Dogs consume mud or any other kind of mud for a variety of reasons. The impulse to eat soil could be due to boredom or stress, or it could just be due to the fragrance of something delicious mixed in the muck. However, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it could also indicate an underlying health issue or a lack of sufficient nutrition.
A nutritional deficit is one of the most generally held ideas for why dogs consume mud or dirt as well. Probiotic microorganisms and vital minerals like sodium, iron, and calcium can be found in soil. This causes many pet owners to believe that their dog digs and consumes the pawed-out mud to make up for the nutrients he is missing in his diet.
Though this is true in some cases, many veterinarians believe that undernourishment is rarely the case. Match your dog’s food to his breed and age to see if you’re providing him with the correct diet.
Is It A Matter Of Concern?
Mud eating is a rather typical and even expected behavior in dogs, particularly in pups and adolescent dogs who are just learning about the world. Dogs follow their noses, which often leads them to dig, sniff, nibble, and eat what they find.
However, if our dog is continuously eating dirt and showing other signs of disease, he or she may be suffering from a medical problem that requires immediate attention.
If we notice our dog doing it very frequently over a long period, say one or two weeks, we should get its health checked by a vet. Even in this scenario, our dog can be perfectly fine. But most often pets have been found to have some medical issues when they behave like this.
Hence, there always is a possibility of some health issues, and no one would want to take risks.
Reasons Behind Eating Mud
Undoubtedly, there may have a variety of solid reasons why dogs enjoy digging in the soil, some of which are more significant than others. Let me bring down the possible reasons for your dog to react like this.
1. Medical Issues
If your dog is constantly eating dirt, don’t dismiss it; it could be an indication of something more serious. Here are some of the possible reasons behind it :
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which a dog’s blood cell count or hemoglobin levels are abnormally low. According to CertaPet, anemia can be caused by a food imbalance.
In an attempt to correct any deficits that are causing this illness, an anemic dog may automatically turn to eat dirt. Blood tests are the only technique to accurately detect anaemia.
- Liver Disease: A shunt is a blood channel that permits blood to bypass the liver of a dog. As a result, the liver does not get enough blood and cannot operate correctly. Shunts are uncommon, however, they can be present at birth in puppies or in older or senior dogs.
- Upset Stomach: Another typical reason for your dog to eat dirt is that he or she has an upset stomach. If a puppy eats something that upsets their stomach, which is very likely, they will consume dirt and grass to try to force themselves to throw up so their stomach can settle down.
If your puppy isn’t a regular dirt eater, this is most likely the cause, and you only see them do it once in a while, especially if they puke up immediately after.
2. Stress And Anxiety
Dogs, like humans, feel stress. Not all stress is negative, but when your dog is distressed, uncomfortable, anxious, or afraid, they are more likely to seek an outlet for those unpleasant sensations.
When an animal is unsure what to do in a certain situation, they may participate in displacement behaviors. These are out-of-context acts that occur suddenly and don’t seem to “fit” in the current circumstance.
Excessive sniffing or self-grooming, scratching when not itchy, exaggerated stretching, shaking off when not wet, or even hastily eating things that are not supposed to be in their canine diets are all examples of displacement behaviors. However, not all displacement actions are indicative of significant fear or stress, so don’t assume anything just yet.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist if you believe your dog is suffering from extreme anxiety or looks to be in distress.
3. Random Habit of Smelling Everything
Who hasn’t noticed the habit of smelling everything in a dog? Dogs are likely to smell anything that they think is interesting. This behavioral habit may lead them to eat dirt if they get the archaeological spirit of discovering underground materials.
While exploration is in their nature, they can also do it out of boredom. If dogs don’t get enough exercise or enrichment, they can become bored, and some will eat dirt to pass the time.
Though we humans consider mud to be filthy or unpleasant, our canine companions have a very different viewpoint. Dogs, like kids, find dirt fascinating and exciting, and hence like playing with it.
This is most likely the case if your dog’s mud fixation isn’t frequent or compulsive, and you can quickly divert his attention away from it.
4. Malnutrition
Dog foods aren’t all made equal. Some diets lack the nutrients that a dog requires to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Due to dietary deficiencies, dogs of any age may ingest dirt to absorb nutrients such as sodium, iron, and calcium from the soil. Underfed dogs may eat dirt and other objects due to hunger and nutritional deficiencies.
When choosing a high-quality dog food, make sure it complies with the nutritional criteria of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and is produced by a large, experienced, and renowned company. WSAVA-approved brands include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina.
Should I Be Concerned?
We may be concerned about the hygiene of our dogs’ dirt meals, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that they are healthy. If we see that our dog is consuming an unusually large amount of soil, or if we notice any of these symptoms, we should immediately contact our veterinarian.
Owners who spray their lawns for bugs or insects on a regular basis should be aware of the health risks this dirt poses to their dogs. If we are not sure if a park utilizes pesticides, it is best to be safe and keep our dogs away from the public soil.
Conclusion
It can be aggravating for dog owners to spend money on organic or high-quality dog treats only to have them tossed aside in favor of a random stick or a puddle their furry friend discovers on their stroll. However, mud nibbling is perfectly natural, especially if it is a result of the dog’s treasure hunting. If the dog, on the other hand, is obsessed with getting a side order or soil, we should visit a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues or anomalies.