Muddy Paws and Healthy Hearts: The Connection Between Dirt and Dog Health

My Magic Carpet's Dirty Dog Contest Winner of 2022

I love a sweet, dirty dog. Our family's furry friend, Garvey is a Pitbull/Bullmastif mix of a gentle giant that makes for a protective, loyal companion. I adopted him from the shelter back in 2014 and while he doesn't get into as much trouble now as he did when he was young (besides the occasional digging into our succulent beds) I know what having a messy pup can be like! Understanding your pet is the first step to deciding whether you should embrace the cute quirks that having a dirty dog comes with or acting to stop a bad habit.

Why do dogs like dirt so much?

Your furry friend might enjoy getting 'down and dirty' for a few reasons. For dogs, rolling around in the dirt is an evolutionary strategy to mask their scent when avoiding danger, regulating body temperatures, and/or entertaining themselves. If they are more inclined to roll about right after a bath, it is in part because dogs find new smells frustrating and would rather surround themselves with a more familiar scent such as dirt, grass, or your rug. Your pet might also consume dirt for reasons such as boredom, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions. And if your dog slobbers, you may own a particular breed who's mouth structure is incapable of containing the saliva produced; these are sometimes referred to as drooling breeds. If they do not fit this category, they may slobber out of excitement, especially for food. Each pup is different but hopefully this helps narrow down their behavior and motive.

How to break bad habits

Your pup will get dirty every once and a while but how much is too much and how can we prevent any unnecessary messes? Some dogs will try to eat dirt due to any number of reasons from hunger to a lack of nutrients to a medical condition. If they are rolling around relentlessly, they could be agitated from fleas or dry skin. Meeting their needs should be the first step to stopping any bad habits. If you are ever unsure or find any of these habits to be excessive, check with your vet for what your dog needs.

How to embrace your Dirty Dog!

Don't scold them for following their natural instinct. Instead, recognize their intentions and meet their needs if necessary. If they are rolling about in the dirt for fun, snap a couple of pictures and post them to this year's Dirty Dog contest hosted by My Magic Carpet! If you'd rather they didn't get dirty at all, try curbing their desire by leading them away from the dirt and sticking to a clean sidewalk or laying out an easy-to-clean rug at home. Alternatively, if you find they are just bored, entice them with other activities like fetch with a ball or frisbee! With age, you can expect your pup to mellow out, so don't be so hard on them and enjoy the moment with your furry best friend.

Every pup is special and should be loved no matter what. As long as they are happy, healthy, and cared for, a dirty dog is a joyful reminder of a life well-lived.

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