Why Do Dogs Eat Poop

Why do dogs eat poop? Dogs eat poop can be both puzzling and distressing for pet owners, you wonder if a nutritional deficiency or mental problem is causing this behavior. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why dogs engage in this seemingly bizarre habit and discuss what you can do to address it.

What is Coprophagia?

Coprophagia is the scientific term used to describe the behavior of animals, including dogs, consuming feces, whether it's their own or that of other animals. This behavior is often perplexing and unappealing to pet owners, and it can be a source of concern. Coprophagia can manifest in various forms, such as a dog eating its own feces, consuming the feces of other animals, or even eating the feces of other dogs in the same household.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?

While coprophagia (the act of dogs eating poop) is relatively common, it is not considered a "normal" or desirable behavior in dogs. Many dogs engage in coprophagia at some point in their lives, but it is generally considered a behavioral problem that should be addressed. 
A study of over 1,500 dogs found that 23% of dogs were seen eating poo at least once in their lifetime, with 16% of dogs being described as ‘frequent stool eaters’. Dogs that were found to often eat poo were likely to be:

• Described as greedy eaters by their owners
• Living with other dogs
• A terrier or a hound (Shetland Sheepdogs were most common and Poodles were least common)

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Dogs eat poop, a behavior known as coprophagia, for various reasons, and understanding these reasons can help pet owners address and manage this behavior effectively. Here are some common reasons why dogs may eat poop:

• Dogs Like Eating Poo
  
• Nutritional Deficiencies
  
• Maternal Instinct
  
• Medical Issues
  
• Stress and Anxiety
  
• Attention-Seeking Behavior

1. Dogs Like Eating Poo

Some dogs may develop a preference for feces due to their individual tastes, which can be challenging to address. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, and they can detect odors that humans cannot. Some dogs may be drawn to the scent of undigested fats, proteins, or other components in feces, which they find appealing.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

If a dog is not receiving adequate nutrition from its regular diet, it may try to compensate by eating feces. In some cases, dogs are attempting to obtain missing nutrients, especially if they smell undigested food in the feces.

3. Maternal Instinct

In some cases, mother dogs may eat their puppies' feces to keep the nest clean and protect them from predators. Puppies may mimic this behavior.

4. Medical Issues

Certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems, malabsorption disorders, parasites, or enzyme deficiencies, can lead to an increased interest in feces. If coprophagia is sudden or excessive, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical concerns.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Some dogs may eat feces as a coping mechanism when they are anxious, bored, or stressed. Addressing the underlying anxiety through training, exercise, and mental stimulation can help reduce this behavior.

6. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs may eat poop to get a reaction from their owners, even if it's negative attention. 

When a puppy or dog picks up feces, the typical reaction from their owner is to react with surprise or concern and often to say something like "drop it" or "no." For some puppies, this may startle them, causing them to drop the poop and avoid it in the future. However, for others, the shouting or attention from the owner may be interpreted as an invitation to play, leading to a reinforcement of the behavior.

Pet owners need to be mindful of their reactions and avoid inadvertently reinforcing coprophagia through excessive attention, whether positive or negative. Instead, it's better to focus on training and using positive reinforcement techniques to discourage the behavior and reward good behavior. This can help break the cycle of attention-seeking coprophagia in dogs.

Can Dogs Get Sick from Eating Poop?

Yes, dogs can get sick from eating poop, as feces can contain various harmful pathogens and parasites. Some of the diseases and parasites that can be transmitted through coprophagia include:

• Worms
  
• Parvovirus
  
• Heartworms
  
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis
  
• Campylobacteriosis
  
• Giardia
  
• Nutritional Imbalance
  
• Compromised Immune System

1. Worms

Feces can contain worm eggs or larvae, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. When a dog consumes feces that contain these parasites, they can become infected, leading to intestinal issues and other health problems.

Roundworms

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They produce eggs that can be found in feces. Ingesting contaminated feces can lead to roundworm infection, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and other health issues.

Hookworms

Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that can be transmitted through feces. They can penetrate the dog's skin or be ingested through coprophagia, leading to infections that cause anemia, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms consist of segmented bodies, and each segment contains eggs. When a dog consumes feces containing tapeworm segments or eggs, they can develop tapeworm infestations, which may result in digestive issues and irritation around the anus.

2. Parvovirus

This highly contagious and potentially deadly virus can be present in the feces of infected dogs. If a dog eats feces contaminated with parvovirus, they can contract the disease, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration.

3. Heartworms

Feces may contain mosquitoes that have ingested heartworm larvae. If a dog consumes infected feces, it can lead to heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects a dog's heart and lungs.

4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis

This viral infection can be shed in an infected dog's feces. Ingesting feces containing the virus can lead to hepatitis and other health issues in dogs.

5. Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter bacteria, which can cause gastrointestinal infections, can be found in feces. Consuming contaminated feces can lead to campylobacteriosis, characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.

6. Giardia

Giardia is a protozoan parasite commonly found in contaminated water and fecal matter. Dogs can contract Giardia by eating poop, and it can result in diarrhea and other digestive issues.

