Many dogs eat poop; it is a behavior commonly seen in dogs irrespective of their breed, size, age, and upbringing. No matter whether you adopted or bought your best friend from a breeder, this is a common issue. In fact, such poop-eating behavior is seen in roughly 25% of dogs.
But why do dogs eat poop? More importantly, what can you do about this disgusting behavior? Letās find out the reasons and the fixes for this problem.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (Behavioral and Medical Causes)
Dog poop-eating behavior is known as coprophagia. Coprophagia is a Greek term ā copros, meaning feces, and phagia, meaning to eat. The condition has both medical and behavioral causes. Here are some common answers to the question āWhy do dogs eat poop?ā
According to VCA, when an adult dog suddenly begins eating their poop or another dog's poop, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. It can be nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption of nutrients (maybe because of digestive enzyme deficiency). More medical conditions that trigger coprophagia are:
Cushingās disease
DiabetesĀ
Thyroid diseaseĀ
Intestinal parasites
Health Issues
Nutritional Deficiencies
This is another common reason why dogs eat poop. If your pet is not getting adequate nutrition from their daily diet, they may eat their own or other dogsā poop to overcome those deficiencies. Lack of B vitamins (especially vitamin B1), digestive enzymes, and trace minerals can all cause poop-eating in pets.
High-Fat Diets (The Poop Tastes So Good to Them!)
This is one of the answers to the question, āWhy do dogs eat their own poop?ā Dogs fed high-fat diets are more likely to eat their poop because the undigested fat in their feces tastes so appealing to them that they want to eat it a second time round!
Gastrointestinal Issues
A dog with gastrointestinal issues like malabsorption and enzyme deficiencies may eat poop as their bodies are not absorbing nutrients effectively. This leads them to seek other sources of nutrition, like poop.
Parasites
Intestinal worms or parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, etc., are another common reason behind canine coprophagia. Your dog might be getting a balanced diet at home, but if the worms in their intestine eat away all the nutrition, then your dog is going to be deficient in several nutrients. To overcome this deficit, they may turn to poop eating.
Underlying Health Issues or Diseases
Thyroid-related issues, particularly hypothyroidism, are some medical conditions known to trigger coprophagia in dogs. Others, like diabetes and Cushingās disease, also cause hunger and metabolic changes in the affected dogs, who may then resort to poop eating to fulfill their need.
Behavioral Issues
The Behavior Stems Back From Their Wolf Ancestors
Studies conducted on dogs that eat poop show that this behavior is not dependent on the dogās age or breed. The study also hypothesized that the behavior stemmed from dogsā ancestors, wolves.Ā
Wolves usually defecate away from their dens to prevent intestinal worms from spreading around. Sometimes, if they pooped near the dens, they ate their feces to prevent the eggs from hatching into infectious larvae. In other words, wolves eat feces to keep their dens free from dangerous parasites. An idea is that dogs do the same today to prevent intestinal parasites from spreading.
Puppies Learn This Behavior From the Mother Dog
Puppies or young dogs often learn to eat poop from their mothers. Mother dogs usually lick their puppiesā anal areas to keep them clean. They also eat puppiesā poop to keep the dens clean. A young dog who grows up observing this will remember this behavior and may emulate it in adulthood.Ā
Object-Carrying Habit
Sometimes, coprophagia starts with a ācuteā object-carrying habit. Your dog might simply like picking up and carrying objects around. This behavior often starts in puppyhood, and dog owners encourage it because they find it cute.Ā
They might even reward their pet when they carry stuff around in their mouth. The dog does not understand that carrying poop is off-limits. They may think dried dog poop is a toy and might carry it and bring it into the house. The poop could then melt and resemble food, which they might lap up. This can then become a hard-to-break habit.
Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation
A bored dog is a destructive dog. If a smart dog that is supposed to be well-exercised and well-stimulated does not get their needs fulfilled, they may turn to all kinds of destructive and, at times, disgusting behaviors like poop-eating.
Stress or Anxiety (Seeking Attention From Owners)
According to PetMD, dogs use poop-eating as a displacement behavior. Poop-eating is often more common in stressed and anxious dogs. If you have adopted or rescued a dog from the shelter, their traumatic past may be a trigger for coprophagia.Ā
Similarly, dogs left alone at home all day might not know what to do and may eat poop due to stress and separation anxiety. Sometimes, you might give your pet too much attention when they pick up poop and they may repeat that behavior just to get your attention.
In some cases, harsh training methods or punishment-based training can also cause stress and anxiety in dogs, who may then resort to poop eating for relief. A young dog undergoing potty training may eat their feces if they are scared of being punished for defecating indoors.
