Very often, inexperienced owners are faced with the strange behavior of their pets. For example, some puppies begin to empty the contents of flower pots or bite the ground from a neighboring flower bed. After reading today's article, you will understand why dogs eat land and whether to wean them from this habit.
What is picacism?
This term refers to a perverted appetite or desire to eat inedible objects. This can be toilet paper, candy wrappers, socks and other non-food items.
Before you begin to understand why a dog eats earth and stones, it must be mentioned that this is a rather unpleasant and unhygienic sight. Plus everything else, it is also a dangerous habit that can lead to various health problems.
The most common causes of this behavior
It should immediately be noted that the dog’s desire to taste the soil can be triggered by several factors at once. So, little puppies are most often driven by banal curiosity. At this age, they strive to try everything on the tooth. And during the first walks, it is the soil that appears in the field of vision of the baby, causing him increased interest.
Those who are trying to figure out why the dog eats the earth will probably be interested to know that this can happen during active games. In this case, the enthusiastic animal unknowingly swallows small lumps of soil.
Also, a pet can be led by a desire to attract the attention of its owner. In this case, he develops a reflex: eating the ground means that the owner will be interested in the pet. Moreover, the dog is committed no matter whether they punish him or encourage him.
In addition, eating land may indicate psychological problems. An animal in a state of depression often nibbles on soil and other prohibited items. As a rule, stress is associated with a change of residence or with the appearance of another pet in the family.
Another reason for this behavior is considered a lack of vitamins. Therefore, the owner must take care of filling the deficit of necessary substances.
Likely Consequences
Understanding why dogs eat the earth, you need to talk about what this behavior is fraught with. Such a habit can adversely affect the health of the animal. This is because hazardous particles or harmful chemicals can be present in the mud. Noticing that your pet is chewing on the ground, immediately stop it.
Those who already know why the dog eats land on the street should understand that such actions will sooner or later provoke digestive problems. Stones, dirt and other small particles gradually accumulate in her stomach and intestines and after a while cause various disorders. In addition, indigestible chunks can get stuck in the digestive tract, and then you will have to contact your veterinarian immediately.
The habit of gnawing dirt is also harmful to dog teeth. Continuous grinding of fangs and incisors leads to damage to the enamel and the formation of cracks. In addition, this process can provoke a fracture of the teeth.
How to deal with this problem?
Understanding why dogs eat land, you need to figure out how to wean them from such a bad habit. If we are talking about small puppies, then it is likely that, having satisfied their curiosity, they will soon stop biting the ground. But if this phenomenon has become systematic, then such actions must be strictly stopped.
In cases where there are psychological problems, it is necessary to analyze the events that have occurred with your pet in recent months. It is possible that the animal experienced stress associated with a change in diet, the departure of the owner, or a change in conditions of detention.
What to do if a dog lacks trace elements?
If you have analyzed why dogs eat the earth, and came to the conclusion that they are deficient in the necessary substances, then you need to review their menu. In such cases, it is advisable to give animals chalk, meat and bone meal, calf kidneys, beef scar and vitamins. To make up for iron deficiency, apples are recommended in the pet's diet.
Some dog breeders, faced with a similar problem, are advised to feed dogs a small amount of charcoal. It can be placed near the pet's bowl and observe its behavior. If he begins to gnaw at the proposed “delicacy”, then the problem really lies in the lack of trace elements.
In those cases when the dog began to eat the earth, but at the same time she retains an excellent appetite, shine and regular stool, then do not worry. It is possible that in this way it just cleanses the stomach. However, if such a phenomenon is systematic, then you need to consult a qualified veterinarian.