**DONOTDELETE** wrote 04/01/2002 09:08 AM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32263 - 04/01/2002 09:08 AM
**DONOTDELETE** Webboard User Reg: 12-31-1969 Posts: 1003 Loc: Online	mine also digs holes. he is on his third now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> cant wait to get the kennel. wondering if in some cases it is a result of possible boredom?
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cnielsen wrote 04/01/2002 01:50 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32264 - 04/01/2002 01:50 PM
cnielsen Webboard User Reg: 12-07-2001 Posts: 52 Loc: Offline	I have read about reasons dogs have for burying bones in the dirt. I don't remember where I originally read about it, but here is a link to a similar article: http://www.alternativepethealth.com/canine-diet.html I am not a vet or a biologist, so I don't know if it is bunk or not, but it sounds pretty reasonable to me. There are microorganisms in soil. My dogs don't eat dirt, but one of them likes to eat rotting vegetables from the compost pile, and he prefers them to fresh. They are decomposing because of the same microorganisms that are in soil. You might also consider what kind of fertilizers you are using. Bone meal and fish emulsion would be obvious temptations.
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Melissa Blazak wrote 04/02/2002 11:28 AM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32265 - 04/02/2002 11:28 AM
Melissa Blazak Webboard User Reg: 03-15-2002 Posts: 591 Loc: Southern Ontario Offline	Dirt eating (scientific terminology is pica or geophagy) is quite common among many species of animals, mammals, birds and reptiles. In humans in most developed countries it is considered abnormal and may even be part of an obsessive compulsive disorder. However, there are many primitive cultures around the world that regularly practice it. For health reasons, dirt eating may be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Blood tests should indicate this (you did say you were going to get cultures done). As in humans, pica can be difficult to diagnose and treat if there is no real underlying medical cause for it. Perhaps it has now simply developed as a compulsive behavior. Bored or high-energy-high-drive animals frequently develop compulsive behaviors. Maybe giving the dogs a big kong stuffed with peanut butter, or one of those new cubes that you stuff with cookies or kibble, etc. will help redirect his weird snacking habits.
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Patricia Moreno wrote 04/03/2002 04:42 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32266 - 04/03/2002 04:42 PM
Patricia Moreno Webboard User Reg: 08-12-2001 Posts: 26 Loc: Offline	I had blood tests run but nothing showed up. We are now keeping the dogs kenneled during the day to avoid any problems but I have no idea why this is happening. My guess now is that it is habit but I can't prove it. Patricia
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**DONOTDELETE** wrote 04/13/2002 09:49 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32267 - 04/13/2002 09:49 PM
**DONOTDELETE** Webboard User Reg: 12-31-1969 Posts: 1003 Loc: Online	I have 2 GSD's and 1GSD/Husky mix, the 2 GSD's do the same thing, they pull clumps up and eat the whole thing. My 3 year old developed bloat, GDV and the vet said he took alot of dirt out of her stomach, so now I try to limit her time out, especially when the grass is damp. I feed Nutro Natural with a veggie mix and the vet said it shouldn't be the food. So I am also at a lost. I tried a homemade mixture to spray on the lawn for insects and it seemed to help some, but have to do this constantly. It has dish soap, tobacco juice and a few other things. I was going to try something to keep the deer away, but haven't been able to find it, it has rotten eggs in it, my yard will smell nice!!!! I also need a remedy for this problem. Help!!!!!!!! Bunny
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Yash Agrawal wrote 05/01/2002 07:09 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32268 - 05/01/2002 07:09 PM
Yash Agrawal Webboard User Reg: 04-28-2002 Posts: 77 Loc: Offline	Humans have pica as one of the symptoms for Iron deficiency. Perhaps, the diet might be deficient in iron and other nutrients. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Yash
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Hank Kuhn wrote 08/25/2003 07:28 AM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32269 - 08/25/2003 07:28 AM
Hank Kuhn Webboard User Reg: 10-23-2001 Posts: 76 Loc: Offline	I have 7 dogs and they all go to a particular spot in the yard to eat dirt. I doubt it’s diet or some kind of deficiency related. I also doubt they’ve all become compulsive. I’m betting it’s about whatever’s in the earth in that particular spot. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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steve fisher wrote 08/25/2003 09:02 AM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32270 - 08/25/2003 09:02 AM
steve fisher Webboard User Reg: 08-01-2003 Posts: 10 Loc: Offline	this dirt and grass munching may be in search for a enzyme. after 34 years in the horse and dog business i have never seen a supplement render more of a positive effect on a dog than the enzyme blend from noahs ark. i once witnessed it save a gsd life with a terrible slimy bloody stool issue . it is pricey , but in one night this gsd could digest his food after eating this enzyme blend. if i were competing and wanted to gain a edge on my competition this would be part of the dogs diet . good luck stephen g fisher
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Russell Verdin wrote 09/08/2003 10:09 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32271 - 09/08/2003 10:09 PM
Russell Verdin Webboard User Reg: 05-18-2003 Posts: 10 Loc: Cut Off, Louisiana Offline	I have 4 Rotts they also eat dirt & grass. The grass eating is for heartbrun, beacuse you will see them through it back up after awhile. As for dirt, who knows I think it's a dog thing. Now as for that enzyme blend, from Noahs Ark. Where can I find this Noahs Ark. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Money may buy me a fine dog, but only love can make it wag it's tail. Vom Campbell's Rottweilers
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Julia Smith wrote 11/05/2003 03:24 PM Re: Dirt eating [Re: Rain ] #32272 - 11/05/2003 03:24 PM
Julia Smith Webboard User Reg: 10-17-2003 Posts: 133 Loc: Offline	My siberian also eats dirt from one spot mostly. I read that siberians like to eat dirt because it aids in digestion. Same reason Dear eat Lichen. He seems fine and I just let him eat from that one spot only. It also is a wet spot where a sprinkler drips.
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