Jim Gillies CAB, CDBC is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in Glasgow with over a decade of experience across a wide range of canine behaviour issues. He is an APBC Full Member, ABTC Registered, and IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant — and works across clinical consultations, veterinary collaboration, and expert witness instruction. His practice is welfare-led and evidence-based throughout. Jim runs CBT Dog Behaviour & Training and shares behaviour insights through his blog and podcast.
- Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs
- Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
- Health Implications of Coprophagia
- Preventing and Managing Coprophagia
- Real-Life Case: Holly’s Coprophagia Experience
- When to Consult a Veterinarian
- Signs That Require Professional Help
- Treatment Options Available
- Additional Considerations
- Summary
- About Me
- FAQs
Is your dog eating poop? This odd and concerning behavior, known as coprophagia, is actually more common than many pet owners realise. Research shows that numerous dogs consume their own or other animals’ droppings. In this article, we'll explore why dogs eat poop and how to manage it. Read on to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Common Behaviour: Coprophagia, or poop eating, is not especially rare. About 24% of dogs have done it at least once; 16% are frequent eaters.
- Varied Causes: Dogs eat poop due to hunger, anxiety, or nutritional deficiencies like lack of Vitamin B. It's often more behavioural than health-related.
- Health Risks: Eating faeces can cause serious health issues such as intestinal parasites and gastrointestinal upset. It may also lead to diseases like Giardia and Salmonella.
- Prevention Tips: Use dietary adjustments like adding fibre and supplements. Clean up waste immediately and train commands like "leave it" with positive reinforcement.
- Vet Consultation Signs: If your dog keeps eating poop despite interventions, see a vet. Look for signs like weight loss, lethargy, diarrhoea, and visible parasites in stool.
If you find this article interesting, you might want to check out our blog and podcast section. You might like this article on why dogs roll in fox poo and how to stop my from eating poo.
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Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs
Coprophagia, or eating feces, is a behavior that worries many dog owners. It's easy to blame poor training or health issues, but the causes are often more varied. Dogs may eat feces due to natural instincts, health issues, or environmental factors.
For some dogs, coprophagia comes from instinctive behavior. In the wild, mother dogs eat their puppies' feces to keep the den clean and safe from predators. Puppies may also eat feces out of curiosity as they explore, similar to toddlers putting objects in their mouths.
Other causes include nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues. Dogs lacking certain nutrients may try to supplement their diet by eating feces. If a dog’s food isn’t fully digested, the feces may still contain nutrients, making it tempting. If your dog persistently eats feces, consult a vet to rule out health issues.
Environmental factors like stress, boredom, or attention-seeking behavior can also lead to coprophagia. Dogs left alone for too long or lacking stimulation might eat faeces out of boredom. Some dogs also learn that eating faeces gets a reaction from their owner, even if it’s negative attention.
Definition of Coprophagia
Coprophagia refers to dogs eating poop, either their own or that of other animals. This behaviour is normal for puppies but can persist in adults due to various reasons.
Dogs may engage in this due to psychological issues or nutritional deficiencies. Common causes include hunger, anxiety, and lack of vitamins in their diet. Understanding why your dog eats poop can help address the issue more effectively.
Common Misconceptions
Many people have misconceptions about why dogs eat poop. Understanding these myths can help address the real reasons behind this behaviour.
- It is Rare: It is not rare for dogs to eat poop. About 24% of dogs have eaten it at least once. Around 16% are serious about it, having eaten poop five times or more.
- Only Malnourished Dogs Eat Poop: Even well-fed dogs might eat poop. Nutritional deficiencies are just one of many possible reasons.
- Dogs Do It Out Of Dominance: Eating poop is not a sign of trying to dominate. It often relates to other behaviours or issues like anxiety.
- Using Strong Methods Will Stop It: Forceful methods do not work and can harm your dog. Positive reinforcement and addressing the underlying cause works better for changing this bad habit.
- Poop Eating Means Illness: While sometimes linked to health problems, eating poop can be a behavioural issue rather than a sickness but we need to rule that out.
- Only Puppies Eat Poop: Older dogs also engage in this behaviour for various reasons, including stress or boredom.
- Breed Affects Likelihood: The likelihood is not based on breed alone. Any dog can develop this habit regardless of its breed.
- Dogs Understand It's Gross To Us: Dogs do not find it gross as humans do; they might even be drawn to the smell.
- It Is Always Due To Hunger: Sometimes, dogs are well-fed but still eat poop due to other factors like curiosity, boredom, or even dietary intolerances and nutritional deficiency.
Understanding these points helps in better managing and preventing coprophagia in dogs using effective and humane approaches.
Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
Dogs might eat poop due to normal behavioural reasons, like curiosity or instinct. Psychological factors such as anxiety can also drive this habit in dogs.
