Can dogs eat boogers? You may have heard of or seen videos of dogs eating their boogers on the internet and wondered whether it was true or not. We all know dogs constantly lick their noses and paws to keep them clean, but does that mean your dog will eat its mucus if given a chance?
Can Dogs Eat Boogers? The Truth Behind Your Dog’s Mucus Cravings
Dogs have an innate ability to find yummy things to eat, and many dogs like to chew on their paws and other parts of their bodies and lick things around them. However, you might be surprised to learn that what you believe may be a harmless habit could put your dog in harm’s way — specifically, if your dog eats boogers! But can dogs eat boogers? Here’s the scoop on this potentially dangerous habit.
What are boogers anyway?
Human boogers aren’t that different from canine boogers. They’re a mix of mucus, skin cells, and other bits of dirt and debris that get lodged in your nostrils. Only humans have a concept of booger, though—dogs don’t have words for things like nose goo. But they eat their snot, just like we do! (Here are more gross things dogs do too!) So can dogs eat boogers? It turns out yes—but maybe not in the way you might expect…
What are boogers made of anyway?
There are all sorts of theories about what exactly boogers are made of. Some believe they’re created by nasal hairs that mingle with mucus, while others say they’re a mixture of earwax and sebum. But it doesn’t really matter — because dogs don’t eat them. Nearly everyone agrees that boogers, or snotsicles as they’re sometimes called, are just normal nose secretions that our bodies produce to protect us from infections and irritants.
What you should do if your dog eats a lot of snot
If your dog eats a lot of mucus, it’s essential to take preventative measures before an upset stomach. You can try natural remedies like adding some salmon oil to your food or purchasing an anti-nauseant spray at your local pet store, but if symptoms worsen or don’t improve, it might be time to consult a vet. It’s also best not to clean up after your dog and let him do his business outside. If you think he has swallowed snot, vomit, or anything else, bring him over to your vet immediately so they can properly diagnose and treat him.
How to stop your dog from eating snot in the first place
While it’s a bit gross to imagine, your dog is actually pretty smart about getting what he wants. First, it’s essential to realize that dogs don’t like to eat their boogers—they do so because they can get away with it! And while you may think that punishing your dog for eating snot is enough of a deterrent, you’ll often find yourself in an ongoing battle with your canine friend. Instead of making him eat boogers out of his food bowl or snatching them off his chin as he licks himself clean after eating them, try distracting him with another treat once he gets into that terrible habit.
Can Dogs Eat Boogers – The Final Verdict
If your dog is asking for boogers, chances are you’re dealing with a child in doggy form. During childhood, most of us go through an experimental phase where we put just about everything into our mouths. If your dog hasn’t grown out of that phase by now, they never will. And there’s nothing wrong with that—my dogs love boogers too! Just remember to wipe their nose clean before giving them any affection; I don’t need kisses from your snotty pooch!
How to Stop a Dog From Eating Boogers
Your dog probably has a thing for boogers. Can dogs eat boogers and get away with it? Pet owners ask a standard question wildly as their beloved pooch is plowing into his nose-picking activity with gusto. Before letting your dog chow down on those snot wads, you should know: Can dogs eat boogers? It’s not as dangerous as it sounds, but several reasons it may not be safe or healthy to let them indulge. Follow these steps if your dog can’t resist picking his nose.
Warning Signs Of An Illness In A Dog
If you notice your dog is sneezing, having trouble breathing, or coughing up yellow-green mucus, they might be sick. If they’re suddenly not eating their average amount of food and are generally lazy and in pain, a trip to the vet may be necessary. But it’s important to know that certain illnesses won’t necessarily result in these symptoms. For example, some dogs don’t show pneumonia when they first get sick. Regular checkups are crucial for our pets: Many illnesses can be treated early on when there’s no other sign than a change in appetite or mood; others require immediate intervention from a veterinarian.
Is it OK for a dog to eat snot?
Yes, it’s OK for a dog to eat snot. Why wouldn’t it be? Feces are natural, as are urine and vomit. All of those things are genuine parts of being a mammal. It’s not like there’s something that makes boogers unnatural—except maybe your reaction when you see them on your countertop or stuck to your shoe sole. But even if they gross you out, they’re not dangerous in any way.