How to Teach Dogs to Stop Eating Dirty

Dogs eat dirty food for many reasons, some eat quite a bit, but some eat a lot. If your dog only occasionally eats dirty food, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Maybe the dog is trying to eat some food buried underneath, and the dirt is just in its way! However, if your dog eats dirt frequently, this could be a sign of a problem. You’ll need to keep a close eye on when your dog eats dirt and try to figure out why. Only then can you effectively solve the problem step by step. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Table of Contents

Determine the reason the dog eats dirty

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Learn some of the reasons dogs eat dirty food. Dirty eating is a form of pica syndrome, or eating things that aren’t food. In some cases, the cause of pica syndrome is a lack of minerals in the diet or a worm infection. However, in other cases, eating dirty food can be a sign of boredom. This is quite true for puppies and young dogs. ^{[2] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to the source} It’s also possible that dogs eat dirty food to ease intestinal upset from eating things they shouldn’t.

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Think about when dogs started eating dirty food. Is it due to changes in diet, activity level, or the environment? Is there any unusual behavior or behavior in the dog that could explain this problem? If you have multiple dogs, do they all eat dirty food?

If your dog eats an unusual amount of dirty food, monitor the dog in case he has eaten something he shouldn’t have eaten and shows signs of poisoning.
If many dogs in a household eat dirty food, it could be because there isn’t enough food for them.
However, if many dogs are eating dirty food in the same place, it may be because there is good food in the pile of dirt.

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Check your dog’s gums. Eating dirty food can be a sign of anemia caused by a poor diet or a parasitic infection. If your dog’s gums are pale or yellow, you should take him to the vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Consider your dog’s food. Most dog foods on the market contain enough vitamins and minerals to keep dogs healthy, but some brands contain less minerals. Check the content on the package and compare it with other brands to make sure it has the same mineral content as iron and calcium. If your dog eats raw or home-prepared food, it may not have the nutrients your dog needs. In this case, consult your veterinarian about mineral supplements. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

It is also possible that the dog eats dirty food because it is hungry. If you are reducing your dog’s food intake because he is too fat, consider foods that are low in calories but still make him feel full instead of reducing his usual food intake.

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Discuss with your veterinarian. If you can’t figure out why your dog is eating dirt, or think it could be a sign of a more serious problem, take your dog in for a checkup. During the exam, your veterinarian may do a general checkup of your dog’s health, do other tests to rule out deficiencies and diseases, and look for signs of parasites.

Some veterinarians may be available for advice over the phone. You can try calling your doctor first to discuss your dog’s behavior and get advice.
Check your dog’s poop. If your dog has diarrhea or has greasy stools, it may be because he is not digesting food well. This can lead to nutritional imbalances and dogs eating dirt to solve the problem. In this case, discussion with your veterinarian is necessary as the problem needs to be investigated and resolved.

Prevent dogs from eating dirty food

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Dog entertainment. Pay more attention to the dog, and give the dog lots of fun new toys. If possible, walk your dog more often. A busy and tired dog is less likely to eat dirty food for entertainment. ^{[5] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

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Try changing up your dog’s food. If you think your dog’s food isn’t getting enough minerals, try a different brand of food. There are many different types of dog food available in the market. If possible, buy products from reputable brands with better options, easier to digest ingredients. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Make sure you find the right food for any of your dog’s special needs (age, size, activity level, medical issues). When in any doubt, call your veterinarian for advice.

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Deworming dogs. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can absorb nutrients intended for dogs as well as cause diarrhea and intestinal disease, both of which can cause dogs to eat dirty food. Worms in dog poop are a clear sign that your dog has worms, but other symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of strength, etc. If you suspect your dog has worms, you can buy deworming tablets at the store. local pet, or from a veterinarian.

Some dog breeds (especially Australian Shepherds and cplies) are quite sensitive to the ingredients in dewormers, so it’s best to consult your doctor first. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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If your dog only eats dirty food in certain places, stay away from these places. Chances are your dog likes to eat what’s in the dirt, not the dirt itself. But if this behavior annoys you, keep your dog away from this place.

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Follow the dog when outside. Walk the dog on a leash, and always keep an eye on it when in the yard. Yell at your dog when you see him start to eat dirt. Try to distract or redirect the dog’s attention, and praise him if he leaves the litter.

If your dog only eats in certain areas of the yard, you can use an irritant such as chili peppers, chili sauce, or bitter melon spray (available at pet stores). ^{[8] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

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Keep potted plants out of reach. If your dog eats dirty food in the pot, if possible move the pot to another place. You can also spray the irritant onto the pot. ^{[9] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

If you see a dog approaching the potted plant, sternly tell the dog to “sit.” When the dog is sitting, reward him or her to reinforce good behavior.

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Use a spray bottle to teach your dog not to eat dirty food. Bring a spray bottle of clean cold water when walking your dog, and keep it nearby when the dog is in the yard. When you see your dog start to eat dirty food, approach and scold “No!” Wait a moment, and then spray the dog’s face with the spray. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Never use hot water, or put anything in the water that could hurt the dog or swell its eyes.
Never use the spray on a dog that might bite you.

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Try using a remote punishment device for training. These devices are controlled remotely so the dog won’t think the punishment is from you. Popular options include an air horn, or an exhaust collar that can release an unpleasant scent when activated remotely. ^{[11] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Many dog owners oppose natural punishment, while others consider it appropriate if the behavior – which they are trying to prevent – could harm the dog. Think twice and do what’s good for you and your dog.

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Keep the dog indoors. If you can’t watch your dog when he’s outside and can’t stop him from eating dirty food, you can keep him indoors while you’re out. Make sure to put all pots out of reach, or your dog may try to eat dirt from the potted houseplants.

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Consider sedating your dog. If your dog still won’t stop eating dirt and shows signs of anxiety, try adding more toys and eliminating stressors first. If this doesn’t work, discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of sedating your dog. ^{[12] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

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Consult a dog trainer or behavior specialist. If your doctor doesn’t find any physical problems in your dog, and home remedies don’t work either, a trainer or animal behavior specialist can help. Ask your doctor for advice or call your local veterinary clinic. You can also search online for “animal behavior” or “dog training” in your area.

Steps

Determine the reason the dog eats dirty

Prevent dogs from eating dirty food

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