Allowing your dog to lap at this rainwater will potentially make them very sick indeed, and it could even turn out to be fatal. It will also do the same for any local cats, who may be tempted to use your plant pot as an outdoor litter tray – creating yet another fascinating smell for your dog to explore in the meantime. If you don’t think that your dog has Pica and is just engaging in standard, albeit strange, canine behavior then you should use your discretion. It’s potentially very bad for a dog to eat dirt or soil from a potted plant. Other deterrents to consider include putting pine cones in the soil and placing aluminum foil on top of the dirt -- dogs don't care for the feel of foil on their paws. If you have more than one dog and they are all eating dirt, it certainly suggests that a dietary change is in order. With time, this behavior should remit. My dog Louie likes to eat grass, why does he eat grass, and is it bad for him? It is normal for dogs to eat grass at one time or another, but it can be harmful for your dog to consume other garden plants and houseplants. It could be she isn't getting enough minerals or she really isn't eating the dirt but something in the dirt. My Dog Laps at Rainwater in My Yard – is This OK? We sometimes recommend products we love. You will need to visit the vet to rule this possibility out. Over the years, I have tried various methods to get rid of squirrels, and I am offering you my best tips here. What soil and fertilizer does alstroemeria like? Other possible causes include mineral deficiencies in the diet, as dogs … The best thing to do is cover the top of your pots and planters with chicken wire. One way in which dogs try to channel and expel this pent up energy is through destructive or compulsive behavior, such as eating dirt. The vet doesn't seem to see it as a problem - just said maybe he likes the taste - but I can't see that it can be good for him and it certainly isn't good for my plants. Once a dog has a compulsion in their head, it becomes like an itch that they are unable to scratch, so do whatever it takes to ensure that your dog doesn’t develop a fascination with eating dirt before it’s too late. In some cases, pica is caused by a mineral deficiency in your dog's diet or a parasite infestation. Five minutes later I went out back and noticed my lab eating some of the soil with th ... My shorkie ate a bunch of eggshells that I had place in the soil of my container tomato plant--I''m worried because the day before I had watered the plant w/Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food. Is your puppy eating dirt? This may be hugely uncomfortable for a canine as it essentially results in their insides turning inside out. The leaves and petals of the plant and flower itself will be intriguing to a canine nose, and if there is any kind of manure or fertilizer in the soil that will capture their imagination too. My … Throw in the possibility of allowing an ant, bee or another stinging insect into their mouths, and you have a real recipe for disaster. Then she throws it up after she - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. My Dog Isn't Eating - How to Get Their Appetite Back. My Dog Keeps Attacking My Other Dog (for No Reason)! Dogs with stomach problems, possibly bugs and the like, have been observed eating soil to alleviate stomach issues in an attempt to get the digestive tract moving and to use the mud and clay to scrub clean the insides. They seem to either want to eat my plants or bury their food supply in my flower pots. Discussion in 'Labrador health' started by Angy, Feb 12, 2016. In some cases, eating soil might be an indication of fatigue in dogs. My friend's cat tends to do that too, so dont think its just … It seems to go through him and his feces is black and sandy. Reasons why your dog is eating plants include: Taste; Nutritional deficiency; Nausea Gas; Boredom; Why Eating Plants Occurs in Dogs. These include: Please, let us stress one final time – if you suspect that your dog has a Pica problem, get them to a vet. They just like the taste or sensation. Now you know some reasons that cause dogs to bite plants, so following the tips below can help you control this behavior: 1. That must be some dog-delicious-scented potting soil! Pica syndrome manifests as the desire to ingest non-edible substances, such as dirt. Dogs that live near the ocean or have access to sand may begin to eat it. That must be some dog-delicious-scented potting soil! This behavior can at times be dangerous, especially if your dog ingests substances which can be harmful to its health. There will also be no shortage of sugar in the dish, so consider learning how to brush your dog’s teeth after they have finished. Dogs spending unsupervised time in the yard can take a slightly sinister turn if they start eating dirt from pot plants or lapping at the soil located on your land. He gets bones every day and with some redirection, it has been better. To escape . Sometimes he just eats some of the soil, but a couple times he's emerged with a tiny plant root in his mouth. Should I Try and Stop My Dog from Eating Dirt? If, however, you want to offer your pup a homemade diet, this should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian. Among these many dangerous substances is dirt. Raise Your Flower Pots. Also keeping an eye out for any symptoms of dehydration though, as this could be very dangerous for your dog. They are fed a well balanced diet of dry food. Your pet may do himself or herself some severe damage by eating the wrong thing sooner or later, and if surgery becomes necessary things can be very uncomfortable as well as expensive. What Are the Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Your Dog? Many dogs will search out poo to eat, cat, dog, rabbit, etc. A: For smaller dogs (less than 15kg), a non-surgical approach can sometimes be effective; but for larger dogs surgery is the fastest, most effective way … The reasons that can trigger this behavior are the same which lead a dog to eat dirt. This is not a standard behavior in dogs, so you should be vigilant about keeping an eye out for any symptoms. Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath Suddenly? Naturally, however, nothing is ever that simple. Might be teh maure in the compost, … Sprinkling alum powder or a granular animal repellent on top of the dirt also may keep him away. Luckily, Perlite is not toxic to dogs – so if your dog ate Perlite, there’s nothing to worry about. 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