Many dogs will dig up the backyard and ruin grass, plants, or fences. Specific dog breeds are more prone to digging than others such as Dachshund, Bedlington Terrier, Beagle, and Siberian Husky. They may do this for a number of reasons whether it’s their high energy, to cool off, the smell of buried food or rodents, or their instincts telling them to work.
OTHER CAUSES
LACK OF SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS
Sometimes if a dog is lacking certain nutrients, they will eat the soil in hopes to find the vitamins they are lacking. A less serious cause of eating soil is because their sense of smell is extremely sharp and they may smell leftover food in the soil.
ANXIETY
If there is a thunderstorm or loud sounds that your dog is afraid of, it may be digging as a way to escape due to their anxiety.
WHAT TO DO
EXERCISE
Your pup may be bored. Take your dog for a long walk or to the dog park to help it release any pent-up energy. You can play with your dog in the backyard with a toy as well. Keeping your pet active will not allow it to have idle time to start digging.
PROVIDE A COOL TEMPERATURE
Some breeds dig into the earth because the temperature is too hot. To make sure your pup is not overheating, place an accessible water bowl in the yard so it can hydrate with cool water. Other options can be to buy a small pool for your dog to swim in or to bring your dog inside to cool off for a while.
CREATE A DIGGING ZONE
If you don’t mind your pup digging in a designated area of the yard, you can create a digging zone just for them.
It’s important not to punish your dog for doing this because it is natural to them. By hindering their natural instinct, it can lead to a decrease in their overall well-being.
Thanks, Cheryl Salazar for virtualblognews.com