Dirt-eating dog likely not getting proper nutrition

that the vet tech with whom you spoke seemed clueless about this common condition in animals — dogs in particular.

Geophagia (eating dirt) is a normal behavior insofar as animals, including humans, will develop this form of pica when they are anemic or have some digestive problem or other internal issue that may be relieved by consuming some dirt. Some animals will carefully select the kind of dirt, possibly to get an infusion of soil bacteria that can help with digestion or of various minerals that will correct some deficiency or imbalance.

I doubt your dog is being properly nourished, so I would give her digestive enzymes, which a teaspoon of shredded unsweetened pineapple in her food would provide. Also, try a couple of good-quality probiotic capsules; a tablespoon of live, plain organic yogurt or kefir; and a crushed pediatric multivitamin and multimineral tablet. I would also urge you to transition your dog to my home-prepared diet, as posted on my website, DrFoxVet.net, reducing the grain amount by 50 percent.

Most important with the kind of dog you have is good dental care. Chronic oral disease can lead to a variety of health complications if it’s not addressed.

Q: I have visited your website, and with your academic background, you are surely qualified to speak about environmental and conservation issues. But is this right for your column, which I thought was an advice column for pet owners? — R.E., Silver Spring, Maryland

A: From my perspective, how we treat the natural environment ultimately affects the health and wellbeing of companion animals as well as our own species. Considering environmental issues and conservation of healthy ecosystems and their restoration and protection — long ignored by organized medicine — are now essential aspects of the One Health movement, which is now being embraced by health professionals and long advocated by the veterinary profession.