Dogs eating their own poop is repulsive to our human sensibilities, but in the dog world, it’s actually a perfectly normal, natural behavior. This behavior is coprophagia, or the act of eating poop. If a dog is eating their own poop, as far as any harm being done to themselves, there’s nothing to worry about. This can be distressing for dog owners but eating their own poop is not going to cause them harm.
However, your dog eating other dogs’ poop or other animals’ poop can be dangerous. Another dog’s poop can contain parasites, viruses, or toxins, and if your dog eats that poop, then all of those things can end up inside your dog. Understanding why dogs engage in this behavior and how to stop it using home remedies can help you address this issue effectively.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Eating poop is much more common for puppies than it is for adult dogs. Oftentimes, puppies will just outgrow this behavior, usually by around 10 to 12 months. Eating poop is more common in households with multiple dogs. Female dogs are more likely to be poop eaters, while intact males are the least likely. 92% of poop-eating dogs prefer fresh stuff, just a day or so old, and 85% of these dogs prefer eating other dogs’ poop, not their own. Lastly, dogs that are called greedy eaters, those that tend to steal food off tables, are more likely to be poop eaters. Dogs can eat their own poop because of both physiological reasons and behavioral reasons.. Here are some common reasons:
First, let’s talk about the physiological ones. So, if you see your dog eating their own poop, we want to make sure it’s not due to an underlying medical condition. Whenever I have a dog that’s eating their own poop, before we start addressing it simply as a behavioral issue, we need to rule out that there is not a medical reason the dog is doing it. One of the first reasons that a dog can eat their poop that’s medically related is they have parasites. Another is nutritional deficiencies. This is especially common if you don’t feed your dog a commercial diet. A commercial dog food and you’re making your own dog’s food, if you don’t have the right balance of meats and vegetables and then the other minerals and vitamins that your dog needs, your dog might not be getting everything they need, so they eat their poop to try to make up and get more nutrients.
In the wild, canines often eat feces to keep their den clean and this natural instinct could also be the reason. On a similar note, intestinal malabsorption can also be a problem. It’s a deficiency in your dog’s digestive tract, which doesn’t allow them to absorb all the nutrients of their food, even if they have a big appetite. Certain medical conditions, like digestive issues or parasites, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or even thyroid issues can cause this behavior. And lastly, if your dog is on any sort of prescription drugs, especially steroids, that can lead to an increase in your dog eating their poop as well. Some dogs even eat poop to get a reaction from their owners.
Effective Home Remedies to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop
Problems: Well, we know that dogs who are isolated a lot or kept in confined areas are more likely to eat poop. Dogs who spend the majority of their life in crates or if they’re at work all day for eight hours a day, then the dog goes in the crate for another eight hours a night. These are the ones that are more likely to be poop eaters.
Solutions: Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Limit the time your dog spends in a crate and reduce their isolation. Clean up feces promptly and reward good behavior to discourage poop eating.
Problems: If your dog is having Parasite issues that means they are not getting a Nutrients properly.
Solutions: Provide a Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet can help address nutritional deficiencies that might be causing your dog to eat poop. Ensure your dog’s diet includes High-quality protein such as Meat, fish, and eggs. Make sure their food contains necessary vitamins like B-complex and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Also add Fiber because it helps in proper digestion and can be found in vegetables and certain grains.
Problems: Dogs may eat poop due to difficulty digesting high-carbohydrate diets. Adding a digestive enzyme like Digest Basic, which contains amylase and lipase, can help break down these carbohydrates.
Solution: Why a digestive enzyme, you may wonder?
Well, your dog was originally designed to eat animal protein, but most dog diets are really high in carbohydrates like potatoes, which they can’t digest as well. This can sometimes lead to poop eating. This supplement here, Digest Basic, is a digestive enzyme for people, but you’re looking for ones that have amylase and lipase to help break down those carbohydrates. A typical dog dose of Digest Basic is about a quarter of a capsule per 20 pounds of body weight daily.
Problems: IF your dog’s stool is very much appealing to them then you dog will definitely eat it.
Solution: Simple,Make their poop taste very bad
- Feed them Pineapples or lemon juice, the enzymes in these can make poop taste unpleasant to dogs.
- Adding a spoonful of pumpkin to your dog’s food can help with digestion.
- These help maintain a healthy gut flora, which can reduce the desire to eat poop.
- Some owners find that adding a small amount of meat tenderizer to food makes poop taste very bad.
By sprinkling a little bit of MSG flavor-enhancing product, like Accent, onto your dog’s kibble can change the stool’s flavor, making it taste unpleasant. Most dogs respond quickly, and often in veterinary practice, we’d see results in three or four days.
More Prevention Tips
Prevention is the key solution to this problem.
Dogs might eat poop simply because it’s available. Keeping your yard and their living area clean can help reduce the chances of them eating feces:
Immediate Clean-up: Pick up poop as soon as your dog defecates.
Designated Potty Area: Train your dog to use a specific area for pooping, making it easier to clean up.
Supervision: When outside, keep an eye on your dog to prevent them from eating poop.
Training command to prevent poop eating.
Leave It Command: Teach your dog the “leave it” command to prevent them from eating poop.
Reward your dog with treats and praise when they obey commands and avoid poop. Be consistent with your training efforts. Repetition and positive reinforcement are key. Be sure to use these products safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Consult Your Vet
If home remedies don’t seem to work, or if you suspect a medical issue, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out medical conditions and provide professional advice:
Health Check: A thorough check-up can identify any health issues that might be causing the behavior.
Special Diets: Your vet might recommend a special diet if nutritional deficiencies are detected.
Behavioral Therapy: In some cases, professional behavioral therapy might be needed.
While dealing with a dog that eats poop can be challenging, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and using effective home remedies can help address the issue. Try the solutions and I am sure that you will get rid of this problem. Though it’s not a real problem but it’s gross. With patience and persistence, you can help your furry friend break this habit and enjoy a healthier, happier life together.