Normal Behavioural Reasons
Normal behavioural reasons explain why dogs eat poop. Many dogs do this for various innate or natural reasons.
- Mother Dogs and Puppies: Mother dogs eat their puppies' poop for about three weeks after birth. This keeps the den clean and reduces the risk of predators finding them.
- Preference for Fresh Faeces: Studies show 92% of coprophagic dogs prefer fresh faeces, typically within two days old. Fresh stools have a stronger scent, which attracts them more.
- Attraction to Other Dogs' Poop: About 85% of these dogs prefer other dogs' poop over their own. They might find it more appealing due to differences in diet or digestive processes.
- Curiosity and Exploration: Puppies often eat poop as they explore their environment. This behaviour usually decreases as they grow older and learn what's acceptable.
- Attention-Seeking Behaviour: Some pets may eat poop to get attention from their owners, especially if they receive a reaction each time they do it.
- Imitation of Other Animals: Pets sometimes mimic other animals that display this behaviour, thinking it's normal or acceptable.
Understanding these normal behaviours can help pet owners address the issue effectively without using harsh methods like physical correction or yelling at dogs.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors can cause dogs to eat poop. These reasons often relate to their environment and emotional state.
- Isolation: Dogs kept away from people may start eating poop for comfort. This helps them cope with loneliness.
- Confinement: Animals in small spaces, like kennels, might eat faeces out of boredom.
- Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can make a dog engage in strange behaviours, including coprophagia.
- Attention-seeking: Some dogs may eat poop because they know it gets a reaction from their owners.
- Inappropriate food association: Puppies who get too close to their stool or see it moved around might think it's food.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Dogs may eat poop due to nutritional deficiencies. This behaviour is known as coprophagia.
- Lack of Vitamin B: Dogs with a Vitamin B deficiency often eat poop. They try to get the missing nutrient from faeces.
- Malnutrition: Underfed dogs or those on poor diets look for alternative food sources, including poop.
- Pancreatic Insufficiency: Dogs with pancreatic issues cannot absorb nutrients properly. This leads them to eat faeces to gain what they miss.
- Thiamine Deficiency: A lack of thiamine in a dog's diet might cause it to consume poop. Thiamine is crucial for digestion and brain function.
- Improper Diets: Low-quality dog food lacks essential nutrients, leading dogs to seek these in their stool.
- Enzyme Imbalance: An imbalance in digestive enzymes can cause dogs to eat faeces. Supplements help correct this issue.
Understanding these deficiencies helps in addressing why dogs eat poop.
Health Implications of Coprophagia
Eating poop can pose serious health risks for dogs. They might contract intestinal parasites or gastrointestinal upset from faecal matter ingestion.
Risks Associated with Poop Eating
Dogs risk catching diseases by eating poop. Feces can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Dogs that eat other animals' feces face higher health risks. Possible infections include Giardia, roundworms, and Salmonella.
Eating poop also poses a risk of ingesting harmful toxins or drugs found in the waste. This behaviour may lead to gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
Possible Diseases from Coprophagia
Eating poop can lead to several diseases. Dogs may ingest parasites like roundworms or flatworms, which cause digestive issues. These parasites can even be passed to humans and other pets.
Malabsorption syndromes are another risk. Diseases such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, and thyroid disease also put dogs at risk when they eat faeces. All these conditions require immediate attention from a veterinarian.
Preventing and Managing Coprophagia
Preventing and managing coprophagia in dogs requires a multifaceted approach. You can start by making dietary changes and considering supplements to ensure your dog gets all necessary nutrients.
Could Food Intolerances Be Behind Your Dog's Behaviour?
If your dog is struggling with coprophagia, it could be due to an underlying issue like food intolerance or sensitivity. Dogs who aren't digesting their food properly or who have trouble with certain ingredients may look for nutrients in unconventional ways, like eating feces. Identifying and addressing these intolerances can significantly improve their health and behavior.
An EasyDNA Intolerance Test can help you understand if your dog has sensitivities to common ingredients, allowing you to adjust their diet accordingly. By tailoring their diet to their needs, you may see improvements in both their overall health and undesirable behaviours like coprophagia. The test is easy to use and can provide crucial insights into your dog’s digestive health.
Learn more about how you can help your dog with an EasyDNA Intolerance Test. Taking this proactive step can help eliminate any dietary causes behind your dog's behavior, leading to a happier and healthier companion.
Dietary Adjustments and Supplements
Dogs may eat poop due to nutritional deficiencies or other issues. Adjusting their diet can help solve this problem.
- Add a multivitamin. Ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients, especially Vitamin-B.
- Increase fibre intake. Fibre aids digestion and might reduce the urge to eat feces.
