Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
Dogs aren’t known for having discerning taste buds, but of all the unsavory things they put in their mouths, poop takes the cake! While a discussion about poop may sound distasteful, it’s worth a conversation if you have a pooch with a penchant for poop.
At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of your pet’s strange habits, including what is formally called “coprophagia” in dogs.
The Scoop on Coprophagia
If your dog eats poop, you aren’t alone. A recent study revealed that as much as 24% of dogs indulge in a taste of poop at least once, and 16% are classified as “serious” consumers of poop. But the big question is…why? In many instances, eating poop is written into a dog’s DNA. Consider the following:
- Wolves will eat fresh stool to help keep their dens clean and prevent the spread of intestinal parasites.
- Mother dogs will eat puppy poo for about three weeks after giving birth to keep their living area tidy.
- Puppies will often imitate their mom’s behavior and eat their own poop and even poop from other pets, including cats.
- Some dogs are drawn to droppings simply because they think it tastes good!
Concerning Causes of Coprophagia
While some reasons for sampling the local poop are instinctive, some have roots in emotional or medical issues and warrant further investigation, including:
Isolation: Dogs tucked away in kennels or kept in basements for long stretches are more likely to exhibit coprophagia.
Anxiety: A dog punished during house training may eat poop out of fear of being disciplined for soiling indoors.
Confinement: It’s not uncommon for dogs that spend a lot of time in small spaces (such as crowded animal shelters) to display coprophagia.
Malnourishment: Dogs that eat a low-quality diet may consume poop because they’re lacking key nutrients.
Sickness: An adult dog that suddenly exhibits coprophagia might have a disease of the intestinal tract, liver, or brain. If your adult dog’s coprophagia is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Curbing Coprophagia
If your dog’s desire to eat poop is ongoing, consult your veterinarian. Uncovering the cause can direct us toward the most effective strategies for halting this habit. Here are some helpful approaches for curbing coprophagia:
- Provide your pooch with plenty of physical and mental stimulation to lessen feelings of isolation and anxiety.
- Feed your dog a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet. A multivitamin designed for dogs can also help.
- Keep your dog’s living space and yard free from poop.
- Keep litter boxes where your dog can’t get to them.
- Do not punish your dog for eating poop.
- Use training cues like “leave it,” and teach your dog to come to you for a tasty treat after they poop.
We Can Help
Please contact us at (916) 737-5670 if you’re perplexed by your pup’s coprophagia. Together, we can figure out why this is happening and create an effective solution.