Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (Dog Coprophagia)
Why do dogs eat poop? Dog coprophagia (dog eating poop) can be due to some behavioral problems, health problems, or
malabsorption syndrome. This page looks more closely at the possible causes of why dogs eat poop, and some ways to prevent dogs eating poop.
Dog coprophagia is the medical term given to the habit of dogs eating poop (either their own or other animals'). For some reasons, cats' stools seem to be especially
appetizing for dogs!
No doubt all dog parents find dogs eating poop undesirable, not only because it is disgusting, but also because it is unhygienic. Eating other animals' stools can also
increase the chance of getting infected by intestinal parasites. In addition, stool-eating can cause health hazards to the dog. For example, ingesting the stools of
a larger animal that has recently been dewormed can cause toxicity to develop in the stool-eating dog because residue of the deworming medication may be present in the
animal's stools.
So why do dogs eat poop? There are numerous reasons for this seemingly strange behavior; however, most reasons fall within three main categories. Let's take a
look at each of them.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop - Possible Reasons of Dog Coprophagia
- Behavioral Problems
Most stool-eating dogs do not have malnutrition problems. They eat stools as a result of some behavioral problems. For example, puppies are curious and tend to try to
eat everything. Some dogs may have acquired the habit of stool eating in puppyhood and they continue with this habit into adulthood.
Some dogs eat poop out of boredom and confinement in close quarters (e.g. in a kennel).
Other dogs eat poop because of overly-strict house training - They tend to eat up their "evidence" so that they will not be punished or scolded by their owners.
- Underlying Health Problems
Some dogs eat poop because of a medical reason.
It has been found that dogs with Cushing's disease,
diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism,
and intestinal parasite infestation (e.g. tapeworms) sometimes develop dog
coprophagia syndrome.
As well, some medications such as prednisone and other corticosteroids can increase a dog's
appetite. If the dog is hungry all the time but has no access to food, it is likely that he will start eating poop.
- Malnutrition or Malabsorption
A minority of dogs eat poop due to malnutrition or have malabsorption syndrome.
Dogs who are fed poor-quality commercial pet food with lots of fillers and insufficient nutrients may resort to stool-eating to try to get the missing nutrients.
Dogs with malabsorption syndrome have a ravenous appetite and may eat stools in an attempt to get additional calories.
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Why Do Dogs Eat Poop - Treatment of Dog Coprophagia
If your dog eats poop, the first thing to do is to take him to the vet to check for intestinal parasites and other possible health problems. Identifying and treating the
underlying health problems can usually stop the stool-eating habit.
If your dog's coprophagis is caused by malabsorption or malnutrition, try giving him a natural, high-quality diet if you have not already done so. To help with his
digestion and absorption of nutrients, give digestive enzymes and Vitamin B complex as a daily supplement.
If your dog eats poop out of bad habit, try positive training. Praise and reward your dog every time he does not eat his own poop. Also, remove his poop from the
environment as quickly as possible, so that he does not have a chance to eat it.
Distract your dog by giving him extra quality time with lots of human interaction, as well as extra exercise and play time. Give him educational and chew toys to help
stimulate his mind and prevent coprophagis caused by boredom.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop - Home Remedies
Besides vtamin B complex and digestive enzymes as suggested above, there are several things that dog parents can add to their dog's food to either improve their dog's
digestion or to make their stools unappetizing for the dog. For example:
- Crushed pineapple
- Canned pumpkin
- Sauerkraut
There is also a natural product called
Only Natural Pet Stool Eating Deterrent for Dogs.
It contains vitamin B complex and digestive enzymes, as well as herbs such as yucca, parsley, and cayenne that can reduce the odor of the stools to make them less
"appetitizing". Try it out!
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