dog eating dirt

[imported_Melissa Philipp]

Hi Sam, I have a question for you. My dog seems to be eating dirt lately and I cannot figure out why she does this. Is she lacking certain nutrients? By the way my name is Melissa and I have the cocker spaniel who had the ringworm along with the hypothyroid condition and you helped me alot at the doggiedoor website. I am currently detoxing her and have really not noticed any negative side effects. She has developed 2 sores on the outside and the corner inside of her left eye. They seem to crust over and are raised. Is this a reaction to the detox?

[Sherri]

That is a good question.. My Beagle/Rat Terrier mix has started eating dirt as well.. This really makes his breath stink.. I have been giving him "greenies" to help with the smell, but is there anything we can do to stop the dirt eating?

[Justine Archuleta]

I would take your dog to vet just in case.

[Hee Yung Lee]

Maybe she's actually eating little rabbit poopies. I have heard this is normal-of course you don't want to encourage it, but many dogs will eat other animal's poop.

[imported_Melissa Philipp]

No she isn't eating rabbit poop. She is eating from a potted plant that is in our screened pool enclosure, so I know it can't be that.

[Sam Aiden]

If an animal eats soil it is usually missing something in the diet and replacing it as it would naturally so unless the dog is going overboard I would not get too worried but certainly go through the diet with the diet forum see if they can offer some advice on the food you are using.
As for the Detox, I do not think that the detox would cause that type of reaction, it's not one I've come across with using it so if it doesn't improve or they've been there a while, I would just check it out with the vet, unless of course, it's connected to the nutritional issues in the diet.
Nice to see you hear also!