Senior Dog Eating Dirt: Why Older Dogs Do It and When to See a Vet
A new dirt-eating habit in an older dog can point to anemia, a diet gap, gut trouble or stress. What to watch for, when to call the vet, and how to stop it.
Your older dog, who ignored the garden for years, is suddenly licking soil out of the flower bed. Eating dirt is a form of pica, and a new case in a senior dog is worth a vet visit. VCA lists anemia, an unbalanced diet, gut conditions, diabetes and Cushing's disease among the medical causes, along with anxiety and frustration. In an AKC article, veterinarian Laurie Coger says any new, unnatural behavior like dirt eating "should be acted upon quickly."
Quick pick: Fence off the spot with a MidWest 36-inch exercise pen (#ad) and give your dog a snuffle mat (#ad) to forage in.
Call now if the dirt had fertilizer or weed killer
If your dog ate soil from a treated lawn or garden bed, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 now. Fertilizers can contain herbicides and pesticides. Pet Poison Helpline lists drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, an abnormal posture from belly pain, trouble breathing and "muddy" colored gums as signs to watch for.
What the dirt eating might point to
| What you also see | What it may point to | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Pale gums or weakness | Anemia, one cause on VCA's list | Vet visit soon |
| Drinking more water too | Diabetes and Cushing's are on VCA's list | Vet visit, mention the thirst |
| Vomiting or eating less | Possible blockage (VCA) | Call your vet today |
| Large amounts, eaten frantically | AKC's Dr. Coger says see the vet | Vet visit |
| No other signs, often bored or alone | Behavior (VCA, AKC) | Rule out illness, then the steps below |
VCA also notes that corticosteroids and phenobarbital can cause an excessive appetite. If your dog started a new medicine, tell your vet.
Why it's risky
The AKC says eating a lot of dirt at once can cause an impaction that often means surgery. Soil can also carry pesticides, fertilizer, parasites, and rocks or sticks that hurt teeth and the gut. VCA says the most common problem from pica is a blockage in the stomach or intestines.
How to stop it, once your vet rules out illness
- Block the spot. Fence off the bed or keep your dog leashed in the yard. Both VCA and the AKC suggest limiting access.
- Use feeding toys instead of a bowl, which VCA says lets your dog forage the normal way.
- Teach "drop it" and "leave it" with rewards. VCA warns that punishment can raise anxiety and make pica worse.
- Add walks and sniffing time. The AKC links dirt eating to boredom.
- Don't change food on your own. VCA says your vet may suggest a different diet, such as one higher in fiber.
Best for fencing off the spot and redirecting the urge (#ad)
- Best for fencing off the dirt: MidWest 36-Inch Exercise Pen with Door (#ad). Eight panels make a 16 sq ft space, plus four ground anchors for outdoor use, per the maker.
- Best for mealtime foraging: HOPET Snuffle Mat, 28.3 x 28.3 in (#ad). Hide kibble in the fabric strips. It has a non-slip bottom and can be hand- or machine-washed, per the maker.
Not a good fit: a dog who chews and swallows fabric.
Checklist
- Checked whether the soil was treated with fertilizer or weed killer
- Looked at gum color and noted any vomiting or stool changes
- Noted water intake and any new medicine
- Booked a vet visit for a new dirt-eating habit
- Blocked the favorite digging spot
- Added a feeding toy and more sniffing walks
FAQ
Is it normal for an old dog to start eating dirt?
It's not something to ignore. VCA links pica to several medical conditions, and an AKC-quoted vet says to act quickly.
Why is my senior dog eating dirt and drinking lots of water?
Both changes are worth a vet visit. VCA lists diabetes and Cushing's disease among the medical causes of pica, so tell your vet about the extra drinking too.
Can eating dirt make a dog sick?
Yes. The AKC lists impaction, toxins such as pesticides and fertilizer, parasites, and damage from rocks or sticks.
Sources
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