Is there a reason why dogs at Glen Ellen dog park are eating mud?

"Dogs have a few reasons for turning into mud puppies. First, it's not unusual for dogs to eat mud, dirt, sticks, rock and your brand new pair of sneakers. Experts even have a name for it, geophagia. The most common cause of dogs eating mud and other non-food items is nutritional. The dogs aren't getting enough essential minerals including iron, calcium, and sodium from their regular diets. Their bodies crave it and with their sensitive noses, they detect it in soil."

"Mud consumption also can be a sign of a medical issue, such as anemia or trying to calm an upset stomach. Dogs also are known to eat mud when they are bored or anxious. They may also just be curious what it tastes like, especially if it has a lot of organic materials. Puppies are more likely to do this than older dogs."

Dogs eat mud for several reasons. Geophagia describes eating soil and non-food items like mud, dirt, sticks, and rocks. Nutritional deficiencies, notably iron, calcium, and sodium, can drive dogs to seek minerals in soil, and keen olfaction helps them detect these. Mud may also appeal because of texture or moisture. Mud-eating can signal medical problems such as anemia or an attempt to soothe an upset stomach. Behavioral causes include boredom, anxiety, curiosity, and learned habits, with puppies more prone than older dogs. Multiple dogs in a group may eat mud for different reasons.

Read at www.mercurynews.com