“My dog has been eating poop!” Alicia shouted, clearly exasperated. “This same dog who turns his nose up at a vegetable is thrilled to be eating poop—his own poop, other dogs’—it doesn’t matter. Indigo, that’s my dog, gets good, nutritious food every day. Every day! And you know how dog breath is? Well, this is off the charts. It’s like a dragon ate some sulfur and a garbage truck and is spitting out a fire that’ll knock a person out. And Indigo wants to lick my kids’ faces? No, no, no! I love my dog, but this is too much! How do I fix this?”
We have some information and help for Alicia and other unfortunate dog owners walking their dogs in her shoes. Many of our canine companions like eating feces, a phenomenon called coprophagia in dogs. Let’s look at why this behavior appeals to dogs and what you can do to deal with stool eating.
What is Coprophagia in Dogs?
Coprophagia in dogs, also known as canine conspecific coprophagy, is the practice of eating poop. As unpleasant and revolting as it may be to humans, it comes naturally to dogs through their scavenging ancestors. The poop can be their own, another dog’s, or another animal’s.
Not all dogs eat poop. But for those who do, the habit is resistant to breaking.
“This is not going to be fun, is it?” Alicia sighed.
Maybe not fun, but there are things you can do, so hang on!
What Sorts of Feces Do Dogs Eat?
Outside your home, near trees, in parks and woods, or on the farm, there is a veritable smorgasbord of poop varieties for your dog to feast on. In addition to their own and other dogs’ poop, there is the irresistible deer, bunny, chicken, and goat poop. Some dogs find horse manure and goose droppings particularly appealing. Depending on where you live, there can be a lot of diversity for the poop lover.
When it comes to poop eating, dogs much prefer fresh stools and those of hard consistency. Frozen poop (or, as some people call it, “poopsicles”) seems particularly welcome as well.
By the way, if you have a cat in the house, keep the litter box out of the dog’s reach. They will eat cat feces, too.
“Have mercy,” Alicia muttered as she slowly shook her head.
Why Do Some Dogs Eat Poop?
As a human, it’s hard to imagine any reasons for eating poop. But dogs have many. One is that they like the taste. Here are a few other reasons that may resonate with you:
#1: Poop Eating is Instinctual
Poop eating is likely a holdover from their scavenger ancestors. For dogs in the wild, when there’s a lack of food, they will resort to whatever they can get. Poop can have a little nutrition in it, and it’s better than nothing. Retriever breeds are most likely to eat poop, as their hunger tends to linger even after meals. Also, when they are nursing puppies, mama dogs will eat their poop to keep the area tidy.
#2: An Imbalanced Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is a combination of bacteria and other elements in your dog’s digestive system. This microbiome influences the dog’s ability to digest food and assists the immune system. If the gut does not have sufficient elements, such as bacteria that help the body absorb the nutrients from food, a dog’s instinct may push them toward eating poop to replace that bacteria. The DoggyBiome™ Gut Health Test will assess your dog’s microbiome and make recommendations to correct any imbalances, such as adding fiber to the diet.
#3: An Insufficient Diet
Dogs’ bodies change over time, and so do their nutritional needs. If they are not getting complete nutrition, they may turn to eating poop in order to fill in the gaps.
At any point, eating cheap dog food is not satisfactory. It’s filled with inexpensive carbohydrates and not enough protein. Eating high-quality food, such as Volhard Natural Diet Foundation, mixed with water and raw meat will provide the balanced diet your dog deserves!
#4: Medical Conditions
Some medical issues may increase coprophagia in dogs. For example, malnutrition and problems that prevent nutrient absorption or cause stomach upsets can trigger poop eating. In addition, conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or thyroid disease may be behind coprophagia in dogs.
#5: Dog Behavior Problems
Your dog wants your attention. After seeing you freak out the first time you saw them eating poop in front of you, they discovered it got your most undivided attention, even though it was negative. Your dog may also be anxious because you left them alone or because there’s a thunderstorm outside. Eating poop is also a displacement behavior.
Alicia nodded; she was gaining a better understanding of what her dog was doing. “Indigo,” she said, “We’re going to test your microbiome, then we’re going to the vet. Don’t look at me like that!”
What are the Risks Associated with Coprophagia in Dogs?
Many dogs can eat poop without getting ill because their gut is different from ours. They can eat raw meat, after all. But that still doesn’t mean eating poop is 100% safe. Feces contain things the body no longer needs and eliminates to protect itself from harm.
Parasites are a primary concern. Poop from other animals may contain harmful bacteria and intestinal parasites. If the ground it’s on was sprayed with landscaping chemicals, the poop may contain toxins as well.
“Definitely going to the vet,” Alicia whispered as she made the appointment.
How Do You Stop Coprophagia in Dogs?
You probably won’t eliminate the dog’s desire to eat poop, but you can manage it by using certain commands, limiting access, and redirecting the dog’s attention:
- Address the behavior early before it becomes a habit.
- Pick up your dog’s poop immediately.
- Use the “Leave It” command and draw them to you.
- Use the leash to lead them away.
- Create barriers to the cat’s litter box.
- Distract them with toys and play.
What if My Poop Eater Doesn’t Want to Stop?
If you’re having a difficult time, contact a professional trainer to learn how to keep your dog poop-free. At K9 Basics, we will help you achieve the seemingly impossible. Contact us for an appointment and check out our blog for more information on dog training!
“We’ll be there tomorrow!” Alicia said.