Many dog owners have been grossed out (to put it lightly) when they witness their pup chowing down on a fresh pile of poop. But why do dogs eat their own poop in the first place? Unfortunately, there isn’t a single answer to this question, as several different factors can contribute to coprophagia (the scientific term for stool eating).
For example, some experts believe that dogs may be attracted to the taste of feces because it contains traces of undigested food. Others believe that poop-eating puppies may learn this behavior from their mother, who may lick her offspring’s bottom in order to stimulate defecation.
Regardless of the reason, stool eating is generally considered to be normal dog behavior – even if it isn’t exactly appetizing to us humans.
Common Behavioral Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
If you’ve ever wondered “why do dogs eat poop,” you’re not alone. It’s a mystery to many pet parents—but there’s actually a reason (or several) behind this seemingly strange behavior. In most cases, there’s no need to worry; simply ensure that your pup is getting enough exercise and attention, and consult with your veterinarian if the problem persists.
Mama Dog’s Duty
Have you ever wondered why mother dogs sometimes eat their puppy’s poop? It may seem gross, but there’s a good reason for it. When puppies are first born, they are unable to control their bowels.
As a result, their mothers often lick them clean after they go to the bathroom. This not only helps to keep them clean but also provides important stimulation that helps them to develop properly.
Some researchers believe that adult dogs eat their puppies’ poop as a way of continuing this cleaning behavior. While it may not be the most pleasant thing to witness, it’s actually a sign that your dog is being a good mother.
Your Pup is Bored or Curious
If a dog is left alone in the backyard all day with nothing to do, they may start to nibble on their own poop or even cat poop from the litter box out of sheer boredom. Some dogs also enjoy the taste of feces, which may be due to their curious nature.
While it’s not exactly appetizing to us humans, some dogs seem to find it quite delicious! Whatever the reason, it’s essential to provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from engaging in this disgusting behavior. Otherwise, you might be stuck cleaning up after them more often than you’d like!
Your Furry Friend Wants Attention
Dogs are social creatures, and they crave interaction with their pack members. So if you’ve been ignoring your dog or spending less time with them, they may start behaving in ways that they know will get your attention – even if those behaviors are gross.
If you think this might be the reason why your dog is eating poop, try to spend more time playing with them and showing them affection. Then, with a little patience, you should be able to break them from this bad habit.
Your Pup Feels Isolated
When you leave your dog at home alone, it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. Otherwise, they may start to feel isolated and bored, which can lead to some undesirable behaviors, like chewing on furniture or eating poop.
If you think your dog is feeling isolated, try adding some more interactive toys to their toy box, like a Kong filled with treats or a puzzle toy that dispenses food. You can also sign them up for doggie daycare or dog-walking service to help them socialize and get some exercise while you’re away.
With a little effort, you can help your pup feel less isolated and prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviors.
Natural Instinct
Some experts believe that eating poop is simply an instinctual behavior dating back to the days when dogs were wild scavengers. In the wild, dogs would often eat other dogs’ poop or other animals’ poop to get extra nutrients or to mask their own scent from prey.
Though domestic dogs don’t have to worry about such things nowadays, the behavior may still be ingrained in their DNA.
Your Dog is Stressed or Anxious
It’s not uncommon for dogs to eat their own feces when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Some experts believe that this behavior may be a way for them to self-soothe or cope with their anxiety.
If you think your dog is eating poop because they’re stressed, try to identify the things causing them anxiety and see if there’s anything you can do to help. If the problem persists, you should consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find other ways to help your pup deal with their stress.
Mistaken Identity-Your Pup Thinks it’s Food!
Some dogs eat feces because they think it’s dog food. This is more common in puppies, who are still learning what is and isn’t edible. If you catch your pup eating poop, make sure to clean up the area immediately and provide them with plenty of toys and chew treats to nibble on instead.
With a little patience and training, your pup will learn that poop is not food and should be left alone.
Common Health Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Dogs with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) lack the enzymes necessary to break down food properly. As a result, they often eat their own feces in an attempt to get these missing nutrients. While it may be disgusting to us, for dogs with EPI, eating poop is a way of trying to survive.
