Vet: Why Dogs Eat Poop + 7 Tips To Stop It

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (7 Common Reasons)

Now that you know the “what,” let’s dive into the “why.”

Here are the 7 most common reasons behind coprophagia:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

If your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients, they may look for “extra snacks” in the grossest places.

Deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals, like low zinc or vitamin B, can cause poop eating.

2. Boredom

A bored dog is a mischievous dog.

Without enough mental or physical stimulation, they may start exploring… and eating things they shouldn’t.

3. Imitation

Puppies learn a lot from observation.

If they see another dog (or even a human cleaning up poop), they might imitate the behavior.

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4. Attention-Seeking

Some dogs figure out that eating poop gets them your attention.

Even though it’s negative attention, they crave the reaction.

5. Anxiety or Stress

Stressful events, like moving or introducing a new pet, can cause odd coping behaviors.

For some dogs, that means eating poop.

6. Medical Conditions

Health issues, like malabsorption, parasites, or diabetes, can cause dogs to eat poop. They make dogs more prone to it.

7. Instinctual Cleanliness

Mother dogs naturally eat their puppies’ feces to keep the environment clean.

Some dogs carry this behavior into adulthood.

Shocking Fact: Did you know some dogs develop a preference for certain types of poop, like cat feces?

Is it because cat food is higher in protein, making their waste more appealing to dogs?

Behavioral Myths About Dogs Eating Poop

When it comes to coprophagia, there are plenty of myths out there.

These misconceptions can make it harder to understand why your dog is eating poop or how to stop it. Let’s bust some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: Dogs Eat Poop Out of Defiance

It’s easy to think your dog is being naughty or rebellious when they eat poop. But the truth is, dogs don’t act out of spite.

Coprophagia is usually caused by physical needs, instincts, or stress. It’s not a desire to disobey you.

Myth #2: Only Untrained Dogs Eat Poop

Even the most well-trained dogs can develop this habit. Training alone doesn’t fix the root causes, like boredom, health issues, or anxiety.

Myth #3: It’s Just a Phase

While some puppies outgrow poop eating, adult dogs often need intervention to stop. Assuming the habit will go away on its own can lead to frustration and missed solutions.

Myth #4: It’s Always a Medical Problem

Health issues like malabsorption or parasites can cause coprophagia. But many dogs eat poop for behavioral reasons, like boredom or seeking attention.

Myth #5: Punishment Works

Scolding your dog for eating poop can actually make things worse. It can increase their stress, driving them to eat poop more frequently as a coping mechanism.

Truth Bomb: To solve coprophagia, we must know its true causes. Myths won’t help.

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The Hidden Dangers of Eating Poop

You might be thinking, “It’s gross, but is it harmful?”

The answer: Yes.

Here are the main risks associated with coprophagia:

1. Parasites

Feces can carry worms or other parasites that infect your dog.

2. Bacteria and Viruses

E. coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria can be transmitted through feces.

Your dog may also pass these bacteria to humans by licking.

3. Digestive Issues

Eating poop can upset your dog’s stomach, causing vomiting or diarrhea.

4. Toxins

Some feces, especially from wild animals, can harm your dog. They may contain toxic substances.

Important Reminder: If your dog vomits, is lethargic, or has a bloated stomach after eating poop, contact your vet at once.

7 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

The good news? You can stop this behavior.

Here are 7 proven tips to help your dog kick the habit:

1. Get a Vet Checkup

Your first step: Visit the vet.

Rule out medical causes like parasites or nutrient deficiencies.

2. Upgrade Their Diet

Fiber, probiotics, or enzyme supplements can help digestion. They can also reduce the urge to eat poop.

3. Keep Their Environment Clean

This one’s simple—remove the temptation. Pick up poop promptly in your yard or during walks.

4. Use Behavioral Training

Teach your dog the “leave it” command and reward them for ignoring poop.

5. Provide Mental Stimulation

Interactive toys, regular walks, and puzzle feeders can reduce boredom-driven coprophagia.

6. Use Taste Deterrents

Use products like bitter apple spray or stool-eating deterrent powder. They make poop unappealing.

7. Consult a Professional

If all else fails, work with a trainer or behaviorist to address the root cause.

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How to Prevent Poop Eating in the Long Term

Once you’ve stopped your dog from eating poop, how do you keep it from coming back?

Here are proactive measures to prevent relapses:

1. Maintain a Clean Yard

Consistently removing poop ensures your dog has no opportunity to eat it.

