Risks of a Dog Eating Dirt
Dog Breeds
While an occasional munch on dirt is normally not harmful to dogs, a tendency to dine on soil for extended periods of time can cause a variety of health problems. Dirt can also contain harmful chemicals or particles that can be dangerous to your dog’s health. If you notice that your dog is eating a lot of dirt, it is important to work with your dog to try to break the dirt eating habit.
Read More >
Introduction
While an occasional munch on dirt is normally not harmful to dogs, a tendency to dine on soil for extended periods of time can cause a variety of health problems. Dirt can also contain harmful chemicals or particles that can be dangerous to your dog’s health. If you notice that your dog is eating a lot of dirt, it is important to work with your dog to try to break the dirt eating habit. You will also need to keep an eye out for any signs of health problems that may develop if your dog eats a lot of dirt.
Problems Associated with Dirt Eating
Digestive problems
One of the biggest dangers for dogs that eat dirt is the stones and other small particles in dirt which cannot be digested. These components can build up in the stomach and intestines, and over time can cause big problems. An abundance of stones and particles in the stomach can interfere with the digestion of foods and the absorption of nutrition. Non digested particles can also become lodged in the digestive track causing life threatening blockages that require immediate medical attention.
Tooth Damage
Chewing on dirt is a habit that is also harmful to a dog’s teeth. The constant grinding, and occasional biting on stones or pebbles, can wear teeth down over time; in some cases the teeth may chip, break, or crack. Damaged teeth can become painful and infected over time, and dental treatments will eventually become necessary to repair the damage.
Poisons
Eating dirt may also cause dangerous poisons to accumulate in a dog’s body. Sadly many of the soils and dirt in the environment today contain traces of pesticides and chemical residues. While the occasional meal of dirt will not harm a dog, if eating dirt becomes a habit hazardous ingredients in the dirt will slowly build up in the dog’s blood and body. The result can be a gradual poisoning of the dog’s system which may cause permanent damage to the dog’s health.
Dog Training Tips
Overview and Facts