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

DEAR JOAN: I enjoy reading your column.  I have an odd question.

We frequent a large 1-acre dog park that during the rainy season sometimes has to close for a few days now and then until the rainwater drains. Lately we’ve noticed that when it dries out a bit, dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities seem to like eating the mud, just like it was kibble. This stops when the ground dries out more.

We’ve tried to figure out the attraction of the mud. It’s widespread enough that we don’t think it’s a matter of ingesting leftover pee and poop. We haven’t tested the soil for microbes that might be tasty.

We can’t eliminate the possibility that it’s just a textural thing, because the attraction wanes when the ground dries out. Any thoughts?

— Kevin P., Glen Ellen

DEAR KEVIN: 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. The attraction to mud might be because of texture or moisture content, but when they seek these minerals in soil, it doesn’t matter if it’s wet or dry.

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. And lastly, it could just be a developed habit.

As you are seeing a lot of dogs doing this, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact cause. It’s doubtful that all of these dogs are acting for the same reason, so my best guess is that one dog is sampling the mud and the others are copy cats.

A dog eating a little bit of mud isn’t a horrible thing, but it should be discouraged. The soil may contain pathogens, pesticides and other unhealthful things. It also can lead to digestive problems including impactions that might require surgery.

If your dog is chowing down on mud, distract him using treats or engaging in some play. Don’t let mud eating become habitual.

DEAR JOAN: A lizard appeared on a nice warm, sunny spot, but it appears darker than you would expect. Is this winter coloring normal for our  lizards, or is it another species? It just seems very dark.

— Joanna and Roy, El Cerrito

DEAR JOANNA and ROY: The photo you sent is of a Western fence lizard, probably the most common in the Bay Area. The darker-than-usual coloring is because of the colder temperatures. Fence lizards are able to darken their coloring to more quickly absorb the warmth of the sun.

The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.