Our Parrish vets have seen many frustrated pup parents come to them proclaiming, "My dog won't stop eating everything!". Here, you'll find insights into why this might be and tips to stop this behavior.
Dogs That Will Eat Anything
If you've discovered that your dog eats anything and everything in sight, you might be worried for their health, frustrated, and maybe even embarrassed. However, you may find solace in the fact that many pooch parents face this issue.
While your pup's behavior may gross you out, they are actually engaging in instinctive scavenging behavior. This is also particularly common in puppies as they explore their new world and eat things they find – which may include anything from string, stones, leaves, and trash to dead animals.
What Dogs Eat & Why
If you've ever told a story that started with, "My dog eats everything off the ground!", pica may be the underlying cause. Pica is a condition that causes a dog to consistently eat non-food items. For it to be considered pica, a dog needs to ingest the item, not just chew on it. This can manifest as an almost compulsive urge to dine on non-digestible items like dirt, sticks, and rocks. It's believed that animals with pica may lack essential minerals or other nutrients in their diet.
If you think your dog's urge to eat these items may be a symptom of pica, schedule an appointment with your vet. These are some of the most common non-food substances that dogs love to sink their teeth into:
Dirt
It's fairly common for puppies to eat dirt. Though it's unclear why they choose to do this, it's generally believed that the scent of dirt attracts a dog's exceptional sense of smell, causing them to sniff out anything from the pile of mulch in your backyard to a field behind your house or a forest floor.
Eating dirt may also help puppies better understand the world around them. You likely don't need to worry if your puppy chomps on dirt the odd time, However, if your young dog eats large amounts of dirt, this can lead to problems in their digestive tract. If you've noticed that your pup loves to eat dirt, ask your vet what may be causing this behavior and get some ideas on how to deter your dog from doing this.
Grass
If your dog is otherwise healthy, you probably don't need to worry if it enjoys nibbling the odd blade of grass. Grass is generally considered safe for dogs to eat as long as it isn't coated in chemicals.
Dogs may eat grass for several reasons, including boredom, for enjoyment or as a way to incorporate more fiber into their gastrointestinal tract. If you spot your dog eating a large amount of grass, consult your vet about how you can cut back on the behavior.
Poop
This is often the item most pet parents become embarassed by and we've seen more than a few come into our office exasperated by this unpopular and disgusting habit their dog has. You may ask, "Why does my dog keep eating poop?!"
You may not be aware of the fact that poop eating is so common that it has its own term: ‘coprophagia’ (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh). You may able to blame this behavior on a combination of psychological, behavioral and genetic factors. It's generally considered harmless for dogs to eat their own poop, but eating other animals' poop is a cause for concern since viruses, toxins and parasites can be transmitted through feces.
One theory is that poop eating might be part of your dog's innate scavenging tendencies, which your pup develops as a survival mechanism for times when food might be scarce. After all, when a pooch isn't able to find food, they can't afford to be too picky.
Physical reasons for poop eating in dogs might include:
- Cushing’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Parasites
- Diets deficient in calories and nutrients
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Steroids and other medications
- Thyroid disease and other conditions that may lead to increased appetite
Other factors that can cause poop eating in dogs:
- Restrictive confinement
- Attention seeking
- Boredom and isolation
- Anxiety
- Inappropriate association with real food
- Rocks
Many dogs love to play with and eat rocks, which can be a real health concern. Chewing rocks can lead to damage to teeth and gums, and choking is a very serious hazard. If your dog is a teething puppy, try supplying your pooch with lots of fun chew toys.
If your adult dog is obsessed with rock eating it's a good idea to head to the vet. Rock eating could be a symptom of boredom, anxiety, or attention seeking. Your vet will be able to help you diagnose the cause of your dog's behavior and recommend some ways to curb your dog's appetite for stones.
Signs & Symptoms Your Dog May Have Overeaten
If your dog has overeaten, he may start panting, acting restless or drooling. They may also be unable to lie down in a comfortable position or act like they want to vomit (this can include frequent retching with little to no food or items brought up). The most obvious sign of overeating is a distended abdomen that's hard to the touch. If you observe any of these symptoms, this is classified as a veterinary emergency. Quickly bring your dog to your vet's office to be examined.
Ways to Curb Your Dog's Unusual Eating Habits
Regardless of what your pooch enjoys munching on, there are a few things you can do to try and curb the habit if you find yourself thinking, 'My dog won't stop eating."
- Clean your backyard frequently to remove any rocks, poops, or other items. If it isn't there, your pup can't eat it.
- Teach your dog to 'drop it' and 'leave it' on command. Essential know-how for every dog.
- Increase your pup's exercise and enrichment throughout the day. A tired and busy dog is less likely to nibble on things they shouldn't.
- Take your dog to the vet for a full examination to look for signs of illness or to discuss solutions to behavioral issues such as anxiety.
Your veterinarian can give your dog a full physical examination to check for signs of illness, discuss the causes of your dog's strange eating habits, then provide you with valuable advice on your pet's nutritional and caloric requirements based on your dog's size and breed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.