Q&A for How to Get a Dog to Stop Eating Dirt

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How do you fix a dog's pica?

Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.

Beverly Ulbrich

Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Answer

If your dog is just on a plain kibble diet, they may need to be put on a fresh or raw diet to get more nutrients than what just kibble provides.

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Question

How can make my dog bark?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If the dog is a youngster, then be patient. Puppies sometimes don't 'find' their bark until they are several months old. If the dog is an adult, then try getting a friend to knock on the door, or a similar action, which should trigger barking. Have some treats handy, and when the dog gives their first, quiet tentative "Woof" give the dog lots of praise and a treat. This will gradually teach the dog that barking is OK and help them find their voice.

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Question

My dog is eating dirt. What is he lacking?

Community Answer

Eating dirt may be just a habit out of boredom. Give him a chew toy or a marrow bone to keep him occupied.

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What vegetarian foods can I feed my dog?

Community Answer

Dogs are carnivorous by nature. You can't change that unless you want an unhealthy and unhappy dog.

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Question

Why does my dog eat rocks?

M.ranajit

Community Answer

It's also possible that a dog eats rocks because of an underlying medical condition. These can include intestinal tract disorders, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, or other illnesses. It is vital to rule out any medical cause by paying a visit to your vet if continued efforts to stop this behavior are unsuccessful.

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How do I stop my dog from eating play sand from his digging pit?

Community Answer

Punish it (but not too stern). If it doesn't eat it, reward it. If he continues, don't let it play in the sand. Always make sure you are feeding the dog enough food and water as well.

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How do I add fiber to a dog's diet?

Community Answer

Mix some pumpkin puree into your pet's food. There are no side effects, and it works like a charm.

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Question

Why does our female shepherd eat dirt? She is also losing weight after we switched her to a more nutrient-rich food.

Community Answer

There are many medical issues that could cause this. Some could be life-threatening. You must ask a veterinarian.

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My dog eats sand occasionally. I take him away from the sandy area, and then spray apple cider vinegar, but he always does it again. How do I stop him?

Community Answer

Dogs don't usually mind apple cider vinegar. Use watered down hot sauce or a smell you know he doesn’t like.

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Question

I feed my puppy cooked chicken and mince, but all he wants to eat is dirt. What should I do?

Community Answer

Mince and chicken are not good for puppies because it does not give it enough nutrients. Try to give your puppy dog food ( for puppies) with gravy on it to add flavor.

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Question

My puppy is eating soil, what can I do?

Community Answer

This could be because he's bored. Take him out to socialize or get him some new toys/chew treats. I suggest puzzle toys. He could also be deficient in minerals--for that, try Purina or Pedigree, or he could be low in iron, so try giving him fish or kibbles.

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My poopa is 16 yrs. He has eaten grass since a pup. He eats what we eat. Boy in a poopa body. Just starting to eat dirt. It's occasional. Never did before.

Community Answer

It could be because he's bored, but most likely because he could be deficient/lacking in iron or minerals. With the boredom you could take him to socialize, get him new toys or get him a big bone to chew on... puzzle toys help too! For the iron deficiency I suggest fish or kibbles. For the minerals... try Purina or Pedigree.

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Question

Why did my dog eat my hydroflask? I paid 50 bucks for that bottle.

Community Answer

It's just the dog's instinct. Hide the hydro flask from your dog. You can also consider buying safe toys for your dog.

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Question

My dog eats carrots, mangoes and other things, but won't eat meat or biscuits. It is also very fat. What can I do?

Community Answer

Follow the methods in Put Your Dog on a Diet to develop a healthy feeding regimen for your dog.

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Question

My dog is eating dirt and when he finds a way starts running away from home, what to do?

Meredith Cutler

Community Answer

You can fence your backyard or wherever he goes to play. He might want to explore. Take him on walks somewhere different every time or space out where you go. Like take him to the park one day then take him on a walk in the woods the other day.

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Question

If my dogs are eating dirt, what is missing from their diet? I feed raw Natural Instincts. They get a raw chicken wing in the morning for their teeth.

Bob

Community Answer

They could be eating it because of boredom, or needing to vomit. These aren't the only reasons, so keep an eye on them, and try and prevent them from eating it. If they continue, the safest thing to do is to go to your local veterinarian.

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