- Include B-vitamin supplements. These can address possible vitamin-B deficiency that causes coprophagia.
- Provide a balanced diet. Feed high-quality dog food with all essential nutrients.
Environmental Management
Environmental management can help prevent dogs from eating poop. Proper planning and simple changes can make a big difference.
- Clean Up Immediately: Remove poop as soon as possible. Regularly check the yard for droppings to keep it clean.
- Use a Lead: During walks, keep your dog on a lead. Guide them away from any poop found along the path.
- Install Pet Gates: Use pet gates to block access to areas with cat litter boxes or other tempting spots indoors.
- Elevate Litter Boxes: Place cat litter boxes on high tables to prevent dogs from reaching them.
- Supervise Playtime: Keep an eye on your dog when playing outdoors, especially in parks where other animals frequent.
- Provide Ample Toys: Offer plenty of toys and mental stimulation. This helps reduce boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviours like eating poop.
- Create Boundaries in the Yard: Install barriers around garden beds or specific areas to limit your dog's roaming space.
These steps will help manage the environment and discourage dogs from eating faeces naturally without harsh methods.
Training and Behavioural Interventions
Dogs eating poop, also known as coprophagia, can be managed with the right training and behavioural strategies. Below are some effective tips to help stop this habit.
- Positive Reinforcement: Always use rewards like treats and praise when your dog ignores poop.
- Clicker Training: Use a clicker to train your dog to come when called.
- Teach "Leave It" Cue: Train your dog with the "leave it" cue to avoid poop on walks.
- Keep Environment Clean: Regularly clean up your dog's yard to prevent access to poop.
- Provide Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in activities like puzzle toys or fetch to reduce boredom.
- Increase Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity daily to help curb unwanted behaviours.
- Monitor Diet: Make sure your dog’s diet is balanced and meets all nutritional needs.
- Consult Behavioural Specialist: Seek professional advice if behavioural interventions don’t work.
Each of these steps can effectively address why dogs eat their own poop or other dogs' poop, helping both you and your pet achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Real-Life Case: Holly’s Coprophagia Experience
Holly, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, struggled with coprophagia. This case study explores how Holly's guardians managed this issue and shares helpful strategies for other dog owners facing similar challenges.
Background: Holly's Coprophagia Struggles
Holly was brought home at eight weeks old and initially showed a friendly temperament typical of Labradors. However, anxiety developed over time, manifesting as coprophagia about twelve months ago. This behaviour often occurred during walks when Holly was already on edge. Her sensitive stomach might have been a factor, so we conducted a food intolerance test for dogs to identify any potential irritants affecting her gastrointestinal system.
Initial Assessment and Approach
The initial assessment revealed that Holly's slip lead during walks heightened her anxiety, contributing to the urge to eat feces as a coping mechanism. To break this cycle, several changes were recommended:
- Switch to a Force-Free Harness: A force-free harness replaced the slip lead, giving Holly more control during walks, reducing anxiety, and preventing increased arousal and reactivity.
- Enrichment Activities: Enrichment activities like scent work, lick mats, and foraging games were added to keep Holly mentally stimulated and reduce stress.
- Nutritional Adjustments: Adding fiber and supplements helped alleviate deficiencies contributing to coprophagia. An intolerance test was recommended to rule out dietary issues.
- 'Leave It' Training Protocol: Incorporating a 'leave it' cue helped Holly learn to disengage from faeces on walks. Using treats, Holly was rewarded each time she responded to the cue and avoided faeces resulting in her getting something better, making it an effective part of her behaviour modification plan.
Step-by-Step Interventions
- Walk Modifications: Switching to a harness gave Holly more freedom, reducing anxiety and lessening her need to eat feces.
- Environmental Management: A strict clean-up routine and walking Holly during less busy times helped minimize her exposure to feces and stress.
- Behavioural Training: Positive reinforcement with treats rewarded Holly whenever she ignored faeces, gradually reducing her compulsion and encouraging desirable behaviour.
Results and Takeaways
The interventions led to significant improvements. While coprophagia remains an occasional challenge, Holly's anxiety has reduced, and she is more comfortable during walks. Her overall well-being has improved, reflecting the success of reducing anxiety and providing enrichment.
Lessons Learned
Holly's case shows that eating poop often goes deeper than just a bad habit—it can be linked to things like anxiety, nutrient gaps, or stress in her environment. With a bit of patience, positive reinforcement, and a well-rounded plan, we can make real progress tackling these issues.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog persistently eats poop, consult a veterinarian. They can check for possible health issues causing this behaviour. Seeking professional help ensures your pet stays healthy and happy.
Signs That Require Professional Help
Some signs indicate that your dog may need professional help for coprophagia. Prompt action can prevent serious health issues.
