Discovering that your dog eats poop can be stressful for you, we get it. There’s a fancy term for this behavior, and it’s called coprophagia. It’s actually very common among dogs.
Some of the causes of poop eating include nutritional deficiencies, medical problems or behavioral issues. It’s more common among puppies, but some adult dogs may do it as well.
Why does my dog consume feces?
Coprophagia, or the act of eating poop, apart from being a gross gesture, is also a health risk due to germ exposure. Most frequently, dogs may consume their own feces, another dog’s or, in some cases in households where cats live, the cat’s poop straight from the litter box. In other cases, they may prefer other species’ feces.
A survey completed by 1,475 dog owners found that 16% of pet dogs engaged in frequent eating of their own or other dogs’ feces.
Beynen AC, 2020. Diet and canine coprophagy, by Anton Beynen
Nutritional deficiencies are one of the most frequent causes of this behavior. Dogs that lack B vitamins or have iron deficiency and anemia are more predisposed to consuming feces.
The behavioral reasons for coprophagia are related to the dog’s scavenging instincts. It’s not unusual for a dog to raid the trash or any pile of garbage and chew unchewable objects. The most wanted thing when a dog is investigating the surroundings is… you guessed it right, feces.
Next time you take your furry companion for a walk, mind its outside manners. It’ll try to find poop and sniff it intensely. Some dogs might not consider stools as being unpleasant, but rather the opposite. And if the “pooper” has previously eaten something that the dog might find attractive or tasty, there you go.
Another explanation of this habit could be the inheritance from the ancestral wolf, meant to keep the den free of fecal-borne parasites.
Curing coprophagia by ‘sticking the dog’s nose in feces’ after it pooped around the house, may actually encourage this behavior.
Gastrointestinal problems may also cause coprophagia. In some diseases that affect the digestive system and lead to poor absorption of nutrients, an overly exaggerated appetite is often present.
The dog will eat almost anything, at any moment. These conditions may also lead to pica syndrome, or the urge to eat non-food items.
Some intestinal parasites may also cause the dog’s appetite to exacerbate.
How can I stop my dog from doing this?
To wean your dog from this behavior, there are some easy steps you’ll need to follow.
First, cleaning is essential. If you own a backyard, make sure to remove your dog’s poop every time. If you live in an apartment, make sure to walk your dog in clean areas, where you can watch it at all times, and always use a leash. Avoid bushy areas and tall grass. If your dog eventually finds a poop it’s interested in, pull its leash and go away.
Dogs may be drawn to the feces of other animals, such as cats and rabbits. The feces of these animals can be particularly appealing due to their dietary contents, so the dog may be attracted to them. Keep the rabbit kennel and cat litter box clean and out of the dog’s reach.
Second, you need to mind your dog’s overall health and nutrition. Ensure a visit to the vet to get its blood tested for iron and B vitamin deficiency, parasite control and any other underlying illnesses.
Animal poop may contain harmful bacteria or parasites, such as amoebas, hookworms, roundworms or giardia. A dog that consumes infected feces is likely to develop parasites as a result.
Dogs can also contract Salmonella and E.coli, followed by severe vomiting and diarrhea. Both the parasites and bacteria that the dog further eliminates, are dangerous for you and other animals as well.
Your veterinarian may advise you to supplement the dog’s food with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Feed your dog only quality food, and avoid leftovers or cheap dog food.
Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, ensuring proper digestion and nutrient uptake. Research has shown that thiamine or B1 deficiency is linked to coprophagia.
Intestinal parasites are a concern for both dogs and humans, as they can lead to malnourishment and pica syndrome as well. A vet will check under a microscope if there are any parasites or parasite eggs in your dog’s stool. Every 3 to 4 months you should do regular deworming for your dog.
Research has shown that dogs that suffer from dementia or certain enzymatic defects are predisposed to coprophagia. Your vet will investigate for underlying conditions, including metabolic illnesses, diabetes, or thyroid dysfunction.
Preventing access to feces has been shown to be the most common and effective way of stopping the behavior, followed by rewarding desirable behavior and distracting the pet from the feces, while ignoring the behavior, punishment, and food additives are least effective.
Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (Fourth Edition), 2024
You may have to train your dog to avoid poop-eating. The “leave it” command is an important aid in weaning your dog from this behavior. When your dog goes near feces, you’ll have to issue a clear and firm “leave it”. Once the dog complies and moves away from the poop, give him a treat, as a reward for behaving.
If training doesn’t succeed, a muzzle might come in handy. We’re not terrible fans of this method, but it might serve as a barrier, not allowing your dog to ingest feces. Please be careful, as a muzzle should fit the dog’s nose and neck, allowing it to breathe properly.
In case you do own a backyard, you might want to consider deterrents. These substances are sprinkled over the dog’s food and make poop distasteful.
Apart from deterrents, your vet might recommend using enzyme supplements that enhance digestive health and contain ingredients like papain from pineapple, which alter the taste of the dog’s stool. You can feed your dog “straight-up” pineapple as well.
All potential causes must be addressed in treating this condition, so you can have a happy and healthy pooch.