Confusion From Eating Near Potty Areas
According to the AKC, dogs that eat near their potty areas often end up showing coprophagia. They may eat poop as they cannot distinguish between food odors and poop odors.Ā
This is also the reason why some dogs eat poop more during snow days. For them, sniffing out something that smells like food under a dusting of snow can be very exciting. Their hunter-gatherer instinct kicks in, causing them to dig up poop from under the snow and eat it or bring it back into the house. Dog owners must be vigilant about picking up poop when the weather turns.Ā
Immediate Steps to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
Control Your Dogās Environment
While you are working on your dogās coprophagia issue, control their environment to limit their opportunities to eat poop. This is the easiest way to prevent coprophagia in dogs.Ā
Supervise your dog when they go out to do their business and immediately pick up and dispose of their poop. To make things easier, install outdoor dog-proof trash bins so you can hygienically and safely clean up after your pet. This will help you keep your yard poop-free.
If you take your dog outside on walks, keep them leashed at all times so you can have more control over them after they do their business. A leash can also help you stop your dog from actively seeking other dogsā feces in the dog park.
If you have trained your dog to go potty in a litter box, invest in self-cleaning litter boxes like this one. These boxes can be controlled via an app and come with a camera so you can monitor your dog at all times. They can help keep your home clean and odor-free while also preventing coprophagia in your dog.
Dogs who eat poop do not necessarily discriminate on the type of poop they eat. What if you have a cat and your dog eats poop from their litter box? How to get a dog to stop eating cat poop? Make sure your dog does not have access to the catās litter box and place it in an area that only your cat can access.
Training Techniques to Break the Habit
Leave It Command
Teach your dog the āleave itā or ādrop itā command. This is a very useful command for when you notice your dog taking an interest in poop on the ground. Interrupt them promptly and give the āleave itā or ādrop itā and the ālook at meā commands.
Acknowledge, reward, or praise your dog when they obey. Continue doing this over the course of several months, rewarding intermittently. Of course, you will need to practice the āleave itā command with dozens of items. It is important that your dog is rock solid with this command, so no matter what you ask them to leave, they will do so.
Distract Your Dog With Some Tastier Alternatives
Every time you notice your dog eating poop, distract them with a high-value, tastier treat like dehydrated salmon or chicken pieces or freeze-dried treats that they simply cannot resist. This is a surefire way to redirect their attention.
For example, once your dog has finished their business, immediately toss a treat ahead, so their attention is diverted back to you and to something more appropriate to eat. Clean up the poop while they go hunting for the treat! This is a great way to potty train a young dog who will understand that pooping outside has its benefits!
Use Interactive Toys and Mentally Stimulate Your Dog
A tired dog is a happier dog, while a bored dog is more likely to indulge in unwanted behaviors like poop-eating, particularly when they want your attention. Stimulate your dog physically and mentally with lots of playtime. Provide them with puzzles and Kong toys, or use interactive toys to keep them happily engaged. Toys can also keep stress and anxiety at bay and prevent destructive and unwanted behaviors.
Negative Association (Taste Aversion Training)
If you have no option but to leave the poop in the yard, a simple way to curb canine coprophagia is to add deterrents to the feces. This can include natural items like lemon juice or cayenne pepper. You can also spray commercial deterrents like Potty Mouth or Forbid to make the feces taste bitter and unappealing.
Please understand that this should be the last resort. It definitely should not be the only method you use to curb coprophagia in your dog. Always prioritize training and keeping your yard free from feces in the first place.
Rule Out Health Issues
See your vet to ensure your dog does not have any deficiencies or underlying diseases like diabetes or thyroid disorder. Once their deficiencies are overcome and their disorders are controlled with the right diet and medication, your petās poop-eating might also go away on its own.
Deworm your dog regularly to prevent parasites in their intestines. Adult dogs need to be dewormed every three months, and high-risk dogs may be dewormed more frequently as recommended by your vet.
Natural Home Remedies to Prevent Poop Eating
Apple Cider VinegarĀ
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, can help with hydrochloric acid deficiency, which can help curb coprophagia in your pet. Administer about 1 teaspoon of organic, raw and unfiltered ACV with the mother strain per 25 pounds of your dogās body weight. You can add it to their water or mix it with their wet food. Please monitor your dog and discontinue use if they show signs like diarrhea or vomiting. Understand that ACV, in excess, can result in stomach irritation in dogs. Note: Only use this method after consulting your veterinarian, as underlying conditions could make it harmful to your dogās health.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It makes poop unappetizing while aiding digestion. Pumpkin seeds are also natural dewormers. So add pumpkin to your dogās diet regularly. For small to medium dogs, go for one or two teaspoons of pumpkin puree mixed with their daily food. For large or giant breeds, go for one tablespoon of pumpkin per day. Do not feed too much pumpkin, as it can result in diarrhea due to the high fiber content.
Pineapple
The bromelain enzyme in pineapple changes the dogsā stool and makes it bitter. Add about 2-3 small chunks per day so they find their poop unappetizing. Never use canned pineapple and never overfeed, as it could result in diarrhea.
Digestive Enzymes
If your dog suffers from gastrointestinal issues like malabsorption, speak to your vet regarding administering digestive enzymes to them. These can help their body reabsorb some of the nutrients and prevent coprophagia to some extent.
Kelp or Bentonite Clay
Kelp and bentonite clay can benefit dogs having mineral deficiency. These natural items replenish vitamins and minerals while also supporting their overall internal cleansing, balancing their digestive system, and preventing issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and coprophagia. Avoid overfeeding, especially kelp, because its high iodine content can cause adverse issues like hyperthyroidism in dogs.
Note: Only use this method after consulting your veterinarian, as underlying conditions could make it harmful to your dogās health.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Switch to High-Protein, Low-Carb, Low-Fat Food
Some simple dietary changes can help curb coprophagia in dogs. Often, raw-fed and home-cooked-fed dogs tend to develop this issue more than commercial-diet-fed dogs. Switching to a high-quality commercial diet can sometimes do the trick.
Always choose a balanced diet specially formulated for your dogās age, activity level, health issues, etc. Opt for diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. Add a prebiotic and probiotic supplement to aid their digestive health and boost their immune system.
Reduce Anxiety and Stress
How do you know your dog is stressed? Here are some telltale signs:
Behavioral changes - pacing, panting, indoor urination, or defecation
Trembling, shaking, or hiding
Excess vocalization or barking
Appetite changes
To reduce stress and anxiety in your dog, walk or exercise them at least thrice a day. If they are alone at home all day, hire a pet sitter or dog walker to walk them while you are at work. Play with your dog in the evening and on weekends as much as possible. Take them on hikes and trips to the beach, park, etc.
If possible, enroll them in a doggy daycare where they can play and interact with other dogs. This will reduce anxiety and stress in your pet by keeping them physically and mentally engaged.
Offer puzzle toys and dog feeders that encourage your pet to think. They will happily spend hours getting the treats out of these toys.
Know When to See a Vet
Cathy Madison, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA (dog behavior expert and trainer), says it is vital that dog guardians work with a vet if they are unable to curb their dogās poop-eating behavior despite the above changes. This is especially important if your dog is losing weight or appears lethargic or is hungry all the time.
If you suspect an underlying health issue or your dog shows other signs like hair loss, itchy skin, body odor, bad breath, excessive urination, etc., please get them examined thoroughly by your vet. A blood test can reveal underlying health issues like Cushingās, diabetes, or thyroid-related issues.
Additionally, using the Breed + Health Dog DNA Test can offer valuable insights into your dogās breed-specific health risks, nutritional needs, and potential genetic predispositions. This information can help your vet tailor a more personalized care plan and potentially uncover conditions that might not be obvious through standard testing alone.
Conclusion: Stopping Poop Eating Requires Patience and Consistency
Regardless of why your dog is eating poop, getting them to stop this habit requires a lot of patience, persistence, and consistency on your part. If it is behavior-related, you must train your dog consistently in the āleave itā command. If it is related to a health issue, fixing that may help reduce the behavior.Ā
Understand that coprophagia is very common in dogs, especially young dogs. Sometimes, a simple fix of dietary changes can help. The best thing you can do is control their environment and try to limit their exposure to poop.Ā
We hope this guide helps you understand why your dog may be eating poop. With patience and love and the right preventive measures, you can make sure those doggy kisses are welcome again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs eat cat poop?
Dogs eat cat poop because of scavenging in their nature. Cat poop has tempting attributes such as taste, texture, and odor (because of digested nutrients) that attract dogs.Ā
Why do dogs eat poop on walks?Ā
Most dogs eat poop on walks to kill boredom or because they are hungry. Very often, there is nothing more appealing than poop if the dog enjoys eating poop. It can be theirs or another animal's stool.
Why do dogs eat poop in winter?
Dogs eat poop in winter because of one or more reasons, such as enhanced smell, the crunch (the frozen poop is dry and crunchy), or to get phytonutrients (produced by plants that provide health benefits) from the vegetarian animalās poop.