2. Keep Your Dog Active

Bored dogs are more likely to revert to bad habits.

Keep them engaged with regular exercise and mental enrichment.

3. Reinforce Training

Practice commands like “leave it” even after the behavior has stopped.

Consistency is key.

4. Regular Vet Checkups

Schedule annual vet visits to monitor your dog’s health.

This will help address potential triggers like nutrient deficiencies or parasites.

5. Rotate Toys and Activities

Dogs thrive on novelty.

Rotating their toys and introducing new games can help keep their minds busy.

Quick Tip: If you’re adopting a second pet, introduce them slowly to prevent jealousy or stress that could lead to poop eating.

How Your Dog’s Environment Influences Poop Eating

An often-overlooked factor in preventing poop eating is your dog’s environment.

Dogs are greatly affected by their environment.

Some factors can trigger or prevent coprophagia.

Optimizing your dog’s surroundings can greatly reduce this behavior.

Let’s explore how.

1. Cleanliness is Key

Dogs are opportunistic creatures.

If poop is readily available in their environment, they’re more likely to eat it.

What You Can Do:

Prompt Cleanups: Regularly clean up your yard or any area where your dog spends time.
Supervised Walks: When walking your dog, watch for poop. Guide them away before they can investigate.

A clean environment removes all temptation. It’s the best way to prevent poop-eating.

Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing

2. Shared Spaces and Multiple Pets

If you have multiple pets, especially cats or other dogs, their shared environment can affect their dynamics.

Dogs are often curious about cat litter boxes or may eat the feces of other pets in the household.

Proactive Measures:

Restrict Access to Litter Boxes: Use covered boxes or place them where your dog can’t go.
Separate Feeding and Rest Areas: Each pet needs its own space to eat and relax. This will reduce stress and competition.

Did You Know? Dogs may eat other animals’ feces if they see them as higher-ranked in the household.

3. Addressing Stressful Environments

A chaotic or stressful environment can lead to behavioral problems, including coprophagia.

Dogs thrive in calm, predictable surroundings.

What You Can Do:

Create a Safe Zone: Designate a quiet area in your home where your dog can retreat and feel secure.
Stick to a Routine: Dogs are creatures of habit. Consistent mealtimes, walks, and play sessions provide structure and reduce stress.
Minimize Triggers: Identify what might be stressing your dog. Is it loud noises? A new family member? Addressing these triggers can go a long way in curbing undesirable behaviors.

4. Enrichment Through Play

An engaging environment reduces boredom—a major cause of poop eating.

Providing your dog with activities and stimulation can distract them from undesirable habits.

Ideas for Enrichment:

Rotating Toys: Regularly switch out toys to keep your dog excited and engaged.
Interactive Feeders: Puzzle feeders make mealtime an activity, keeping your dog mentally stimulated.
DIY Challenges: Hide treats around the house or yard to encourage your dog to “hunt” for their food.

5. Outdoor Spaces

If your dog spends time in a yard, its layout and management can influence their behavior.

Tips for an Optimized Outdoor Space:

Designated Potty Area: Train your dog to use a specific spot for bathroom breaks. This makes cleanup easier.
Obstacles or Fences: If your dog finds poop, use barriers to restrict their access.

Fun Fact: Dogs that get outside often, especially in parks, are less likely to develop boredom-driven habits.

Why It Matters

Controlling your dog’s environment helps fix one cause of coprophagia: access.

A good, stimulating environment helps your dog.

It reduces the urge to eat poop and boosts their mental and emotional health.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

How Dogs Experience Taste

Did you know that dogs have far fewer taste buds than humans?

This might explain why they are less picky about what they eat.

Dogs are more sensitive to salty, sour, and bitter flavors.

So, adding a taste deterrent to their food or poop can help.

Fun Fact: While humans have around 9,000 taste buds, dogs have only about 1,700.

Extra Preventative Measures

Exercise First: Dogs who are tired are less likely to engage in bad habits.
Use Toys as Distractions: Keep their environment enriched with toys and activities.

Conclusion

Eating poop is one of your dog’s strangest habits.

But, to stop it, you must first understand why they do it.

You can help your dog break the habit.

Address medical, dietary, and behavioral factors.

This will lead to a healthier, happier life.

Remember: Dogs don’t eat poop to gross you out. Often, it’s a sign of an unmet need.

Now it’s your turn: Which tip will you try first? Share your success stories in the comments below!

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E: Vegetables

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