Have you ever seen your dog eat sand?
This can be a dangerous thing, as dogs’ stomachs are not designed to digest sand. If they ingest too much of it, the sharp edges can scratch and irritate their intestines which will cause them pain and nausea.
So what should you do if your dog ate some sand? Read on for more information!
- Why Do Dogs Eat Sand?
- Can Eating Sand Be Dangerous For Dogs?
- How Does This Happen?
- What Happens When Your Dog Eats Sand?
- My Dog Ate Sand And Is Shaking
- My Dog Ate Sand And Is Pooping Sand
- My Dog Ate Sand And Is Vomiting
- How Common Is Sand Impaction In Dogs?
- How To Treat Sand Impaction In Dogs At Home?
- How Do Doctors Treat Sand Impaction?
- How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Sand?
- Conclusion
Why Do Dogs Eat Sand?
There are a few probable reasons why dogs eat sand.
The first is that the dog may be feeling anxious or bored, and eating sand helps them release some of their pent-up energy.
Another reason could be that your dog eats soil because they think it’s food – if you are giving him/her human food, for example, table scraps then this can confuse the pup into thinking he might get more to eat by digging up dirt from around the house!
Can Eating Sand Be Dangerous For Dogs?
Yes, it can be. Sand is not digestible in the same way that food is and when your dog eats too much of it their intestines may become irritated by sharp edges scratching against them.
If this happens they might feel pain or nausea – we don’t want either!
How Does This Happen?
Dogs typically eat most things they find on walks outdoors but sometimes a small piece will slip past them, landing unnoticed at the bottom of the pile to present later as an easy snack once you’re back home.
It’s important to stay with your pet if you suspect he has eaten something unusual so that he doesn’t run off before vomiting up his meal (if necessary).
You should keep an eye on your dog and if he shows any signs of distress like vomiting or diarrhea, you should take him to a vet right away.
What Happens When Your Dog Eats Sand?
When dogs ingest large amounts of sand, it can lead to an uncomfortable condition called ‘sand impaction’.
When these sharp edges scratch at their intestines, there is a possibility of excessive bleeding as well as pain and nausea.
Dogs with chronic stomach pain will also have episodes of vomiting.
My Dog Ate Sand And Is Shaking
Your pet probably ate some sand and now might be feeling uncomfortable with all those tiny pieces scraping his intestines – not fun for anyone involved!
Dogs often shake after eating something bad because then they’re trying to move whatever is irritating them.
If your dog is shaking more than usual though, he might be feeling anxious or scared which could be a sign of something else going on that you should investigate with your veterinarian.
My Dog Ate Sand And Is Pooping Sand
This can happen because some sand will not make it to the stomach and instead ends up in their intestines where we don’t want those sharp edges causing damage!
The poop from an impacted animal will resemble small pebbles rather than regular solid waste so keep an eye out for this if you suspect your pet has eaten sand.
Run him over to the vet as soon as possible for treatment – they’ll need X-rays too (in case anything like an object was swallowed) before concluding what’s going on.
My Dog Ate Sand And Is Vomiting
If your pup has eaten a large amount of sand, he might vomit or show signs of pain before diarrhea.
If this happens you should take him to the vet immediately because it could be that he needs surgery for an obstruction in his intestines – so get going!
How Common Is Sand Impaction In Dogs?
Impaction usually affects small to medium-sized breeds like terriers, Shepherds, and Rottweilers but it can happen to any dog.
It’s important that you keep an eye out for this possibility when taking your pet outside or leaving him unattended as the most susceptible pets will eat just about anything they find!
How To Treat Sand Impaction In Dogs At Home?
Sand impaction can be treated at home with medication and a laxative to help move the sand through your pet’s intestines.
You should ask your veterinarian about what kind of treatment will work best for you – they might recommend something different from the below suggestions, depending on how large the sandpile is or other factors like if there are any signs of excessive bleeding.
- A dose of mineral oil may also be necessary to lubricate impacted food particles in order to relieve some discomfort while getting them moving along their path again.
- Giving your dog a few tablespoons (or more) of canned pumpkin mixed into his dinner every day can help loosen up those sharp edges so that he feels relief sooner than later! The fiber found in pumpkin acts as a natural laxative to help his intestines move things along.
- If your pet is feeling bad, you can make a homemade dog bone broth by boiling chicken or beef bones in water; the gelatin and minerals found in this liquid will provide relief for their stomach irritation. You should add some fresh garlic too! This concoction has been used since ancient times as an effective treatment against intestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea.
How Do Doctors Treat Sand Impaction?
You should bring your dog over for a visit to the vet so that they can take X-rays (or perform other diagnostic tests) to determine if there are any potential blockages present.
The veterinarian may give them intestinal medicine which might make their symptoms go away – but some cases require surgery to remove the debris.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Sand?
The best thing you can do is keep an eye on them when outside or if they are left unattended so that he doesn’t make a snack of any strange items.
There are also some chew toys and treats out there with artificial sand inside which will help satisfy their cravings without risking anything more serious!
These come in various shapes and sizes for large dogs as well, making it easier than ever to find what’s right for him.
You should still monitor their playtime while they’re using one of these products just in case – but at least now you know why those bright colors exist!
Conclusion
Remember that your pet might eat too much sand if they are left outside or unattended so make sure you keep an eye on them when they are playing!
This is important for any size of a dog, but especially the smaller breeds that often swallow more sand than their stomachs can handle.
If your pet has eaten too much and shows signs of discomfort like vomiting or diarrhea then take him to a vet right away – sometimes this requires surgery depending on what’s been ingested.
You should also try to find chew toys or treats with artificial sand inside if you think he will continue eating his favorite snack even though it’s not great for him (just don’t forget to monitor while he plays!)
