How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop
Clean up poop immediately and teach the “leave it” command. Add pineapple or pumpkin to meals,they make poop less appealing!
What Is Coprophagia?
Ever caught your dog eating poop and thought, “Why would they do that?” This behavior, known as coprophagia, is more common than you’d expect.
It’s a term for dogs eating feces,their own, another dog’s, or even sneaking into the cat litter box.
As strange as it seems, there’s often a reason behind this dog behavior. It could be instinct, curiosity, or even pack habits.
The key is understanding what’s motivating your dog so you can help them stop.The good news? There are effective solutions to help stop this habit and keep your furry friend healthy.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
As gross as it sounds, coprophagia, dogs eating poop, has deep roots in evolution. Ancestral canids were scavengers and relied on feces during starvation or food scarcity to survive. In modern times, it could also be linked to training gaps or instinctual behaviors.
Studies by Dr. Benjamin Hart at University of California Davis and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior suggest it’s an innate predisposition to clean up fresh stools near their den.
Is It Normal for Dogs or Puppies to Eat Poop?
Yes, eating poop can be a natural behavior, especially for puppies. Mother dogs often clean their puppies’ waste during the first three weeks after giving birth.
Puppies may eat poop,called autocoprophagia or allocoprophagia,as they explore. This behavior usually fades by nine months of age.
Click here to read about puppy teething and diarrhea in which we discuss the causes and solutions to it.
However, eating horse manure, goose droppings, or poop from cats can be dangerous. It may contain parasites, viruses, or toxins.
While normal, frequent poop eating could signal health problems or missing key nutrients dogs need to thrive.
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
If your dog is eating poop, it can be concerning. This behavior might point to health problems like parasites, malabsorption syndromes, or diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, and thyroid disease. Dogs may also eat poop due to a lack of nutrients, calories, or as a response to environmental stress and behavioral triggers. Consulting a vet is key to identifying the cause and keeping your adult dog healthy.
Isolation
Dogs left in isolation, such as in kennels, basements, or alone for long periods, are more likely to eat poop. Studies show that dogs who don’t live in close proximity to people may develop this habit more often.
Confinement to Small Spaces
Confinement can also trigger coprophagia. Dogs kept in small spaces, like crowded animal shelters, or confined for long periods may develop a poop-eating problem. This is especially common in rescued dogs.
Anxiety
Sometimes, anxiety can lead to poop eating. Dogs who experience punishment or harsh methods during house training may eat their poop to hide it. This creates a vicious cycle, as the stress to eliminate properly can worsen coprophagia over time
Attention-Seeking
Dogs can eat poop to get an attention-seeking reaction from humans. If you overreact, your dog may repeat the behavior just to get noticed. It’s important to stay calm when correcting this issue.
Inappropriate Association With Real Food
Some dogs may confuse feces with food due to inappropriate associations. If their feeding or watering areas are too close to elimination or potty areas, they may not understand the difference. Keeping these areas separate can help fix this problem.
Smelling Poop on Their Mothers
Puppies often pick up habits like poop eating from smelling fecal odors on their mothers’ breath. Since mother dogs clean their puppies and sometimes regurgitate food, this can trigger appetitive inoculation, making poop seem like food. Over time, sniffing and eating feces can become a bad habit.
Living With a Sick or Elderly Dog
In multi-dog homes, healthy dogs may eat the poop of a sick or elderly dog. Scientists believe this behavior is tied to instinct, where dogs consume feces to protect weaker pack members from predators. Fecal incontinence in older dogs can also lead to this behavior.
Health Risks of Dogs Eating Poop
Intestinal Parasites
Eating contaminated poop can lead to intestinal parasites. These unwelcome guests can mess with your dog’s stomach, energy, and overall health. A quick fecal analysis at the vet can help catch and treat any hidden problems.
Foul Breath and Dental Issues
Let’s be honest,dogs eating poop is gross, but the foul breath that comes after? Even worse. Bacteria from poop can stick around, leading to stinky breath and poor dental care.
Health Risks to Humans
Here’s the kicker: those parasites and bacteria can spread to humans too. If your dog’s been indulging in poop snacks, it’s something to keep in mind,especially with kids or immune-compromised family members around.
Tips to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Poop
- Stopping your dog from eating poop doesn’t have to feel impossible. Start by keeping a close eye on them during walks and always use a leash.
- When they go near poop, use a command like “leave it” or “sit” to distract them. Reward their good choices with some tasty, high-value treats.
- At home, keep the yard clean with regular poop pickup. You can also give them chews or try deterrent products to keep their mind off the mess.
- Sometimes, the issue stems from their gut. Adding probiotics can help build a healthy gut and reduce the urge naturally.
Vitamin Supplements for Dogs Eating Poop
Did you know a Vitamin-B deficiency could be making your dog eat poop?
Studies suggest low fecal microbial activity in their food might be to blame.
Thankfully, a good multivitamin or targeted vitamin supplements can help. Scientists say missing B-vitamins might be the prime suspect, so this fix can make a big difference.
Enzyme Supplements for Dogs Eating Poop
Back in the day, their ancestral diet naturally provided these enzymes. Adding enzyme supplements, like papain, can improve digestion and reduce stool eating.
Many dog parents swear by this solution, and it’s easy to try.
Taste-Aversion Products for Dogs Eating Poop
If poop tastes bad enough, your dog won’t eat it,simple, right? That’s where taste-aversion products come in.
These products, like treats, powders, or bitter sprays, make poop smell and taste totally disgusting. Ingredients like monosodium glutamate, chamomile, pepper-plant derivatives, and yucca are common in these deterrents.
They work well for dogs tempted by cat poop or household messes, making life easier for dog owners.
Managing the Environment for Dogs That Eat Poop
For extra help, try a self-cleaning litter box,it’s a game-changer. A few changes and consistent training will help your dog break the habit for good.
Conclusion
Dogs eating poop may seem gross, but it often comes from natural instincts or health issues. With proper training, a clean environment, and support like deterrents or vet advice, you can help your dog stop. A little patience goes a long way!
FAQs
Does Feeding Pineapple Stop Dogs From Eating Poop?
Not always. The pineapple trick is a common myth, but it doesn’t work for every dog.
Why Do Dogs Eat Rabbit or Cat Poop?
Dogs love the smell of rabbit poop or cat poop because of leftover nutrients.
Is Eating Poop a Sign of a Health Problem?
It can be. Sometimes it signals nutrient deficiencies, parasites, or digestive issues.
Can Poop Eating Be Dangerous?
Yes. Eating poop, especially from other animals, can expose dogs to bacteria or parasites.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Poop?
Use consistent training, clean up quickly, and try deterrents or dietary changes.
