If your dog is suddenly eating dirt and drinking lots of water, you might be understandably concerned.
These unusual behaviors can seem odd or even alarming, especially when they happen together.
We outline what it means when a dog is eating dirt and drinking a lot of water, the possible causes, what to look out for, and when it’s time to seek help from a veterinarian.
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Here’s Why Your Dog Is Eating Dirt and Drinking Lots of Water
A dog eating dirt and drinking lots of water often signals an underlying health or behavioral issue. Eating dirt, or pica, can indicate nutritional deficiencies—such as a lack of minerals like iron—or digestive discomfort that your dog tries to soothe by consuming soil. At the same time, drinking excessive water may be a response to dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or illness, or it could indicate conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or stress.
When these behaviors occur together, they suggest your dog might be trying to compensate for an imbalance or distress in their body.
Common Causes of Dogs Eating Dirt and Drinking a Lot of Water
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the most common reasons for a dog eating dirt and drinking lots of water is poor diet.
If your dog isn’t getting enough essential nutrients, particularly iron, zinc, or other minerals, they may turn to the soil to try to fill the gap.
At the same time, mineral deficiencies can affect kidney function or digestion, which may cause increased thirst. Ensure your dog is eating a well-balanced, high-quality food formulated for their breed, age, and size.
2. Dehydration from Gastrointestinal Issues
If your dog has recently experienced vomiting or diarrhea, they may start drinking more water to replace lost fluids.
Eating dirt could be an instinctive attempt to soothe an irritated stomach or restore lost nutrients.
In this case, dog eating dirt and drinking excessive water may be linked to a gastrointestinal upset.
Watch for additional symptoms like drooling, flatulence, or unusual stools.
Related: Dog eating dirt and lethargic (Here’s why)
3. Anemia
Anemia — a condition where red blood cells are too low — is another major cause of dirt eating in dogs.
Dogs with anemia might also feel weak, tired, or out of breath.
Anemic dogs often display pica behavior, including eating soil, clay, or even stones.
Anemia also affects organ function, which can lead to increased thirst.
So if your dog is eating dirt and drinking lots of water, a blood test may be necessary to check for low red blood cell counts.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs can react to emotional stress with physical symptoms. Behavioral responses such as eating dirt and drinking a lot of water can happen when a dog is anxious or bored. This can stem from:
Changes in their environment (e.g., moving houses)
Separation anxiety
Lack of physical or mental stimulation
Stress can cause digestive upset and dry mouth, which makes a dog both thirsty and more likely to ingest inappropriate things like dirt.
Related: Dog eating dirt and rocks (Here’s why)
5. Liver or Kidney Disease
When your dog starts drinking a lot of water suddenly and shows other odd behaviors like eating dirt, it’s wise to rule out organ dysfunction.
Diseases affecting the liver or kidneys can lead to toxin build-up in the blood, causing:
Lethargy
Nausea (which might prompt dirt eating)
Increased thirst and urination
Veterinarians often diagnose these conditions using bloodwork and urinalysis.
6. Diabetes Mellitus
Another possible reason behind your dog drinking lots of water and eating dirt is diabetes.
Diabetes in dogs affects their ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to:
Increased hunger
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Potentially pica (including dirt eating) as they seek out nutrients
Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage diabetes effectively.
7. Intestinal Parasites
Parasites like roundworms or hookworms steal nutrients from your dog’s body, which can lead to both nutritional deficiency and gastrointestinal upset. A dog may try to compensate by:
Eating dirt to regain minerals
Drinking more water to manage the dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting
A fecal exam is often used to detect parasites.
Related: Why does my dog eat dirt and mud? (Here’s why)
8. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
Sometimes, eating dirt and drinking large amounts of water could be the result of toxin exposure.
Certain poisons, fertilizers, or pesticides in the soil can be dangerous.
Your dog may instinctively drink more to flush out the toxin, and the soil could be the source of exposure.
If you suspect this, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What To Do
If you notice your dog eating dirt and drinking large quantities of water, don’t ignore it.
These could be early signs of a serious issue. Here’s what you should do:
Observe their behavior closely. Note how often they eat dirt or drink, and whether there are accompanying symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Check their diet. Make sure your dog is receiving a complete and balanced diet. Switch to high-quality food if needed and avoid sudden dietary changes.
Prevent access to dirt. Redirect their behavior by offering toys, bones, or playtime. Clean up areas where they may dig or eat soil.
Hydrate properly. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times, but also monitor if your dog is drinking excessively.
Visit a veterinarian. If your dog’s behavior continues for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
You should seek immediate veterinary care if:
Your dog is vomiting, lethargic, or has bloody stools
There are signs of bloating or abdominal pain
The water consumption seems obsessive or excessive (emptying their bowl repeatedly)
Your dog shows signs of toxicity, like tremors, seizures, or uncoordinated movement
They are a puppy, senior dog, or have pre-existing conditions
Key Takeaway
While eating dirt and drinking lots of water may not seem like an emergency at first, these behaviors often signal an underlying issue that requires attention.
Whether it’s due to a nutritional deficiency, stress, digestive issue, or something more serious like diabetes or organ disease, it’s important to observe closely and act early.
By working with your veterinarian and ensuring a high-quality diet, proper hydration, and a stress-free environment, you can help your dog stay healthy and happy — and keep them from turning the backyard into their personal buffet.