Why is My Dog Eating His Poop?

Your dog eating poop can be a puzzling and unpleasant sight.

As a veterinarian, I’ve seen this behavior, known as coprophagia, more often than you might expect. There are several reasons why your dog might be eating his poop, including instinct, curiosity, hunger, stress, or medical issues. Many dogs find poop irresistible, but we can work together to break this habit and keep your dog happy and healthy.

Discover the reasons behind this habit and learn practical tips to stop it for good.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs eat his poop due to coprophagia, a behavioral disorder with various causes.
• Causes include boredom, anxiety, medical conditions, and instinctual behavior.
• Preventing coprophagia involves addressing underlying issues, supervising, and using deterrents.

Facts About Dogs That Eat Poop

#1 Dogs eating poop is a common behavior that affects approximately 25% of dogs, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

#2 A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that 16% of dogs were observed eating feces at least once, and 6% engaged in this behavior regularly.

#3 The most common reasons for coprophagia in dogs include boredom and lack of stimulation (33%), medical conditions such as gastrointestinal problems or malnutrition (24%), anxiety or stress (21%), curiosity or exploration (15%), and attention-seeking behavior (7%).

#4 22% of dog owners reported their dog eating feces at least once, and 12% reported their dog eating feces regularly, with the top 5 breeds most likely to engage in coprophagia being Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Is it Normal for a Dog to Eat Their Poop?

Yes, eating poop (coprophagia) is fairly common in dogs, especially puppies.

Puppies are naturally curious and explore by putting things in their mouths, including their own poop. Some mother dogs even eat their puppies’ poop to keep the area clean and set an example. So, it’s relatively normal for puppies to eat poop sometimes.

Adult dogs might eat poop for different reasons. Some might be normal, while others could indicate a health issue. If your dog consistently eats poop, consider these factors and consult a veterinarian to rule out health problems or nutritional deficiencies.

Why is my Dog Eating His Poop? Reasons Behind It

You’ve seen your dog eating his poop, and you’re not sure what could be causing this strange behavior…

“Normal” and “abnormal” reasons are the two groups of causes why dogs eat their poop. Even though you probably want to stop the behavior no matter what the reason is, telling the difference between these two is important to rule out any health problems and keep it from happening again.

Here are the reasons a dog might eat poop:

Normal Reasons

There are a few normal reasons why your dog might be eating poop. Most of them are instinctive, regular, or natural for dogs.

Learned Behaviour: Dogs may eat poop because of something called learned behaviour. Mother dogs often eat their puppies’ poop to keep them clean and safe. This behaviour comes from their wolf ancestors, who did the same thing to prevent germs from spreading. Puppies might copy their mom’s behaviour and eat poop as a way of learning. Most dogs stop doing this by the time they’re grown up.

Taste: Some dogs might eat poop simply because they enjoy the taste or texture. The diet or health of the animal that produced the poop could influence this preference. For example, certain foods or medications might make poop more appealing to dogs. Cat poop, in particular, might attract dogs due to its high protein and fat content from cat food. Additionally, some dogs might find the thrill of searching for and eating poop to be a fun adventure.

Nutritional value: Some dogs may eat their poop to get extra nutrients or enzymes that their body can’t absorb from their regular food. This might happen more often in dogs that eat low-quality food, have trouble absorbing nutrients, or have digestive problems. For example, some dogs might eat grass to help with digestion, and then eat their own poop that has undigested fiber. Some dogs might also eat the poop of plant-eating animals like rabbits or horses to get vitamins or minerals that are missing from their own food.

While it’s normal for dogs to eat poop for various reasons, it’s not a behavior you should encourage or let continue. While there may be some benefits, like a mother dog keeping her puppies clean, the potential health risks and drawbacks often outweigh these advantages. It’s essential to address and prevent poop-eating habits in your dog to ensure their overall health and well-being.

Abnormal Reasons

Abnormal behaviors in dogs are those that could indicate an underlying medical or psychological issue that needs addressing or reasons that are unnatural, unhealthy, or uncommon for dogs to exhibit.

Dietary needs: Sometimes, dogs eat poop due to nutritional deficiencies or impaired nutrient absorption. For example, a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1) or other essential nutrients like protein, fiber, or certain minerals can lead to coprophagia. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s diet is well-balanced and meeting their specific nutritional needs.

Behavioral: Some dogs may engage in coprophagia due to underlying psychological or emotional issues that impact their mental well-being, such as anxiety, depression, stress, boredom, or attention-seeking behaviors. This may be triggered by situations like separation anxiety, isolation, confinement, or changes in their environment. If you believe your dog might be anxious, consider working with a professional to help them cope with their stress or try some at-home solutions for anxiety.

Boredom: Just like humans, dogs can experience boredom too! If your furry friend lacks mental stimulation, physical exercise, or engagement, they might resort to coprophagia due to excess energy, curiosity, or seeking novelty. Keep your lonely pup entertained and engaged with a variety of toys, interactive games, and regular walks, and consider providing puzzle toys filled with treats or hiding treats around the house to challenge their minds and reduce the likelihood of this habit.

