Why does my dog eat poop?
Dogs have some quirky habits, but one of the most baffling (and unpleasant) is poop eating, also known as coprophagia. If you’ve ever caught your dog eating their own poop, you’ve probably panicked over why they do it and how to stop it.
While a poop-eating habit may seem strange (and disgusting), it’s more common than you might think. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help you take steps to prevent it and ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.
Note: to prevent retching and other possible side effects, the poops in the images in this article are all fake! Poop-eating, on the other hand, is quite real…
Why does my dog eat poop?
In some cases, the reason why a dog eats poop is instinctual. In other words, a domestic dog retains certain behaviours that its wild ancestors engaged in, even if those behaviours are no longer necessary or helpful.
Environmental factors like boredom, stress, or lack of stimulation can also contribute to poop-eating. Some dogs may also develop this behaviour due to dietary deficiencies or digestive issues, while puppies may eat poop out of curiosity, before outgrowing the habit.
To understand the underlying cause of your dog’s poop-eating, consider:
- Context – Does it happen when they’re alone or bored?
- Diet – Are they eating a nutritious, high quality diet? Could nutritional imbalances be a factor?
- Well-being – Are they mentally and physically stimulated? Do they seem stressed and anxious?
Poop-eating in dogs can be instinctual, environmental, or health related. Identifying the cause, whether boredom, stress, or diet, can help in managing and preventing the behaviour.
Instinctual reasons for poop consumption
Believe it or not, poop-eating has deep roots in canine evolution. In the wild, mother dogs instinctively clean up after their puppies by consuming their faeces. This helps to keep their den clean and reduces the risk of attracting predators. Some domestic dogs may retain this behaviour, especially if they were raised in environments where cleanliness was reinforced in this way.
Another evolutionary explanation is survival. Historically, dogs that faced food shortages may have eaten faeces as a last resort. Although today’s pets are generally well-fed, this ingrained instinct can sometimes resurface.
Environmental and behavioural triggers
Your dog’s surroundings and routine can also play a role in poop-eating behaviour. Some common environmental triggers include:
- Lack of supervision: If faeces are readily available, dogs may be more likely to eat them out of curiosity or boredom.
- Imitating other dogs: Dogs in multi-pet households may pick up the behaviour by watching other dogs eat faeces. This is especially common among puppies that learn from older dogs.
- Accidental reinforcement: If a dog has been scolded for pooping indoors, they may eat the evidence to avoid punishment. Over time, this can develop into a learned behaviour.
- Limited stimulation: Dogs that don’t get enough mental and physical exercise may resort to unusual habits like coprophagia. Providing toys, interactive play, and daily walks can help curb this behaviour.
Psychological factors influencing the behaviour
Stress, anxiety, and even attention-seeking can contribute to a dog eating its own poop.
Some dogs may engage in this behaviour when they feel neglected or anxious about being left alone. If a dog realises that eating faeces gets a reaction from their owner, they may continue doing it as a way to gain attention.
Dogs that have spent time in shelters or neglectful environments may also develop coprophagia due to past food insecurity or stress-related behaviours.
Factors contributing to poop eating
While behavioural and environmental triggers are common, there are also physical reasons a dog may eat faeces. Identifying the root cause is essential for addressing the issue effectively.
Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances
The common reason for dogs eating poop is often linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies. If a dog isn’t getting enough essential nutrients, they may instinctively seek alternative sources, sometimes in the form of faeces.
- Enzyme deficiencies: Dogs rely on digestive enzymes to break down food and absorb nutrients. If their diet lacks these enzymes, they may try to re-digest food through faeces consumption.
- Poor-quality diet: Low-quality commercial dog food may not provide the necessary vitamins and minerals, leading dogs to seek additional nutrients elsewhere.
- Malabsorption issues: Some dogs struggle to absorb nutrients properly, even with a well-balanced diet. This can occur due to medical conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Providing a high-quality, well-balanced diet can help address any potential deficiencies. If you suspect poor digestion, consult your vet about adding digestive enzyme supplements or switching to a more nutrient-dense food.
Medical conditions and health issues
Certain medical conditions can increase a dog’s likelihood of eating poop. If the behaviour appears suddenly or becomes excessive, a vet visit is recommended to rule out underlying health concerns.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or malabsorption disorders can cause nutrient deficiencies that drive coprophagia.