7. Nutritional Imbalance

If a dog eats feces as a way to compensate for missing nutrients in their diet, it can lead to an imbalance in their nutrition, potentially causing malnutrition or other health problems.

8. Compromised Immune System

In some cases, repeated exposure to harmful pathogens from eating feces can weaken a dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses.

Why Do Dogs Eat Chicken Poop?

Chicken poop, like other kinds of poop, is something for dogs to scavenge. Like eating dog poop, eating cat poop can be due to behavioural reasons, especially if a big fuss is made when they eat it. It could also be due to medical reasons – they might be looking for nutrients in chicken poop, or they might have an intestinal parasite, like flatworm in dogs .

How to Stop Dogs from Eating Poop (Home Remedies)?

Stopping dogs from eating poop, or coprophagia, can be challenging, but there are various strategies you can try, including some home remedies. Here are some tips for different situations:

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs

Puppies: Coprophagia in puppies can sometimes be a phase they outgrow as they mature. It's crucial to supervise them closely when outside and be ready to intervene if they attempt to eat feces. Use basic obedience training commands like "leave it" or "drop it" to redirect their attention.

Adult Dogs: For adult dogs with an established coprophagia habit, you can use similar training techniques. Consistency and patience are key. Make sure your dog understands basic commands like "leave it" and "come."

Keep the Environment Clean

One of the most effective ways to prevent coprophagia is to promptly clean up after your dog. Remove feces from your dog's living area and any outdoor spaces where they roam to eliminate the opportunity for them to indulge in this behavior.

Dogs with Underlying Health Conditions

If your dog's coprophagia is linked to a health issue, such as a nutritional deficiency or gastrointestinal problem, consult with your veterinarian. They can diagnose and treat the underlying condition, which may help reduce the behavior.

Modify the Diet

Your veterinarian may suggest a change in your dog's diet or the addition of supplements or multivitamins. Ensuring that your dog is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet can reduce the desire to seek missing nutrients from feces.

Pumpkin to stop dog eating poop

If your dog is eating its own feces (coprophagia) due to digestive issues or other reasons, addressing the underlying gastrointestinal problem is essential. Incorporating pumpkin and probiotics can help with this.
To use pumpkin, add a small amount to your dog's regular food. The recommended amount typically ranges from 1 to 4 tablespoons.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. They are often recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea or food sensitivities. Probiotic supplements can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.

Help dogs reduce stress

Anxiety or boredom can contribute to coprophagia. To address this:

• Mental Stimulation: Provide puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games to keep your dog mentally engaged.
• Physical Exercise: Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress.
• Training: Positive reinforcement training can help redirect your dog's focus and reinforce good behavior. Reward your dog when they obey commands like "leave it" or "come."
• Reduce Stress: Identify and alleviate sources of stress in your dog's environment. Comforting, creating a safe space, or using calming aids may help anxious dogs.

Does Pineapple Help & How Much Pineapple to Give Dog to Stop Eating Poop?

Pineapple is sometimes suggested as a natural remedy to deter coprophagia (the act of eating poop) in dogs because it contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can make feces taste less appealing to dogs due to its acidic and pungent nature. 
If you decide to try using pineapple to discourage coprophagia in your dog, here are some considerations:

• Amount: You can offer your dog small amounts of fresh or canned pineapple as a treat. Start with a small portion to see if your dog accepts it and gradually increase the amount. Generally, one or two small pineapple chunks a day should suffice.
• Form: Fresh or canned pineapple (without added sugars or artificial sweeteners) is the preferred form. Avoid giving your dog pineapple that's soaked in syrup or contains artificial additives.

Can Eating Poop Kill Your Dog?

Eating poop, on its own, is unlikely to directly kill a dog. However, it can expose dogs to various health risks, including the potential for illness and the transmission of parasites or pathogens. These health risks, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, be life-threatening.

My Dog Eats Poop - When Should I Contact My Vet?

If your dog suddenly begins eating poop excessively, a behavior not seen before, it may signal an underlying problem, and it's advisable to reach out to your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical issues.

Furthermore, if your dog displays symptoms of illness after consuming feces, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, or alterations in appetite or behavior, it is crucial to contact your vet promptly. These symptoms might be indicative of a health problem linked to coprophagia or an unrelated medical condition, such as a parasitic infection.

My Dog Ate Poop How Do I Clean His Mouth?

If your dog has eaten poop, it's essential to clean their mouth and ensure their oral hygiene. Here are steps you can take to clean your dog's mouth:

• Providing your dog with food and water can help dilute any remaining residue and wash away the taste. It can also help minimize any potential digestive upset caused by consuming feces.
• Gently wipe around your dog's mouth with a clean, damp cloth or a pet-safe mouthwash if you have one. 
• If you already have a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, you can use them to brush your dog's teeth. Do not use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to dogs.
• Give them a dental stick.
• Add teething powder to their food.

Conclusion

While coprophagia may be a perplexing and unpleasant behavior in dogs, it is essential to approach it with patience and understanding. By identifying the underlying cause and implementing appropriate strategies, you can help your furry friend overcome this habit and ensure their overall health and well-being. Remember that consulting with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer may be necessary to address more severe cases of coprophagia.