFoodForDogs delivers highly digestible recipes made with clean ingredients that support better satiety, intestinal comfort, and balanced nutrition, helping reduce scavenging behaviors over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With structured, research-backed options for every need, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/shelf-stable\/\">Shelf-Stable Meals<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/diy\/\">DIY Homemade<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/custom-prescriptive.html\">Custom Diets<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/targeted-nutrition\/\">Targeted Nutrition<\/a>, JustFoodForDogs helps dogs experience better health from the inside out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4981249 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"4981249\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-7700\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-7700\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Will changing my dog\u2019s food stop them from eating dirt? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-7700\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad1ca93 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ad1ca93\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efcab3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"efcab3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">When pica is caused by a nutrient deficiency, feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced food should stop dirt-eating behavior. However, like any food transition, this should be done gradually over a week to prevent further digestive upset. It may take several months to notice an improvement, so use other strategies to limit your dog\u2019s access to dirt during that time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-7701\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-7701\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Do dogs eat dirt when they have worms? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-7701\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57ecfba e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"57ecfba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52e1709 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52e1709\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">Hookworms are intestinal parasites that attach and feed on the dog\u2019s intestinal lining. Heavy infestations (worm burdens) can lead to anemia, especially in puppies or small dogs. This can lead to dirt eating. In addition, dogs can become infected with hookworms by eating dirt that contains hookworm eggs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-7702\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-7702\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How long does it take to stop the behavior once the cause is fixed? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-7702\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a28c07f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a28c07f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d53fabd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d53fabd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">Depending on the cause, it may take weeks to months to see an improvement in your dog\u2019s behavior. Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies usually respond quickly, within weeks. Stress- or anxiety-related dirt eating typically takes longer. If the behavior has become a habit, working with a professional dog trainer may help support lasting change.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Will changing my dog\\u2019s food stop them from eating dirt?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"When pica is caused by a nutrient deficiency, feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced food should stop dirt-eating behavior. However, like any food transition, this should be done gradually over a week to prevent further digestive upset. It may take several months to notice an improvement, so use other strategies to limit your dog\\u2019s access to dirt during that time.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do dogs eat dirt when they have worms?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Hookworms are intestinal parasites that attach and feed on the dog\\u2019s intestinal lining. Heavy infestations (worm burdens) can lead to anemia, especially in puppies or small dogs. This can lead to dirt eating. In addition, dogs can become infected with hookworms by eating dirt that contains hookworm eggs.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does it take to stop the behavior once the cause is fixed?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Depending on the cause, it may take weeks to months to see an improvement in your dog\\u2019s behavior. Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies usually respond quickly, within weeks. Stress- or anxiety-related dirt eating typically takes longer. If the behavior has become a habit, working with a professional dog trainer may help support lasting change.\"}}]}<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-425db1f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"425db1f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1df64ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1df64ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><i>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dogs have some unusual behaviors, but dirt eating (geophagia) is more than an odd canine quirk\u2014it\u2019s a potential cry for help.\u00a0 Dogs and puppies may eat soil for a variety of reasons, including behavioral, nutritional, and medical conditions. Let\u2019s take a closer look at why dogs eat dirt, the side effects of dogs eating dirt, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":16211,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[287],"class_list":["post-16210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? 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