Why Does My Dog Eat Its Own Poop? 🤯💩

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: your dog chowing down on its own, or even other dogs’ poop is a thing. It’s called coprophagy, and while it’s definitely gross, it’s surprisingly common. There are a bunch of reasons why they do it, from nutritional deficiencies to just plain old boredom. Keep reading, we’re diving deep into this smelly subject!

Is It Normal For Dogs To Eat Poop?

Imagine Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving crimes, he’s investigating canine culinary curiosities. He’d probably tell you, “Elementary, my dear Watson, while disgusting to us, coprophagy isn’t always a sign of something seriously wrong.” But let’s be real, just because it can be normal doesn’t mean you should just shrug it off!

A small percentage of dogs engage in this behavior, and it’s important to understand that its roots can vary. Sometimes, it’s a learned behavior from their mothers. Momma dogs naturally clean up after their pups, and in some cases, puppies mimic this behavior. They might just be exploring the world with their mouths, like furry little toddlers. This usually stops as they mature, but not always.

Other times, it’s more about a dog’s environment. A dog that’s constantly crated or lives in an unclean space might start eating poop out of stress or boredom. They might even think they’re “cleaning up” to please their owner, especially if they’ve been scolded for accidents indoors. Think of it as a dog’s messed up version of trying to be helpful!

Certain breeds, like Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, seem to be more prone to this habit. It is potentially due to their genetics or their voracious appetites (and let’s face it, Labs will eat anything). So, if you have one of these breeds, you might need to be extra vigilant.

Reasons Behind Poop Eating: Unpacking the Doo-Doo Dilemma

Alright, so why do dogs do this in the first place? Buckle up, because there’s a surprising number of possible answers!

One major factor is nutritional deficiencies. Your dog might be lacking essential vitamins or minerals in its diet. The logic is they are desperately searching for these nutrients in, well, poop. Sometimes, even a high-quality commercial dog food might not be enough, especially if your dog has trouble absorbing nutrients properly. This could be due to underlying digestive issues or parasites stealing nutrients before the body can absorb them.

Another sneaky culprit is enzyme deficiency. Digestive enzymes are crucial for breaking down food and extracting all the good stuff. If your dog isn’t producing enough of these enzymes, it might not be getting the full nutritional value from its meals, leading it to seek out undigested food remnants in feces.

Then there’s the smell and taste factor. Yep, you read that right. To your dog, poop might actually smell and taste appealing, especially if it’s from another animal. Think about it: dog food is often loaded with meat by-products and flavors that are designed to be irresistible. These flavors can carry through to the feces, making it a tempting snack for your canine pal.

Underlying Medical Issues: Conditions such as malabsorption syndromes, pancreatitis, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or thyroid problems can significantly increase appetite, leading to eating stool. Medication such as steroids can also have a similar impact.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Poop?

Okay, you’ve diagnosed the problem (or at least have some ideas), now what? Here’s a game plan to help break your dog’s poop-eating habit:

Rule out medical issues first: Before you start trying to train your dog out of this behavior, take it to the vet for a checkup. Your vet can run tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies. The vet can perform blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies and fecal exams to rule out parasites. If there’s a medical cause, treating it is the first and most important step.

Improve your dog’s diet: Switch to a higher-quality dog food that’s rich in essential nutrients. Look for foods that are specifically formulated for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Consider adding digestive enzymes to your dog’s food to help improve nutrient absorption. Probiotics can also be beneficial for gut health.

Pick up the poop ASAP: This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent coprophagy. As soon as your dog does its business, scoop it up and dispose of it properly. This eliminates the temptation altogether. When taking your dog for a walk, bring poop bags and be diligent about cleaning up after them.

Train the “leave it” command: Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is a game-changer. Start by practicing with treats. Hold a treat in your hand and say “leave it.” If your dog tries to get the treat, close your hand. Once your dog backs off, give it a different treat from your other hand. Gradually increase the difficulty by using more enticing items, like toys or even poop (from a distance, of course!).

Make poop unappealing: There are products you can add to your dog’s food that make their poop taste unpleasant. These products often contain ingredients like yucca extract, parsley, or MSG. These ingredients are not toxic to dogs, but they make the stool taste bitter, which can deter your dog from eating it. It’s important to follow the product instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian before using any additives.

Enrichment is key: Boredom can often lead to undesirable behaviors. Make sure your dog is getting enough mental and physical stimulation. Provide plenty of toys, especially puzzle toys that require them to work for their food. Rotate the toys regularly to keep things interesting. Regular exercise is also crucial. Take your dog for daily walks, runs, or play sessions. Interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war can also help burn energy and reduce boredom.

Address Anxiety: If your dog is eating poop out of anxiety or stress, try to identify the source of their anxiety and address it. Provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog, especially during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks. Calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety vests can also be helpful. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage your dog’s anxiety.

Consistency is crucial when addressing coprophagy. It may take time and patience to break your dog’s poop-eating habit. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing the training techniques, maintain a consistent routine, and celebrate small victories along the way. Over time, your dog will learn that eating poop is not rewarding, and they will eventually lose interest in the habit. If the problem persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you address your dog’s specific needs and challenges.