It's a common sight that can leave owners puzzled—dogs eating their own poo. While such behavior is unpleasant, it's surprisingly normal. The tendency of some dogs to eat their own poop or that of other animals has a scientific name: canine conspecific coprophagy. There's no known connection between diet and this condition, although a healthy diet rich in fibre seems to be what vets recommend. Good to know!

In this article, we'll look at why dogs sometimes eat their own poop and how to prevent it from happening.

What Is the Reason Behind the Behavior of Eating Faeces?

 There are various reasons why a dog may start eating poo, known as coprophagia. In some cases, this behavior is related to dietary deficiencies or hunger. If your pup isn’t getting enough of the nutrients and vitamins they need from their food, they may start eating stool as a way of supplementing their diet. It can also be caused by intestinal parasites or medical issues such as digestive problems.

Curiosity and playfulness can sometimes result in early  poo-eating behaviour in puppies. This may attract attention from owners, resulting in dogs or puppies continuing to exhibit the behaviour. With early intervention and consistent treatment, owners and vets can help to reduce the likelihood of behaviour becoming a long-term habit and correct behavioural issues that result in coprophagia.

Are All Dogs Prone to Eating Faeces?

While the behavior of eating poo is quite common in all breeds, some dogs are more likely to engage in it than others. Certain breeds like Labradors, Beagles, and Dachshunds seem to be genetically predisposed to the behavior. Puppies who have not been trained properly may be more prone to eating feces as a way of getting attention or demonstrating dominance over other pets.

Does a Healthy Diet Help Discourage Dogs from eating their poo?

Yes, by providing your dog with a balanced diet it’s less likely they will be tempted to eat their own poo. Make sure that you are paying attention to the nutritional needs of your pet, such as protein, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins. As long as these components are present in the food that you feed them then your dog should have less of an interest in consuming feces. Additional fibre is known to help improve the problem.

Will eating poop make my dog sick?

While in some cases it doesn't lead to any serious health problems, that doesn't mean it's particularly healthy, and pet owners should consider other methods of deterring the behavior to maintain their pup's well-being.

The most apparent problem associated with coprophagy is foul breath smell. As they eat their poop, parts of it will get stuck on the surface of their teeth or in between them, leading to foul-smelling breath. Faeces also have bacteria that can cause periodontal disease in dogs who frequently eat faeces.

Tips to Train Your Dog to Stop Eating Poop

• Limit access to poop. Dogs that want to eat poop prefer fresh feces, so pick up waste immediately from your yard. If you have cats, this also means cleaning out the litter box right after your cat goes and making sure to take put the waste somewhere your dog can't access.,
• Provide a toy for toilet breaks. If your dog is looking for things to eat in the yard when you let them out to do their business, bring along a toy or a treat for distraction. Don't leave them alone with time to search.,
• Stay positive in training. Work with positive reinforcement and treats to teach commands like 'leave it.' It can take time to break a bad habit, so be patient.,
• Try dietary supplements. If you've recently cut your dog's calories, you may want to switch to a high-fiber formula. Adding enzyme supplements can make the taste of their own poop less appealing. Some owners have found success in breaking the habit by adding papaya,  or crushed pineapple to dog food.

© weknowpets 2023