Dogs often behave in ways that seem strange to us, but are completely normal for them. Although it’s gross to even think about it, eating dog poop is a very common behavior, especially among puppies. This is called coprophagia.
Eating your own feces can reinfect your pet with parasites, so it’s best to not let them get used to this behavior. Eating other animals’ feces can pose more serious health risks and is not hygienic. In some cases, eating feces can be a sign of more complex health problems.
If your dog has started eating his own poop, it’s best to consult a vet. Here are some reasons why dogs eat poop and some tips to prevent this behavior.
8 Reasons Why Dogs Eat Their Own Poop
1. Common behaviors in puppies
It’s common for puppies to eat their own poop, but there are many reasons why: they may simply be curious about the smell and taste as they are in the exploration stage of their growth and development; nursing dogs often eat and clean their puppies’ poop, so it may also be that the puppies are used to the smell of poop coming from their mother’s mouth.
In most cases, it’s not dangerous for a puppy to eat its own feces, but it can be dangerous if they get into the habit of eating other animals’ feces, so it’s best to prevent your puppy from doing this behavior.
2. Service dogs
Nursing dogs may appear to be eating their own feces, but they are actually cleaning up their puppies’ feces. Young puppies need help to defecate, so the mother dog will lick them to encourage them to do so. Once the puppies have defecate, it is common for the mother dog to lick the feces and clean up the area, keeping the den and puppy pack clean.
3. Instinctual behavior
Some dog experts believe that eating feces is an instinct in wolves, who often eat fresh feces. It is speculated that this is to prevent intestinal parasites from entering the den through feces.
a 2018 Survey They also found that many dogs would rather eat fresh feces that was less than two days old than old feces, which kills parasites before they can infect others, so dogs may have inherited this behavior from their wolf ancestors as a means of survival and protection from certain parasites.
4. Anxiety
Poop eating in dogs can be a sign of anxiety or separation anxiety, or it could be a substitute behavior your dog uses to deal with anxiety. A variety of factors can trigger anxiety in dogs, including sudden lifestyle changes, loud noises, and being forced into uncomfortable situations.
It’s common for dogs to exhibit a variety of behaviors when they’re anxious. Other signs of anxiety in dogs include destructive behavior, excessive barking, whining, howling, panting, and pacing.
5. Confinement or isolation
Anecdotally, dogs raised in confinement or isolation can develop the habit of eating their own feces. Rescue dogs who have experienced abuse or neglect often eat their own feces. Dogs who live in isolation, away from humans, are also prone to picking up this behavior.
It’s unclear why certain dogs eat their own feces in response to confinement or isolation — they could be behaving this way to cope with anxiety or stress, or because they weren’t fed properly.
6. Seeking attention
Some dogs may start eating their own poop because they realize that eating it attracts attention from people. It is common for owners to exaggerate their reaction when they see their dog eating poop. If you always react in an exaggerated way every time your dog eats poop, your dog may start to react in the same way when he wants attention. Therefore, it is important not to overreact when your dog starts eating his own poop. Being calm and firm is a more effective way to teach your dog not to eat his own poop.
7. Underlying Health Problems
Coprophagia can be an indication of an underlying health problem, especially if your dog suddenly starts eating his own feces. Health problems associated with coprophagia include nutritional deficiencies and intestinal problems. In some cases, coprophagia can be related to liver disease and neurological problems.
Poop eating in dogs can be linked to a health problem, so if you notice this behavior it’s best to take them to the vet. Often times, once they’re diagnosed and given the right treatment, they’ll stop eating their own poop.
8. Fear of punishment
A bad experience during potty training can lead to your dog eating his own poop. Dogs who are severely punished for pooping in the house may start eating their own poop to escape the punishment. That’s why it’s important not to yell at or hit your dog while training. Harsh punishment is less effective than positive reinforcement and can do serious harm to your dog’s emotional well-being and self-confidence.
What to do if your dog eats poop?
If you find your dog eating his poop, stay calm. Overreacting can encourage your dog to eat poop whenever he wants your attention. It’s a good idea to quickly remove your dog from the poop with a calm and stern “no.” Wipe his mouth with a towel and brush his teeth or give him dental gum to freshen his breath. Be sure to clean up the poop and wipe the area thoroughly. Using a dog stain remover and deodorizer spray to completely remove the poop odor will help prevent your dog from pooping in the same place again.
If your adult dog suddenly starts eating his own feces, take him to the vet for an examination. A vet can examine your dog and diagnose any health issues that may be causing the urge to eat his own feces.
Prevent your dog from eating poop
If poop-eating is caused by a health problem, with the right treatment this behavior will often resolve on its own. For example, if your dog is eating poop because of a nutritional deficiency, giving them the right food will often stop them from eating poop on their own.
One of the best ways to stop your dog from eating his own poop is to clean it up immediately. If you see your dog walking towards or sniffing the poop, guide him away without making any noise. You can also distract him with a treat or by letting him play with his favorite toy. Teaching your dog the command “let go” is a useful way to stop him from exploring or eating the poop.
You can also paint the feces with a dog-safe repellent to create bad associations. The best way to stop your dog from eating feces is to hire a professional dog trainer who can provide you with helpful tips and guide you through the entire process of preventing your dog from eating feces.
Conclusion
While poop eating is common in puppies and nursing dogs, it is not common in adult pets. A sudden onset of this behavior is often related to an underlying health issue, so if your dog starts eating poop, be sure to take him to the vet. If you are having trouble or special challenges in stopping your dog from repeatedly eating poop, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional dog trainer.
Featured image credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock
