If your dog is eating dirt, the first thing to understand is that this might not be simple misbehavior. Dogs who eat dirt or other foreign substances can be suffering from any of several possible problems, and you should talk with your veterinarian immediately.
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Seek a Veterinarian's Opinion
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Your dog might be eating dirt because he is suffering from a disease or a parasite. Have him diagnosed by a veterinarian, who might perform tests or check your dog's stool sample. The problem also might be related to your dog's activity or diet. Discuss his daily routine, including exercise and diet, so that your vet can consider all possibilities and base his recommendation on all available information.
Supervise Your Dog
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It may take a while to determine whether your dog's trouble is diet, activity or disease-related. In the meantime, supervise your pup at all times and keep her on a leash when you are outside. Keep her inside when you are not home and make sure to move house plants out of her reach.
Change Behavior
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If your dog is not suffering from a disease or parasite, but continues eating dirt, the problem is probably behavioral. It may be caused by boredom or obsessive compulsive disorder. Ask your vet about the possibility of such a disorder, but also work to prevent boredom in your dog by taking him on lots of walks and providing stimulating chew toys. Reward good behavior and discourage misbehavior.
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