If your dog eats an unusual quantity of dirt, keep a close eye on him in case he did eat something he should not have and is experiencing signs of poisoning. If multiple dogs in a household are all eating dirt, it could be a sign of a deficiency in their diet. If multiple dogs are all eating dirt from the same location, however, it could be that there is something delicious in that dirt.
A dog may also eat dirt because he is hungry. If you have cut back on your dog’s food because he is overweight, consider a lower-calorie food that keeps him feeling full instead of less of his normal food.
Some veterinarians may be willing to offer advice over the phone. You can try calling your vet first to talk about the behavior and get some suggestions of things to try. Check out the dog’s feces. If he has diarrhea or produces a greasy stool it might be he isn’t digesting his food properly. This can lead to an nutritional imbalance and the dog eats dirt in an attempt to remedy this. This being the case, a vet consultation is essential since the problem needs investigating and a solution found.
Be sure to look for a food that addresses any special needs your dog might have (age, size, activity level, medical issues). When in doubt, call your vet for a recommendation.
Some breeds of dogs (especially Australian shepherds and collies) are sensitive to the ingredients in some dewormers, so it’s a good idea to check with your vet first. [7] X Research source
If your dog only eats dirt from a specific area of your yard, you can try treating the area with a taste deterrent like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a bitter apple spray (available at pet stores). [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
If you see your dog approach the plants, tell him firmly to “sit. " When he does, reward him with a small treat to reinforce the positive behavior.
Never use hot water, or add anything to the water that could hurt the dog or sting his eyes. Never use a spray bottle on a dog that might bite you.
Many dog owners are against using punishments of this nature, whereas others think it is justified if the behavior they are trying to stop could be harmful to the dog. Use your best judgement and do what’s right for you and your dog.