- Persistent Poop Eating: If your dog consistently eats poop despite training, seek veterinary advice.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can signal a nutritional deficiency or malabsorption syndrome.
- Diarrhoea or Vomiting: Frequent diarrhoea or vomiting after eating poop needs immediate attention.
- Lethargy and Weakness: A tired and weak dog might suffer from underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease.
- Changes in Appetite: Sudden changes in eating habits could point to issues like Cushing's Disease.
- Excessive Thirst or Urination: Increased water intake or urination suggests potential diabetes or kidney problems.
- Visible Parasites in Stool: Spotting worms in the stool is a clear indicator that a vet should check for parasites.
- Poor Coat Condition: A dull, rough coat means your dog might lack essential nutrients.
- Behavioural Changes: Anxiety, aggression, or unusual behaviour can be linked to health problems requiring expert intervention.
- Unpleasant Breath: Chronic bad breath related to poop-eating needs professional evaluation for possible oral diseases.
Treatment Options Available
If your dog keeps eating poop, consider different treatment options. Dietary adjustments and supplements can help. High-quality dog food might correct nutritional deficiencies causing the behaviour.
You may also add enzyme supplements to improve digestion.
Environmental management plays a key role too. Clean up faecal wastes immediately to remove the opportunity for your dog to eat them. Training cues are effective strategies as well.
Teach cues like "leave it" or "come" using positive reinforcement techniques.
Consult a veterinarian if these methods do not work. They will perform tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis to rule out medical issues like malabsorption of nutrients or hormonal imbalances in your pet’s body systems.
Considering Food Intolerance Tests for Dogs: Food intolerance tests can help identify issues causing a dog to eat their own faces. These tests check for reactions to common ingredients in a dog's diet, like beef or chicken. If your dog has food intolerances, changing their diet might stop them from eating poop.
Additional Considerations
Understanding Dog's Attraction to Strong Scents
Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell. Their noses are far more sensitive than ours, allowing them to detect odours we can't even imagine. Strong scents often draw dogs in because they evolved as scavengers.
This behaviour helped them survive when food was scarce.
Certain smells, like those from faecal wastes and decaying matter, can be especially enticing to dogs. These strong scents might indicate potential food sources or leftovers in the wild.
Unfortunately, this attraction can also lead dogs to eat their own poop or other animals' poop during walks or outdoor exploration.
Summary
Understanding why dogs eat poop helps dog owners manage this behaviour better. Dogs may engage in coprophagia due to behavioural, psychological, or nutritional reasons. Preventing it involves diet care, proper training methods, and a clean environment.
Consider an intolerance test to see if your dog has sensitivities to common ingredients, allowing you to adjust their diet accordingly.
If the issue persists, consulting a veterinarian is key. Your dog's health and happiness matter most.
Check Out Our Recommended Partner
Learn More About EasyDNA Dog Intolerance Test
About Me
Jim Gillies, a Certified Dog Behaviourist and Trainer in Glasgow with over 10 years of experience, prioritises canine well-being through modern, science-backed methods. Handling 4000+ cases of 1-to-1 behaviour training, Jim is fully accredited, insured, and recognised for addressing various behavioural issues including aggression, separation anxiety, and more. Explore his insightful blog and podcast, sharing expert knowledge on dog training and behaviour. Certified by the IAABC, Jim’s expertise makes him a reliable choice for addressing your dog’s needs.
Contact Information
Should you have any questions about this article, feel free to contact me on:
Email: jim@cbtdogbehaviour.com
Mobile: 07864029933
Disclaimer
Please note that I am affiliated with EasyDNA, and the products recommended in this guide are available through EasyDNA. For your convenience, I have provided a hyperlink that directs you to the EasyDNA website where you can make a purchase. If you decide to buy any products through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission helps support my work and allows me to continue offering valuable information to my readers. Thank you for your support!
FAQs
1. Why do dogs eat poop?
Dogs may eat poop, or engage in coprophagia, due to various reasons such as nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or behavioural issues.
2. Why does my dog eat their own poop?
Your dog might eat its own poop because of underfeeding, anxiety, or a lack of proper housetraining.
3. How can I stop my dog from eating poop on walks?
To prevent your dog from consuming feces during walks, keep them on a lead and use cues to distract them when they approach excrement.
4. Is it bad for dogs to eat cat poop?
Yes, it is unhealthy for dogs to consume cat dung as it can lead to infections and intestinal parasites.
5. What causes puppies to eat stool?
Puppies might ingest stool out of curiosity or due to an immature digestive system that leaves undigested nutrients in their faeces.
6. How can I train my dog to stop eating other animals' faecal wastes naturally?
You can correct this behaviour by providing dietary supplements if needed and using positive reinforcement techniques during training sessions.
