why does my dog eat coal and is it bad for him?

[bendigedig]

now that winter's here and ive started the fire again ive noticed my dog munching on bits of coal - does this mean he's lacking something in his diet? how can i stop him? my aunt had a craving for coal when she was pregnant and she says it didnt harm her!!

[hammerman]

Can't give you an answer but my springer happily lapped up some artex i had spilt on the polythene yesterday when my back was turned for a second.....stooopid beasts !!!

[spangle111]

coal shouldn't hurt your dog its supposed to be good for their digestion although smokeless coal ma\y have been treated with something so be careful with that

[lankeela]

It is charcoal that is good for digestion and that is made from burnt wood or other organic matter - although there have been several discussions on my dog groups about dogs eating coal. General opinion is that they eat it to self medicate, after a tummy upset i.e. like eating grass, but some just do it for fun, although some have broken teeth on it.

I would think the odd bit would not be harmful, but I would not encourage them to do it regularly.