If you’ve ever seen your dog make eye contact with you during a bathroom break, you’ve probably wondered, “Why do dogs look at you when they poop?” Sho. It may seem like a strange or awkward behavior, but it may mean more than meets the eye.
Let’s find out why your dog gives you such intense stares during your most private moments. And, of course, answer the most important question: Should you return your gaze or look away?
Why does my dog stare at you when it poops?
This is a common scenario. Your dog is out doing his errands when suddenly he looks up at you with big eyes full of soul. Maybe he wants some privacy. Or maybe he just glances in your direction to make sure you’re nearby.
This behavior is something of a mystery even to veterinarians, so your guess is better than anyone else’s.
“Some dogs do this, but we don’t know why,” says Emily Gumm, DVM, associate veterinarian. South Sioux Animal Hospital Located in South Sioux City, Nebraska. “Dogs are strange things. They’re amazing, but they’re also strange.”
Although we can’t say for sure why some dogs stare, there are many theories as to why dogs stare at you when they poop.
Theory 1: They feel vulnerable.
For most of us (including dogs), going to the bathroom puts us in a vulnerable state. In the wild, this is the time when dogs are most likely to be targeted by natural predators.
“[A theory] I think what makes the most sense is that it gives the dog a sense of security,” says Rochelle Hartson, DVM veterinarian. IGH Animal Hospital Located in Invergrove Heights, Minnesota.
Dr. Hartson says dogs may look at you for reassurance or make eye contact during their actions to see if you’re protecting them.
Theory 2: They seek approval.
Another reason could be that your dog wants praise and rewards. It may have been years since they were potty trained. Back then, praise and treats were used to reinforce the desired behavior (going to the right place). But Dr. Hartson says this is not a problem because “the reward center of potty training is deeply ingrained.”
Theory 3: It’s just business
Dana Fedman, CPDT-KA, CDBC, is a canine behaviorist and Pupstart Family Dog Training in Des Moines, Iowa. She likes to remind her clients that a dog’s bathroom habits, no matter how strange they may seem to humans, are nothing personal.
“Exclusion is not a moral decision, it’s just a physical habit,” she says. So while it’s certainly possible that your dog is staring at you expecting a reward, the reason why your dog appears to be staring may be more or less coincidental.
“You’re probably just in their line of sight,” Fedman says. “Dogs don’t look away because they’re embarrassed. That’s a human trait.”
We tend to project human traits onto dog behavior (this is known as canine behavior) anthropomorphism). So while it may seem like dogs are “staring” at us in the same way humans do, in reality, your pooping friend is probably glancing around as part of natural behavior. He was probably just looking and happened to be facing you. It is not intended as a special message.
Should I watch when my dog poops?
Whether they’re watching you attentively, backing you up, or just casually admiring the scenery as you go about your duties, humans and dogs eventually find themselves in the middle of the workday. There will come a time when people will look you in the eye.
What is the protocol here? Should I look away? Does it blink? Why not ask Fido if he wants a magazine?
All kidding aside, it really depends on the situation.
There’s nothing wrong with maintaining eye contact if you’re used to it. It may even give your dog the reassurance he’s looking for (if he’s asking for something, that is).
However, if it’s too awkward, it’s okay to look away. Fedman says correcting your posture during bathroom breaks may make you less likely to look down. “If you’re behind them, they may not look at you,” she says. “But if you’re standing next to them, they might catch a glimpse.”
Be aware that your dog may be looking for signals from you that indicate all is well. If you want to give him some privacy, you can always give him a compliment after you’ve wrapped things up in case he needs encouragement.
Monitor your dog’s toilet habits
While you may not need to maintain eye contact, Dr. Gumm says it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pup’s potty habits. That way, you’re more likely to notice signs of discomfort, such as tension or nervousness. Skimming or other unusual behavior may mean it’s time to contact your veterinarian.
Monitoring your dog’s potty breaks also gives you the opportunity to check the consistency and color of your dog’s poop, both of which are useful indicators of your dog’s overall health and happiness.
“Dog poop is a very useful indicator of your dog’s health,” says Dr. Gumm. “Knowing what is normal for your pet is very important so that you know when something is wrong.”
For example, Dr. Gumm says, if your pet normally defecates once or twice a day, but suddenly starts defecating more frequently, it could become upset. She says to look out for “good” dog poop that is “…formed but not too hard or dry. If your pet’s feces are dry, hard, straining, or take a long time to pass, it may be a sign of constipation or dehydration. ”
Loose stools and diarrhea can also mean trouble. These symptoms can have many causes, including intestinal parasites, infections, dietary changes, and illness. Feeding canned pumpkin and starting probiotics may help reduce your dog’s diarrhea, but contact your veterinarian if loose stools persist for more than a few days.
So next time you see your dog staring at you while you’re doing your business, don’t worry, it’s perfectly fine to glance back.
It might not be much more than Fido scanning his surroundings, but at least you can use it as a reminder to keep an eye on your buddy and make sure everything is running smoothly.