- Parasites: Intestinal worms and other parasites can deprive a dog of essential nutrients, leading them to eat faeces in an attempt to compensate.
- Diabetes or thyroid issues: Some metabolic disorders cause increased appetite and unusual eating habits, including poop consumption.
A thorough vet check-up can determine if a medical issue is at play and help you manage your dog’s health accordingly.
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Behavioural problems and stressors
Anxiety, stress, and boredom can all contribute to coprophagia. Dogs that experience separation anxiety, changes in routine, or lack of mental stimulation may develop repetitive behaviours, including eating faeces.
How to stop your dog from eating poop
If your dog has developed a habit of eating faeces, there are several steps you can take to prevent it.
Providing a stable environment, plenty of exercise, and interactive play can help reduce stress-related poop eating. Training techniques such as positive reinforcement can also help redirect your dog’s focus onto more appropriate behaviours.
Nutritional gaps, health issues, or stress can drive poop-eating. Identifying the cause helps in effectively managing and preventing the behaviour.
Improve diet and digestion
Ensuring your dog has a well-balanced, nutritious diet is a key step in preventing coprophagia. Feeding high-quality food with appropriate vitamins and minerals can help eliminate any nutritional gaps.
For dogs with digestive issues, adding enzyme supplements or probiotics may improve gut health and nutrient absorption. If your dog struggles with constipation or digestive discomfort, check out this guide on dog constipation and seek veterinary help.
Keep the environment clean
One of the simplest ways to prevent poop eating is by removing temptation. Clean up faeces promptly, especially in backyards or areas where your dog spends time. If you’re toilet training a puppy, this guide on how to toilet train a puppy offers helpful tips.
Provide mental and physical stimulation
Boredom is a common trigger for unwanted behaviours. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise, interactive play, and mental enrichment. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and daily walks can help keep your dog engaged and reduce destructive habits.
Use deterrents
There are safe, vet-approved deterrents designed to make faeces taste unappealing to dogs. Adding additives to their food, such as pineapple or specific commercial products, can discourage poop eating. However, these solutions should be used alongside other preventive measures for the best results.
Training and behaviour modification
If your dog’s poop-eating habit is driven by attention-seeking or stress, reinforcing positive behaviours can help. Reward your dog for ignoring faeces and engaging in alternative activities.
Seeking guidance from a professional trainer or behaviourist can also help correct persistent habits.
FAQs
Why does my dog eat his own poop?
Coprophagia, or poop-eating, is a relatively common behaviour in dogs. While it can be instinctual, some dogs eat faeces due to boredom, anxiety, or nutritional deficiencies.
Is poop-eating normal for dogs?
Coprophagia is a relatively common behaviour in dogs. While it may have instinctual roots, frequent or excessive poop eating can indicate a medical or behavioural issue that requires attention.
How can I prevent my dog from eating poop?
Keeping your dog’s environment clean, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring they receive enough mental and physical stimulation can help prevent coprophagia. Training techniques and deterrents may also be useful.
What dietary changes can discourage this behaviour?
Ensuring your dog receives high-quality food with the right nutrients can help reduce poop eating. Digestive enzyme supplements and probiotics may also support gut health and improve nutrient absorption.
Can poop-eating be a sign of illness?
Some medical conditions such as malabsorption disorders, parasites, and metabolic issues can contribute to coprophagia. If the behaviour is new or excessive, a vet check-up is recommended.
Are there home remedies for stopping poop eating?
Some owners have had success with dietary additions like pineapple or pumpkin, which can alter the taste of faeces and make them unappealing. However, these methods should be combined with consistent training and preventive measures.
In conclusion
Understanding why your dog is eating poop is the first step in managing the behaviour. While it may seem unpleasant, it often has underlying causes that can be addressed with the right approach. By taking proactive steps, you can support your dog’s overall well-being and prevent poop-eating in the long run. Regular vet check-ups, a nutritious diet, and a stimulating environment are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy.
If coprophagia continues despite these efforts, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies.
For more insights on dog health and digestion, check out this resource on abnormal faeces in dogs.
Next steps…
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