HELP! My dog is eating poop
Written by N |
It’s a bit of a gross topic, but poop eating in dogs (also known as coprophagia) is a common issue. Your dog might only eat the poop of other animals. Horse manure, for example, is something many dogs enjoy. While this is actually normal behaviour, it can still be dangerous. Unfortunately, some dogs also eat their own poop or the poop of other dogs.
Why does a dog eat poop?
The first reason is that dogs like the taste. Especially the poop of herbivores is often popular. Eating poop from other dogs can have several causes.
Some dogs do it because they are hungry. These are often pets on a diet or dogs on medication where increased appetite is a side effect.
It is also often learned behavior. For example, due to incorrect house-training. If a puppy is punished for pooping indoors, they may learn to “clean up the evidence.” It can also result from insufficient stimulation at a young age — in that case, they may start eating poop out of boredom.
How do I stop my dog from eating poop?
Poop eating can be difficult to unlearn. It is self-rewarding, since many dogs find it tasty — sometimes even more so than the treats you carry as a reward. It’s important to try and discover why your dog started eating poop in the first place.
If hunger is the cause, consider whether your dog feels more satisfied on a different diet. For dogs on a weight-loss plan, switching to a high-fiber diet food like Hill’s Metabolic can help.
For learned behavior, you can try a few different strategies. Think of distraction with a game if you know you’re in an area where poop is present. Or if your dog loves balls, offer a ball to carry during your walks.
It does require patience. Consistent correction is the most successful method, but also the most demanding.
If medical causes have been ruled out and you’re still struggling, it may be wise to consult a behavioral therapist.
