When your dog starts digging and eating dirt, it may seem like quirky behavior, but it can signal something more significant.
Dog digging and eating dirt are surprisingly common behaviors, but they can indicate a range of things—from normal instincts to underlying health issues.
We outline why dogs dig and eat dirt, the causes behind these actions, when it’s a cause for concern, and what you can do to help your furry friend.
Table of Contents
Here’s Why Dogs Dig and Eat Dirt
Dogs dig and eat dirt for several reasons, often rooted in instinct, behavior, or underlying health issues. This behavior can stem from boredom, anxiety, or a natural desire to explore scents in the soil. In some cases, it may indicate a dietary deficiency—like lacking minerals such as iron—or a medical condition such as anemia or gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs may also eat dirt due to a condition called pica, where animals consume non-food items.
While occasional dirt-eating might seem harmless, persistent digging and dirt consumption should not be ignored, as it can lead to intestinal blockages or exposure to harmful parasites and toxins.
Why Dogs Dig
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. Many breeds, especially terriers and hounds, were originally bred for hunting or burrowing, making digging part of their instinctual behavior.
Common reasons why dogs dig include:
Exploration and Curiosity: Dogs use digging to explore their environment, especially if they smell something interesting underground.
Boredom or Excess Energy: A dog left alone or under-stimulated might dig as a way to expend energy or entertain themselves.
Comfort or Shelter: Dogs sometimes dig to create a cool or warm spot in the ground to lie down, especially in extreme weather.
Hunting Instincts: Dogs may dig to chase after burrowing animals like moles, rabbits, or insects.
Anxiety or Stress: Some dogs dig excessively as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress.
Attention-Seeking: If your dog learns that digging gets a reaction from you, they might continue the behavior to get your attention.
Why Dogs Eat Dirt
Eating dirt is part of a behavior called pica, which is the consumption of non-food items. While occasional dirt eating might be harmless, persistent or excessive dirt eating can indicate something more serious.
Here are common causes for dogs eating dirt:
Nutritional Deficiency: Dogs sometimes eat dirt if they are lacking certain minerals like iron, calcium, or zinc in their diet.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Eating dirt can be a way dogs try to soothe an upset stomach or digestive discomfort.
Boredom or Anxiety: Like digging, eating dirt can be a way to relieve boredom or stress.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause dogs to feel hungry or unsettled, leading them to eat dirt.
Curiosity or Habit: Puppies or young dogs may eat dirt simply because they are curious or developing habits.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical problems, including anemia, diabetes, or digestive disorders, might trigger dirt-eating behavior.
Environmental Factors: If the soil is rich in appealing smells or tastes—perhaps due to fertilizer or animal waste—a dog might be drawn to it.
When Dog Digging and Eating Dirt Could Be a Concern
While digging and eating dirt can be normal dog behaviors, they can sometimes point to health problems or behavioral issues that require attention.
Health-related concerns include:
Parasites or Worms: Dogs infected with intestinal parasites often feel increased hunger or digestive upset, which can lead to dirt eating.
Nutritional Imbalance: If your dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients, they might instinctively seek minerals in dirt.
Gastrointestinal Problems: Digestive discomfort can lead dogs to eat dirt to calm their stomach.
Toxic Soil: Dirt contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals can poison your dog if ingested.
Foreign Object Ingestion: Dirt can contain sharp or harmful objects that might injure your dog’s digestive tract.
Behavioral concerns include:
Severe Anxiety or Stress: Excessive digging or eating dirt can be signs your dog is highly anxious or stressed.
Boredom and Lack of Stimulation: Dogs that do not get enough exercise or mental stimulation may dig and eat dirt out of frustration.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Some dogs develop repetitive behaviors like digging or dirt eating as part of OCD-like tendencies.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Digging and Eating Dirt
If your dog’s digging and dirt-eating behavior is mild and occasional, it may simply be normal.
However, persistent or excessive behavior should be addressed to ensure your dog’s safety and health.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Rule Out Medical Causes
If your dog is eating dirt frequently, a veterinary check-up is essential to rule out underlying medical issues such as:
Parasites or intestinal worms
Nutritional deficiencies
Digestive disorders
Other systemic illnesses
Your vet may recommend fecal tests, blood work, or dietary adjustments to diagnose and treat any health problems.
2. Improve Diet and Nutrition
Make sure your dog is eating a balanced, high-quality diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Sometimes, switching to a diet with better mineral content or adding supplements can reduce dirt eating.
3. Manage Boredom and Provide Exercise
Regular physical activity and mental enrichment are crucial.
Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and daily walks or play sessions to keep your dog engaged and less likely to dig out of boredom.
4. Provide Safe Digging Options
If your dog loves digging, designate a safe digging area in your yard, such as a sandbox or a corner with loose soil.
Encourage your dog to dig there by hiding toys or treats.
5. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Address any sources of stress for your dog, such as loud noises, changes in routine, or separation anxiety.
Consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers, behavior training, or professional help from a dog behaviorist.
Related: Dog eating grass and dirt (Here’s why)
6. Prevent Access to Toxic or Contaminated Soil
Keep your dog away from areas treated with pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals.
Ensure the yard is clean of animal waste and remove hazardous objects that could be swallowed along with dirt.
7. Training and Behavior Modification
Use positive reinforcement to discourage unwanted digging or dirt eating.
Redirect your dog’s attention when they start digging or eating dirt and reward alternative behaviors.
Related: My dog eats grass daily (Here’s why and what to do)
Signs to Watch For That Require Veterinary Attention
If you notice any of the following signs along with digging and eating dirt, contact your veterinarian promptly:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or weakness
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Blood in stool
Persistent or obsessive digging and eating dirt
Signs of abdominal pain or discomfort
Excessive drooling or coughing
Behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal
Key Takeaway
Dog digging and eating dirt are natural but sometimes complex behaviors.
While occasional digging or dirt eating may be normal, persistent or excessive behavior can signal health issues or stress.
To ensure your dog’s well-being:
Observe their behavior carefully
Provide proper nutrition and exercise
Keep their environment safe
Consult your veterinarian when needed
By addressing the root causes of digging and dirt eating, you can help your dog stay healthy, happy, and safe.