If you think your dog may have EPI, it’s essential to take them to the vet for testing and treatment. Left untreated, EPI can lead to nutritional deficiency and even death. However, dogs with EPI can live long and healthy lives with proper treatment.
So if you see your dog eating poop, don’t hesitate to get them checked out by a professional.
Increased Appetite
If you’ve noticed your dog has started eating poop, it could be due to increased appetite. This could be caused by diabetes or Cushing’s disease, both of which can make your dog feel hungry.
If you’re concerned about the health of your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular health check-ups. They will be able to rule out any medical conditions and give you advice on the best way to move forward.
In the meantime, try to keep your pup well fed and exercised to help keep their appetite under control.
Your Fur Baby Has Parasites
Intestinal parasites are a common problem for dogs, and one of the most frequent signs that your dog has parasites is if they start eating poop. While it might seem gross, there’s actually a reason behind this strange behavior.
When a dog has intestinal parasites, the parasites compete with the dog for nutrients. As a result, the dog can become malnourished, even if they’re eating a healthy diet. In order to get the nutrients they need, some dogs will start eating poop as a way to supplement their diet.
While letting your dog continue this behavior is not a good idea, it’s important to understand the reason behind it. If you think your dog may have parasites, be sure to take them to the vet for treatment.
You Are Not Feeding Your Pup Enough
If you’re not feeding your dog enough food, they may start eating poop as a way to get the nutrients they need. This is especially true for puppies, who have small stomachs and need to eat more frequently than adult dogs.
If you think your dog is not getting enough to eat, talk to your vet about how much food you should be giving them and how often. Your veterinarian will be able to determine how much food your puppy needs based on their breed, age and current activity level.
In the meantime, try feeding your dog a bit more food than usual until you can get them to the vet.
Ways to Stop Your Furry Friend From Eating Poop
Whatever the reason, it’s essential to stop dogs eating poop as soon as possible.
Here are 5 ways to do just that.
1) Leash Train Them Early
One of the best ways to train your dog not to eat poop is to leash train them early on. When your dog is on a leash, you have more control over their movements and can better monitor their behavior. For example, if you see them trying to go for a nice big steamer, give a sharp tug on the leash and say “No!” or “Leave it!” in a firm voice. With enough repetition, your dog will learn that trying to eat poop will result in an unpleasant experience and will eventually stop doing it altogether.
2) Keep Their Diet Healthy and Nutritious
A healthy diet is crucial for any growing pup, but it’s especially important for those prone to eating feces. Make sure you’re feeding them high-quality food that contains all the nutrients they need. You may even want to consider switching them to a specialty diet formulated for dogs who eat poop. These diets typically contain ingredients that make feces less appetizing, such as fiber and probiotics.
3) Get Them More Exercise
An active lifestyle isn’t just good for humans—it’s good for dogs too! Getting your furry friend more exercise will help keep their minds occupied, making them less likely to focus on eating poop. A tired dog is a good dog! Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, split up into shorter sessions if need be. This could include walks around the block or trips to the dog park—whatever gets them moving and shaking!
4) Pick Up Poop Right Away
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. The best way to keep your dog from eating poop is to simply pick it up as soon as they go! If there’s no stool around for them to snack on, they’ll eventually lose interest and move on to something else (hopefully). It may be unpleasant, but scooping up after your pup is crucial if you want them to break this nasty habit.
5) Add Some Flavor
For some dogs, no amount of scolding or disciplining will get them to stop eating poop—they just love the taste too much! If this sounds like your furry friend, there may be another solution: mask the taste of feces by adding something flavorful to their food. This could be anything from grilled chicken breasts or lean ground beef to pumpkin puree or cottage cheese—whatever your pup enjoys most (and can digest safely). Once they realize that there’s something much tastier available, they’ll forget all about eating stool altogether!
Bottom Line
No one likes cleaning up after their dog eats poop—but unfortunately, it’s a fact of life for many pet owners out there. So if your furry friend has taken up this gross habit, don’t despair! There are plenty of ways you can get them to stop eating dog poop.
From leash training and exercising more often to switching up their diet and adding flavor to their food, with enough trial and error, you’re bound to find a method that works for both you and your pup!
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*photo by GalinkaLB – depositphotos