Dogs eating their own poop and the feces of other animals, a habit otherwise known as ‘coprophagy’ or ‘coprophagia,’ can sometimes be normal. However, owners must be able to tell the difference between a normal phase of poop eating and a habit that has developed due to behavioral or medical problems. Read on to find out why your dog eats poop, if you need to seek professional help and how to approach the issue if it becomes one.
Why do dogs eat their own poop and other animals’ feces?
There are a variety of reasons why your dog may be eating their own poop and poop from other dogs and animals like cats. In the puppy stage, when dogs don’t have enough bacteria in their stomachs, consuming feces is a common way to build it up. And as long as it doesn’t carry over into adulthood, there’s nothing to worry about.
However, regular poop eaters, especially if they are adult dogs, can give you signs that something is not right. Whether the cause is behavioral or medical can be easily determined by a veterinarian.
Behavioral causes
There are several external factors that can cause a dog to behave like poop eating. Female dogs, for example, naturally eat their offspring’s feces to keep their nursing area clean. Puppies can pick up this behavior from mother dogs, mistaking poop for actual food and not learn it by the time they reach adulthood.
Another factor to consider is the dog’s house training. If it involved punishments like being locked in a kennel, they probably had anxiety around their own feces. Your dog may also be seeking attention through a behavior that will elicit a reaction from you.
Medical causes
While it may seem like a purely behavioral issue, eating their own poop can also be a sign of something wrong with your dog’s health. Some medical issues that may cause your dog to eat dog poop, cat poop or poop from other animals include:
- Nutritional deficiencies (caused by nutritional malabsorption, intestinal parasites, unbalanced diet, etc.)
- Conditions that cause changes in appetite (eg Cushing’s disease, thyroid issues, etc.)
- Reactions to prescription drugs
- Food intolerances or allergies
How to stop a dog from eating poop
Getting rid of poop eating habits in dogs will first require dog owners to narrow down why the behavior is occurring. If it is due to medical conditions or other health issues, a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) will help owners determine the cause and what may be the best course of treatment.
If the reason is purely behavioral, training the dog with lots of positive reinforcement may be the best route to take. Although some owners may be tempted to use deterrent products, it’s always a good idea to check with a veterinarian before doing so.
What’s the best way to stop dogs from eating poop?
There are several products that owners use to make poop less attractive to their dogs. These include treats, powders and sprays often cataloged as poop-eating or stool-eating deterrents. Before implementing this measure, ask a veterinarian if this is a good option for your dog.
What supplement can I give my dog to stop eating poop?
Studies suggest that some dogs eat poop because they are deficient in vitamin B. However, you should always consult a licensed veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet because they may not have deficiencies in nutrition. The same applies to the use of home remedies. Depending on the cause, your dog may need to switch to high-quality dog food or a more balanced diet, digestive enzyme supplements, dog training, etc.
How do you clean a dog’s mouth after eating poop?
While you can wait for your dog’s saliva to do the job once they eat and drink water, you can always brush their teeth as you normally would.
Summary of Money’s Guide to Why Dogs Eat
- Your dog’s habit of eating poop, while completely normal under certain circumstances, can also indicate something is wrong.
- The reasons why your dog may be eating poop can be behavioral or medical and range from a faulty association between food and poop to illnesses that affect their appetite.
- Successfully correcting the behavior will require you to determine why it is happening, which is best done by a licensed veterinarian.
- Before giving your dog any supplements or poop deterrents, consult a vet to make sure it’s safe and will really help them.
