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Dog of the Day: Meet Coton!

Meme of the day:

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

While not the most appetizing habit, dirt-eating (geophagia) in dogs is relatively common and can have various underlying causes.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Dogs may eat dirt to compensate for lacking minerals or vitamins in their diet, such as iron or zinc. [1] If your dog's food isn't providing complete nutrition, they might instinctively seek these nutrients elsewhere.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Similar to grass-eating, consuming dirt may be a way for dogs to soothe an upset stomach or try to induce vomiting to expel something that's causing discomfort. [2]

Behavioral Factors: Boredom, anxiety, or attention-seeking behaviors can also manifest as dirt-eating. Puppies, in particular, often explore the world through their mouths. [3]

Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, persistent dirt-eating can indicate a more serious medical condition like anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, or even cognitive decline. [4]

Pica: If your dog is excessively eating dirt and other non-food items, it could be a sign of pica, which may be linked to medical or behavioral issues.

If you're concerned about your dog's dirt-eating, consult your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying health problems and advise on dietary adjustments or behavioral interventions.

References:

[1] Houpt, K. A. (2018). Domestic animal behavior for veterinarians and animal scientists. John Wiley & Sons. [2] Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior problems of the dog and cat. Elsevier Health Sciences. [3] Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. [4] Crowell-Davis, S. L., & Murray, T. (2006). Veterinary psychopharmacology. Blackwell Publishing.

Family photo of the day: Fozzie Bear and Stevie!  

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Dog of the day: IG coton_anngko

Meme of the day: IG whenashmetbowser