Sometimes, dogs eat poop. This behavior can seem gross to humans, but it’s actually pretty common. Veterinarians even have a name for it – coprophagia.
This post will look at what coprophagia is, common reasons why your dog may be eating poop, prevention and management strategies, and when to talk to your veterinarian.
Table of Contents:
| What Is Coprophagia In Dogs? |
| What Are Common Reasons Dogs Eat Poop? |
| Prevention And Management Strategies |
| When Should I Talk To My Veterinarian If My Dog Eats Poop? |
| Dog Eating Feces Deterrents |
Related: Using A Dog Fiber Supplement For Improved Digestion
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is Coprophagia In Dogs?
Coprophagia is the term for eating feces. In dogs, it can involve eating their own poop or that of other animals. This habit is more common in puppies but can happen at any age.
Some dogs eat poop out of curiosity or boredom. Others may do it due to stress or anxiety. In some cases, it could signal a health issue or nutrient deficiency.
Watch for signs like:
- Eating poop right after defecation.
- Seeking out feces from other animals.
- Increased interest in the litter box (for homes with cats).
If you notice this behavior often, talk to your veterinarian. They can help rule out medical causes and suggest ways to stop it.
Historical Context And Evolutionary Perspectives
In the wild, eating poop served a purpose for dogs’ ancestors. Mother wolves often ate their pups’ feces to keep the den clean and hide their scent from predators.
Some experts think modern dogs might eat poop to:
- Clean their living area.
- Get nutrients they’re missing in their diet.
- Copy behavior they saw as puppies.
Your dog’s poop-eating habit might be linked to their wild past. But it’s not healthy or necessary for dogs today.
You can help break this habit by:
- Keeping your yard clean.
- Providing plenty of toys and exercise.
- Feeding a balanced diet.
With patience and the right approach, you can guide your dog away from this behavior.
What Are Common Reasons Dogs Eat Poop?
Dogs may eat poop for various reasons. This behavior can stem from diet issues, learned habits, or health problems.
Dietary Deficiencies
Some dogs eat poop due to a lack of nutrients in their diet. If your dog’s food doesn’t have enough vitamins or minerals, they might try to get them from feces.
Enzyme deficiency can also lead to this behavior. Dogs need enzymes to break down food. Without enough enzymes, they may eat poop to get more.
Hunger can be another cause. If your dog isn’t getting enough food, they might turn to eating poop to feel full.
Behavioral Factors
Boredom is a common reason for poop-eating. Dogs with little to do may eat poop out of curiosity or to pass the time.
Some dogs learn this habit from watching other dogs. Puppies often copy their mothers or other adult dogs.
Stress and anxiety can trigger this behavior too. Dogs might eat poop to cope with changes in their home or routine.
Attention-seeking is another factor. If you react strongly when your dog eats poop, they might keep doing it to get your attention.
Health-Related Issues
Certain health issues can make dogs eat poop. Parasites in the gut can lead to this behavior as the dog tries to get more nutrients.
Thyroid problems or diabetes can increase hunger, causing dogs to eat anything, including poop.
Some medications may change how food tastes, making poop seem appealing to dogs.
Malabsorption disorders can prevent dogs from getting enough nutrients from their food, leading them to eat feces.
Prevention And Management Strategies
Stopping your dog from eating poop requires a mix of diet changes, training, and keeping them busy. These tips can help break this habit and improve your dog’s health.
Dietary Adjustments
Adding certain foods to your dog’s diet may help reduce poop eating. Try mixing in some pineapple, pumpkin, or cooked spinach. These foods can make poop taste bad to your dog.
Make sure your dog gets enough vitamins and nutrients. A balanced diet helps prevent nutritional deficiencies that might cause poop eating.
Talk to your veterinarian about enzyme supplements. These can help your dog digest food better, making poop less appealing.
Training And Behavior Modification
Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to “leave it” when they approach poop. Reward them with treats and praise when they listen.
Keep your dog on a leash during walks. This lets you guide them away from poop and stop them from eating it.
Clean up poop in your yard right away. The less poop around, the fewer chances your dog has to eat it.
Don’t scold your dog for eating poop. This can make them anxious and more likely to do it again.
Environmental Enrichment
Give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime. A tired dog is less likely to eat poop out of boredom.
Provide puzzle toys and chews to keep your dog busy. Mental stimulation can help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors.
Spend quality time with your dog each day. Extra attention can help if your dog eats poop to get you to notice them.
When Should I Talk To My Veterinarian If My Dog Eats Poop?
Poop eating can sometimes point to health issues in dogs. Knowing when to seek help is important for your pup’s well-being.
Signs Of Underlying Health Concerns
Watch for these red flags:
- Sudden change in appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Bloated stomach.
If you spot these signs, call your veterinarian right away. They could mean serious problems like parasites or digestive issues.
Your dog’s age matters too. Poop eating in adult dogs is more worrying than in puppies. Keep an eye on how often it happens. A one-time thing is less concerning than a daily habit.
Professional Diagnosis And Treatment
A veterinary visit is important for finding the root cause. Your veterinarian may:
- Do a physical exam.
- Run blood tests.
- Check for parasites.
- Look at your dog’s diet.
Based on results, they might suggest:
- Changing your dog’s food.
- Adding supplements.
- Deworming treatment.
- Behavior modification techniques.
Follow your veterinarian’s advice closely. They may also rule out issues like diabetes or Cushing’s Disease. With the right care, most dogs can overcome this habit.
Dog Eating Feces Deterrents
Another option you can try is to give your dog a supplement to discourage poop eating behavior. These work by changing the taste of dog poop to one your dog will not like. Give this to your dog if they eat their own poop. If they eat the poop of another dog in your household but not their own, then you need to give it to the dog whose poop your dog eats.
These types of supplements can take 2-4 weeks to have any effect, and results are mixed as to whether these supplements work (some of these types of deterrents may make your dog like the taste of poop more, but they may be worth a try). Talk to your veterinarian first to see what they think.
Here are a few options available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Zesty Paws Chew No Poo Bites
- Available in Bison and Chicken flavors.
- Offers immune system support.
- Supports periodontal health.
- Contains “Capsimax”, to help give stool an unpleasant taste.
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
StrellaLab No Poo Chews
- Available in chicken flavor.
- Also supports gut health.
- Contains yucca, parsley, and an enzyme blend.
- Helps fight bad breath.
- Made in the USA.
NaturVet Stool Eating Deterrent
- Bacon flavor.
- Contains yucca, chamomile, and an enzyme blend.
- Helps freshen breath.
- NASC certified.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Solid Gold Stop Eating Poop
- Helps freshen breath.
- Contains peppermint and parsley oil, yucca and digestive enzymes.
- Makes stool taste bitter.
- Grain free.
- Made in the USA.
Why do dogs eat poop is a question probably everyone has had at some time in their lives. Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons including genetics, boredom, and attention seeking behavior. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s behavior, especially if it is a new behavior your dog is exhibiting.
For more information about coprophagia in dogs, please see PetMD, and the American Kennel Club.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.