Does your pup have a habit of chewing on everything they shouldn't be? Whether it's your favorite shoes or rocks from outside, most pet parents wonder what they can do about it. Here, our Santa Barbara vets discuss why your dog eats everything and what you can do to stop this behavior.
My Dog Eats Everything Off the Ground
Do you find yourself standing there each day saying, 'My dog won't stop eating. Why?' Just know you're not alone. While many pet parents find this behavior repulsive, it is a normal scavenging behavior in our canine companions. Puppies seem especially fond of eating things they encounter, such as leaves, trash, stones, and dead animals.
What kind of things do dogs eat?
Pica is the term used by humans and animals to eat non-edible items. Pica in dogs usually results in the desire to eat indigestible objects such as rocks, dirt, and sticks. It is thought that animals with pica may be deficient in essential minerals or other nutrients. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog's desire to eat inedible objects is a sign of pica.
Below are some of the most common substances that our four-legged friend loves to eat:
Grass
Dogs will frequently nibble on grass, though some dogs prefer it more than others. Eating grass is generally considered safe if it is not heavily coated in chemicals and your dog is otherwise healthy.
Dogs eat grass for various reasons, including increasing fiber in their digestive tract, reducing boredom, and simply enjoying it. If your dog eats an unusual amount of grass, talk to your vet about how to stop it.
Dirt
Puppy dirt eating is a common behavior. It is unknown why dogs prefer to eat dirt, but it is widely assumed that it is partly due to the various scents emitted by different areas, such as a field, forest floor, or mulch pile. Eating dirt may improve puppies' understanding of their surroundings. If your dog develops a strange taste of dirt, there is probably nothing to worry about.
However, eating a lot of dirt can be dangerous because it can clog your dog's digestive tract. If your dog enjoys eating dirt, talk to your vet about what's causing the behavior and what you can do to stop it.
Rocks
Many dogs enjoy playing with and eating rocks, which can harm their health. Chewing rocks can cause tooth and gum damage, and choking is a serious hazard. If your puppy is teething, try providing him with fun chew toys.
If your adult dog is obsessed with eating rocks, take him to the veterinarian. Rock eating could indicate boredom, anxiety, or a desire for attention. Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine the cause of your dog's behavior and recommend ways to reduce your dog's desire for stones.
Poop
Pet owners frequently contact us when they are at their wits end with their dog's disgusting poop-eating behavior. Why does my dog keep eating poop?! Poop eating is so common that it is referred to as 'coprophagia' (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh), and a combination of behavioral, genetic, and psychological factors may cause it.
Dogs are generally considered safe to eat their poop; however, eating the poop of other dogs or animals is a cause for concern because parasites, viruses, and toxins can be transmitted through feces.
According to one theory, poop eating is part of your dog's innate scavenging tendencies, which evolved as a survival tool for times when food is scarce. After all, a dog can't afford to be picky when no food is found.
Some physical reasons that dogs may eat poop include:
- Parasites
- Diets deficient in nutrients and calories
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Diabetes
- Cushing’s
- Thyroid disease and other conditions that can cause increased appetite
- Steroids and other medications
Other factors that can lead to poop eating in dogs:
- Isolation and boredom
- Restrictive confinement
- Anxiety
- Attention-seeking
- Inappropriate association with real food
What are some signs my dog has overeaten?
Some signs that your dog is overeating include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and lethargy. It is important to monitor their food intake and consult a veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.
What can you do to stop your dog from eating everything?
Regardless of what your pooch enjoys munching on, there are a few things you can do to try and curb the habit:
- Clean your backyard frequently to remove any rocks, poops, or other items. If it isn't there, your pup can't eat it.
- Teach your dog to 'drop it' and 'leave it' on command. This is essential know-how for every dog.
- Increase your pup's exercise and enrichment throughout the day. Busy, tired dogs are less likely to nibble on things they shouldn't.
- Take your dog to the vet for a full examination to look for signs of illness or to discuss solutions to behavioral issues such as anxiety.
Your veterinarian can check your dog from head to tail for signs of illness, discuss the causes of your dog's unusual eating habits, and advise you on your pet's nutritional and caloric needs based on size and breed.
When does an eating habit become an emergency?
Sometimes, your dog may experience a blockage from swallowing a foreign object. If this occurs, please contact our emergency animal hospital right away. Our veterinary team is here to provide immediate assistance, including first aid, CPR and emergency surgery to remove objects when needed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.