Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/29/2009

Question
my 11 year old schnauzer(spayed female) roots around and eats mulch.  I planted some plants and had dropped some pieces of clay dirt and she eats that.  Her diet is the same and I had her annual check up(CBC,chem,urine)in March 2009.(ok) Last fecal Nov 2008 (neg) but she is on Heartguard plus. Stools appear normal and she is normal other than eating mulch and dirt.  She doesn't eat gobs of it, she justs walks along and munches on the mulch.  I have opened her mouth and she has it inside. She has had pancreatitis twice in the past 4 years so I worry when she eats stuff.  Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Answer
Susan -

There are many reasons why animals eat things they should not eat.  Perhaps she likes the way the mulch smells or perhaps she likes the crunch of the mulch in her mouth.

On the other hand, there is the possibility that she could crave dirt and mulch because they have nutrients that your dog is not getting. Make sure she is getting a well balanced diet with both canned and dry food.   A high quality, premium diet will keep her healthy and can prevent may diseases and trips to the veterinarian.

You should discourage her from eating the mulch because she may end up with a perforated stomach if the mulch is wood.  Small pieces of wood can penetrate the stomach and cause many problems.  Speak with your veterinarian regarding her eating habits and ask how to prevent her from eating mulch and dirt.  

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM