Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

As a dog parent, chances are you’ve witnessed some strange behaviors, but finding your dog eating poop is definitely one of the more unpleasant surprises. It’s a behavior that can leave pet parents baffled and a little grossed out! 

From understanding why dogs eat poop to providing practical solutions and even discussing a few home remedies, you’ll find everything you need in this guide to help your furry friend overcome their poop-eating tendencies.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?

If you’ve caught your dog munching on something they really shouldn’t — like poop — you’re not alone. This behavior, known as coprophagia, might seem gross (and it is!), but it’s something many dog owners encounter at some point. While it’s not exactly “normal,” it’s a fairly common challenge in the world of pet parenthood, especially during certain stages of a dog’s life.

Puppy Stages

For puppies, eating poop can be part of their natural exploration as they figure out their environment. Just like babies put things in their mouths to understand them, puppies do the same — even with things that seem “yucky” to us. They often outgrow this phase as they mature, especially with some training and redirection from their humans. 

Mother’s Instinct 

But it’s not just puppies who sometimes indulge in this behavior. Mother dogs often eat their puppies’ poop after giving birth. This instinctive behavior helps keep the den clean and reduces odors that could attract predators. It’s nature’s way of helping moms keep their babies safe and sound. In this scenario, it’s completely normal and usually stops as the puppies become older and more independent.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

So, while poop eating might not be a behavior we want to see, it’s not always a cause for alarm — especially in puppies or new moms. However, if an adult dog starts this habit or if it becomes frequent, it’s worth looking into potential underlying reasons. 

Here are some of the most common reasons dogs might develop a taste for poop:

Nutritional Deficiencies 

If your dog’s diet is lacking in certain nutrients, they might resort to eating poop as a way to supplement what’s missing. This behavior is believed to be an instinctual way for dogs to obtain nutrients they’re not getting from their regular meals. If you suspect this might be the case, consult your veterinarian about your dog’s diet and consider adjusting it to ensure all nutritional needs are being met.

Hunger

Now, some of us pet parents feed our dogs a “healthy” amount for their size and breed, but they’re just never full! So your dog might eat poop simply because they’re hungry. 

If your dog isn’t getting enough food or if there are long gaps between meals, they may turn to less desirable sources to fill the void. Check in with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is eating the correct amount for their breed, size, exercise routine, and weight. A few simple changes to their feeding schedule could help curb this behavior.

Separation Anxiety

Some pet experts believe that stress, especially when a dog is left alone, can trigger poop eating. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may eat their own waste as a way to cope with the stress of being away from their owners. If you suspect this is the case, consider consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer for strategies to help ease their anxiety and make “alone time” less stressful for your pup.

Boredom

Boredom can lead dogs to engage in all sorts of behaviors, including eating poop, simply because they’re looking for something to do. Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day. Along with regular exercise, interactive toys, playtime, and bonding time both indoors and outdoors can help keep them engaged and prevent boredom from taking over.

They Like the Taste

Some dogs simply love the taste! Whether it’s their own poop, another dog’s, or even cat poop, they might be drawn to the smell, and it’s just too good to pass up. For some dogs, it might just be a tempting treat they can’t resist. Lovely, right? But if your dog suddenly starts eating poop out of nowhere, or seems to do it excessively, it’s a good idea to visit with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Learned Behavior

Dogs are great at picking up habits from one another. If your dog sees another dog eating poop, they might give it a try themselves. It’s a behavior they can learn through observation, even though it’s not a desirable one.

Fear

In some cases, a dog might eat their own poop out of fear. If they’ve been scolded for having accidents in the house, they might try to hide the evidence by consuming it, thinking it will keep them out of trouble. This is a behavior that requires patience and positive reinforcement to address.

Health Issues

Underlying health issues like intestinal parasites, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can sometimes lead to poop-eating behavior. These conditions can cause changes in appetite or digestion, making a dog more likely to engage in this undesirable habit. A check-up with your veterinarian is the best way to rule out any medical reasons for this behavior.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

If your dog has started eating cat poop from the litter box or the yard, you’re not alone — cat poop has a unique allure for some dogs! It’s thought that the higher protein content in cat food gives cat feces a more appealing taste and scent to dogs. While the reasons may be similar to why dogs eat their own or other dogs’ poop — like curiosity, nutritional gaps, or simply enjoying the taste — there’s something about cat poop that some pups find extra tempting.

Why Do Dogs Eat Rabbit Poop?

Just like with cat poop, many dogs are intrigued by rabbit poop. It may seem odd, but it’s not unusual for dogs to snack on rabbit droppings. In this case, the reasons are generally the same as for eating any other type of poop — curiosity, instinct, or simply enjoying the taste. Additionally, rabbit poop is herbivore-based, so it might have a different smell and texture that some dogs find appealing.

Is It Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Poop?

Yes, eating poop can pose several health risks for dogs. While it may seem like a harmless (albeit unpleasant) habit, it can expose your dog to harmful parasites and bacteria. Here are some of the potential dangers:

• Intestinal Parasites: Other animals’ feces can contain worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. When a dog ingests contaminated feces, these parasites can make their way into your dog’s body, causing digestive issues and more severe health problems if left untreated.
• Bacterial Infections: Feces from other animals may harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal distress (i.e. vomiting and diarrhea) and make your dog very sick.
• Toxins from Livestock Poop: If a dog eats feces from livestock that have recently been treated with deworming medications such as ivermectins, they could ingest residues of these drugs. This could potentially lead to toxicity and make your dog unwell.

To help minimize these risks, it’s crucial to ensure that your dog is on a regular flea, intestinal parasite, and tick prevention regimen. This not only protects your dog but also helps safeguard your home, family, and community from the spread of parasites. Dogs that are properly protected are less likely to suffer from infections or infestations picked up from eating feces.

How To Stop A Dog Eating Poop

“Is there a good poop-eating deterrent?”  you ask. Stopping a dog from eating poop takes perseverance and patience, as it’s a tough habit to break once your pooch has developed a taste for it. Here are some effective steps to help curb this behavior:

• Feed a high-quality diet. Ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients from their food. A balanced, high-quality diet can help reduce the urge to seek out extra “nutrients” from undesirable sources like poop.
• Provide exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs often eat poop out of boredom. Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical activity and mental challenges. This can be through puzzle toys or games to keep their mind engaged.
• Teach the “leave it” command. Training your dog to respond to commands like “leave it” or “no” can be a lifesaver when they’re tempted to eat something they shouldn’t. Praise them with treats, petting, and happy vocal tones when they follow the command.
• Supervise dogs when outside. Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re in the yard or on walks. If you notice them approaching feces, redirect their attention before they have a chance to indulge.
• Get a veterinary health check. If your dog’s poop-eating habit seems persistent or unusual, consult your veterinarian. A medical check-up can rule out underlying issues like nutritional deficiencies or parasites that might be contributing to the behavior.
• Remove access to litter boxes. If your dog is tempted by cat poop, try making the litter tray inaccessible to your dog. Use a covered litter box or place it in an area that’s out of your dog’s reach but easy for your cat to access. Don’t forget to keep the litter box clean to reduce temptation.
• Pick up poop promptly. Make sure you’re cleaning up poop as soon as your dog or other pets finish. This is one of the most effective ways to remove the opportunity for your dog to eat it.
• Check the yard regularly. Before letting your dog outside, inspect the yard for any poop left behind by neighboring animals. Removing potential temptations can help manage the undesirable habit.
• Focus on positive reinforcement. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog for eating poop, as this may encourage them to repeat the behavior for attention. Instead, praise them with treats and love when they ignore the poop or respond appropriately to your commands.

By following these steps, you can help reduce your dog’s interest in eating poop and encourage healthier habits.

Home Remedies for Dog Eating Poop

Are there any home remedies or natural deterrents that may stop a dog from eating poop? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, some dog owners have found success with a few natural additions to their dog’s diet. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly suggested remedies:

Prevention and intervention

As mentioned above, one of the best things you can do at home is prevention and training. Keep a close eye on your dog when they’re on a walk–and always make sure your yard is free from animal poop.

Pineapple

Adding small amounts of pineapple to your dog’s diet is a popular suggestion. The theory is that when digested, pineapple can make poop taste less appealing to dogs. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may alter the smell or taste of feces, making it less attractive. However, while some pet owners report success, there’s no strong scientific evidence to confirm that this method is effective for all dogs.

If you do choose to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, make sure you give it to your pup in moderation and speak to your veterinarian before adding anything new to their daily routine.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some believe that adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food can help deter them from eating poop. Apple cider vinegar may aid digestion and balance the digestive system’s pH levels, which could reduce the urge to eat feces. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding apple cider vinegar to your dog’s diet.

Pumpkin

Adding plain, canned pumpkin to your dog’s meals is another common home remedy. Pumpkin is high in fiber, which can help with digestion and may make their stool less palatable to eat. It’s important to use plain pumpkin without any added sugars or spices (i.e. no pumpkin pie filling!). 

While these remedies might work for some dogs, they aren’t guaranteed solutions. It’s best to try these under your veterinarian’s guidance and observe if there’s any improvement in your dog’s stool-eating behavior. If these home remedies don’t seem to work, focusing on training, proper diet, and veterinary advice can help address the root of the problem.

Final Thoughts on Dog Poop Eating

So, there you have it. Although poop eating can be “normal” for dogs, there are some dangers associated with this gross habit. But don’t stress — there are things you can do to help prevent them from continuing this odd behavior. 

If you’re worried about your dog eating poop, it’s always best to seek help and support from your veterinarian. Understanding what’s behind this behavior can help you address it more effectively and keep your dog happy and healthy. 

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980124

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vms3.92

“Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?” Blue Cross, Mar 23. 2021 https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/why-does-my-dog-eat-poop

Author Weisberger, Mindy “Don’t Poo-Poo This: Why Dogs Feast On Feces” Live Science, Jan 19. 2018 https://www.livescience.com/61477-why-dogs-eat-poop.html#:~:text=Domestic%20dogs,%20which%20can%20also,disease,%20prior%20research%20has%20suggested.