Medical problems: Some dogs may eat poop due to underlying health problems that affect their appetite, metabolism, or absorption. This may include conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, or malabsorption syndrome. For example, if your dog has diabetes, they may have increased hunger and thirst, leading them to eat anything they can find, including poop. A dog with pancreatic insufficiency may have reduced production of digestive enzymes, causing them to eat poop to compensate for their poor digestion.

Eating poop isn’t just a disgusting habit – it can also be harmful to your dog’s health. By identifying the underlying reasons for this behavior and addressing them, you can help your dog stay happy, healthy, and avoid this unsanitary habit, which can lead to infections, parasites, and other health problems.

Do all Dogs Eat Poop?

Not all dogs eat poop, but some do more than others. The likelihood of a dog developing this habit depends on various factors, such as age, breed, diet, and environment.

Young puppies may explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths, including their own poop. This behavior often decreases as the dog matures and learns what is and isn’t appropriate to eat. However, some adult dogs may continue eating poop due to underlying behavioral or health issues.

Certain breeds, like Labradors and Beagles, may be more inclined to eat poop, perhaps because of their natural scavenging instincts. Additionally, dogs on a nutrient-deficient diet might be more prone to this behavior in an attempt to obtain missing nutrients.

Dogs experiencing anxiety or living in overly confined spaces can also develop a poop-eating habit. In some cases, it might begin as a reaction to punishment for soiling indoors, leading the dog to try to “clean up” the evidence of their accidents.

While not every dog will eat poop, some are more likely to develop this behavior due to these various factors. It’s essential to monitor them closely and address any of these potential causes to help your furry friend maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle.

Can a Dog Get Sick from Eating Poop?

Yes, dogs can get sick from eating poop, especially if they consume the feces of other animals or dogs carrying diseases or harmful bacteria.

Some common infections transmitted through the fecal-oral route include salmonella, giardia, campylobacter, and intestinal parasites such as worms. Exposure to these pathogens may lead to various health issues in your dog, ranging from mild to severe.

If your dog happens to consume contaminated feces, you might notice signs of illness like diarrhea, bloody poop, vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy. These symptoms could suggest an underlying infection or disease that would need immediate veterinary attention.

To protect your dog’s health, it’s best to try and stop your dog eating poop. If you suspect that your dog is eating poop and showing signs of illness, consult your veterinarian.

How to Keep Your Dog from Eating its Poop?

So you have a better idea why your dog eats poop, you’ll probably want to stop your dog from doing it. Well, I’ve written a whole article on how to stop your dog eating poop, but here’s a brief overview:

• Firstly, positive reinforcement is crucial. Redirect their attention to a toy or obedience training when they show interest in poop. Reward them with treats or praise for resisting the urge.
• Ensure their diet is balanced and nutritional. Consult a vet to determine the best diet for your dog.
• Provide mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Regular play and exercise will reduce their fascination with feces.
• Keep the environment clean and free of feces. Regularly remove waste to minimize their access.

When Should I Consult a Veterinarian About My Dog’s Poop-Eating Behavior?

Consulting a veterinarian is important if your dog’s poop-eating behavior is persistent, excessive, or problematic. There are several situations or scenarios when you should seek professional help from a veterinarian:

• If your dog eats poop more than once a week or every day
• If your dog eats poop despite following tips and advice in other sections
• If your dog eats poop that is contaminated, toxic, or harmful to their health
• If your dog shows any signs or symptoms of illness or infection after eating poop

When you see a veterinarian, we’ll ask questions about your dog’s history, diet, behavior, and health condition. We will also examine your dog physically and perform some tests if necessary, such as blood work, urine analysis, fecal analysis, or x-rays.

Based on the results, the veterinarian will diagnose the cause of your dog’s poop-eating behavior and prescribe the appropriate treatment or medication if needed. They may also provide you with friendly recommendations or referrals on how to manage or modify your dog’s poop-eating behavior at home or with a trainer.

To prepare for the visit, you should:

• Collect a fresh fecal sample from your dog and bring it to the clinic in a sealed container.
• Write down any questions or concerns you have about your dog’s poop-eating behavior and the tips and advice you have tried or followed.
• Bring any relevant documents or records of your dog’s health, diet, or behavior, such as vaccination certificates, food labels, or training logs.
• Be honest and cooperative with the veterinarian, and follow their instructions and suggestions.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve discussed various reasons why your dog might be eating poop, also known as coprophagia. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including evolutionary instincts, nutritional deficiencies, medical issues, and behavioral problems.

If you notice your dog engaging in excessive or persistent coprophagia, it’s important to reach out to your veterinarian. This behavior could indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. On the other hand, if it’s more occasional and driven by curiosity, training and positive reinforcement can often help put an end to this undesirable habit. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for your furry friend!

Just remember, it’s important to remain patient and consistent with your training efforts. Don’t forget that consulting a professional trainer or animal behaviorist might be necessary in some cases to help resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions