My dog ate dirt and is sad, not eating. Could she have a tummy ache?

She may have an upset stomach, maybe she ate something she shouldn't have, swallowed something that is causing an obstruction, parasites, or an infection of some kind are possibilities. I recommend getting he seen by your vet, especially if she isn't feeling well. Your vet will do an exam, labwork and possibly x-rays. Based on these findings, they will be able to give you a better idea of what is going on and give you treatment options.

Since last night was Halloween, think about if there's anything she could have eaten that she shouldn't have and take her to the vet ASAP if you realize your chocolate stash or your entire pan of bacon wrapped something or anothers from the potluck is missing. If you can't think of anything she ate, it's generally ok to wait 24 hours to see if she get back on her food naturally. Sometimes something goes wrong in the gut and we don't know why but it resolves quickly. If she's not back to normal in 24 hours, or has any vomiting or diarrhea in the mean time, she needs to go to her vet for evaluation and supportive care. I hope she's feeling better soon and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Dogs that suddenly start eating non-food items such as dirt often are found to have a tummy ache or other gastrointestinal problems. I suggest you take Hannah to your vet for an exam. Your vet may want to do some blood work to help with diagnosing the problem.

The local Extension office or greenhouse may be able to identify the root. If Athena is behaving normally otherwise, you can try withholding food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts. Begin with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount. Feed bland fornanfew days, then slowly transition her to the regular diet. You can warm the food or mix in a teaspoon of plain baby food to stimulate the appetite. Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent anorexia or abdominal pain. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Dogs may [eat grass](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-3-reasons-why-dogs-eat-grass) for several reasons. The most common are boredom, nutritional deficiencies or having an upset stomach. Given the symptoms described, your dog may have GI distress. If he is behaving normally otherwise, you may be able to [manage him at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach). Try withholding food for 12-24 hours. Slowly reintroduce small amounts of water and a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. If there is no improvement, have him physically examined by your veterinarian.

It could be that she has eaten something that doesn't agree with her and has a bit of [stomach upset](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach) or there could be a more serious underlying condition. Check the color of her gums. They should be pink. If they are pale or white, you should seek veterinary attention immediately. Pale gums may indicate an internal bleed or [anemia](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-should-know-about-anemia-in-dogs). If she is a large or deep chested breed , monitor for [bloating](https://www.petcoach.co/article/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs) or unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If she is behaving normally otherwise, [monitor her pain at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-measure-your-dogs-pain) and consider a short fast followed by a bland diet (if she will eat) for a few days. See your regular veterinarian when they open or go to the nearest veterinary ER if symptoms worsen overnight.

In looking up this plant, I can't find any information that they are toxic to dogs, but it is possible that eating it upset her stomach. Given that Roxy isn't acting any differently and is eating, I wouldn't be too worried about her just yet. I would be more worried if she having persistent diarrhea, is vomiting frequently, and isn't eating or drinking. You can try offering her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. Should she return to normal (i.e. no vomiting or diarrhea), then she will be just fine. I would have her seen by a vet, however, if she starts vomiting more or having persistent diarrhea, or she stops eating and drinking. I hope this helps!