Strange Things Dogs Eat and Why They Do It
- Equipo NUPEC®
Has your dog started eating strange things like the wall, dirt, grass or poop? If so, and you are worried about why, we explain the likely causes that may lead your dog to eat things that are not part of its diet. Keep reading this NUPEC Blog article to learn more.
Strange things dogs eat and why they do it
My dog eats poop—why?
This canine behavior is called coprophagia. Although it is unpleasant, unhygienic and can cause many health problems for the pet that does it, coprophagia is quite common in dogs.
Possible causes experts attribute to this behavior include: attention-seeking, dominance, maternal behavior, taste/habit, digestive problems, boredom, stress/anxiety, instinct, malnutrition and even some diseases.
My dog eats grass—why?
Another thing dogs frequently eat on walks is grass. While some people have their own explanation for this behavior, the causes may vary; moreover, when a dog eats grass, it ingests microorganisms from the environment that can cause infectious diseases.
Possible causes experts attribute to this behavior include: instinct, taste/habit, a lack of nutrients and/or soothing an upset stomach.
My dog eats the wall—why?
Speaking of strange things a dog may eat, we can also mention walls, especially brick or plaster-coated walls; these materials can lead a dog to compulsively lick or chew the wall. This behavior also calls for caution, since some types of wall paint may contain lead, which is toxic to dogs and can cause neurological signs such as seizures.
Possible causes experts attribute to this behavior include: instinct, hunger/taste/habit, behavioral problems, a lack of nutrients, nutritional imbalance and diseases.
My dog eats dirt—why?
Another eating habit that may seem strange in dogs, but is also common, is eating dirt.
Possible causes experts attribute to this behavior include: hunger/taste/habit, stress/anxiety, attention-seeking, boredom, a lack of nutrients, nutritional imbalance and diseases.
NUPEC® tip: remember, to protect your dog's health, you should prevent it from eating anything that is not part of its diet. If it does and shows any abnormal signs, take it to the veterinarian immediately for urgent care and proper treatment.
These are the most common or likely explanations experts give for these eating behaviors in dogs, although there is no clear-cut answer for them. So, to find out what is causing this kind of behavior, the best thing you can do is take your pet to the veterinarian: through a physical exam, a review of symptoms and even lab tests, the veterinarian can determine whether there is a behavioral, physiological, metabolic or neurological cause, or even a health problem or nutrient deficiency, that is leading your dog to eat things it should not.
Finally, if your dog has a nutrient deficiency or a nutritional imbalance, NUPEC offers a range of products for your dog's conscious scientific nutrition, with foods that provide all the nutrients it needs to enhance its health, beauty and vitality.
If you need more information about what a dog's diet should look like, or still have questions about nutritional problems that may cause your dog to eat strange things, we insist: the best thing to do is talk to your trusted veterinarian.
At NUPEC® , we are committed to enhancing the health, beauty and life of pets through responsible scientific nutrition, bringing fulfillment to their owners.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog eat poop?
It is called coprophagia and may be due to attention-seeking, boredom, stress, digestive problems, malnutrition, instinct or an underlying disease.
Why does my dog eat grass?
It may be due to instinct, taste or habit, a lack of nutrients or to soothe an upset stomach. In doing so, it can ingest microorganisms that make it sick.
Is it dangerous for my dog to chew on the wall?
Yes. Some paints contain lead, which is toxic to dogs and can cause neurological signs such as seizures.
