Why Dogs Eat Their Own Poop (And How to Stop It)

Does your dog have a rather unsavoury dining habit? While it might turn your stomach, dogs eating their own poop (known as coprophagia) is actually a relatively common behaviour. Let’s dig into why our four-legged friends sometimes develop this peculiar taste, and more importantly, how to stop it.

What is Coprophagia?

Coprophagia (pronounced kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh) is the scientific term for when dogs eat poop - whether their own or that of other animals. According to research from the University of California, Davis, about 16% of dogs are “serious” poop eaters, having been caught in the act at least five times. This means that if you’re walking your dog in a park with 100 other pooches, statistically speaking, 16 of them might be secretly craving a “poo-poo platter”. It’s a more widespread issue than many dog owners realise, and understanding its prevalence can help alleviate some of the embarrassment or concern you might feel if your furry friend has developed this habit.

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop?

Natural Instincts

Believe it or not, this behaviour has deep evolutionary roots. Mother dogs naturally clean up after their puppies by eating their poop - a behaviour that helps keep the den clean and protect the pups from predators. Some puppies may learn this behaviour from their mothers. This instinct is so ingrained that even modern, well-fed dogs living in clean homes may exhibit this behaviour. It’s a bit like how some humans still crave high-calorie foods even when we’re not facing food scarcity - our instincts don’t always catch up with our current living conditions.

Medical Reasons

Sometimes, coprophagia can signal underlying health issues. According to Petplan UK, potential medical causes include:

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Malabsorption syndromes
• Parasites
• Conditions affecting appetite
• Pancreatic insufficiency

These medical issues can lead to increased hunger or a compulsion to eat non-food items, including feces. For instance, if your dog has a condition that prevents proper nutrient absorption, they might instinctively try to recoup those nutrients by eating their own waste. It’s like their body’s misguided attempt at recycling!

Behavioural Causes

Many cases of coprophagia are behavioural in nature:

• Stress or anxiety
• Attention-seeking behaviour
• Boredom
• Learned behaviour
• Environmental stress (like being confined in small spaces)

Sometimes, dogs may eat poop simply because they’re bored or seeking attention. It’s the canine equivalent of a toddler throwing a tantrum in a supermarket - it might not be pleasant, but it certainly gets a reaction! Additionally, dogs that are anxious or stressed might engage in this behaviour as a coping mechanism, similar to how some humans might bite their nails when nervous.

Is It Dangerous?

While eating their own fresh poop is generally not harmful, there are some health risks to consider:

• Parasites and infections
• Digestive upset
• Transmission of certain diseases
• Dental hygiene issues

The risks increase significantly if your dog is eating the feces of other animals, especially if those animals are carrying parasites or diseases. It’s a bit like playing Russian roulette with your dog’s digestive system - you never know what nasty surprise might be lurking in that pile of poop!

How to Stop Your Dog Eating Poop

Dietary Solutions

Ensuring proper nutrition is crucial. High-quality, natural dog food (like Pala Petfoods’ air-dried raw options) can help ensure your dog gets all necessary nutrients. Some dogs may benefit from:

• Enzyme supplements
• Vitamin B supplementation
• Probiotic supplements

Switching to a high-quality diet can sometimes resolve the issue entirely. It’s like upgrading your dog’s menu from fast food to a gourmet meal - they might just lose interest in the ‘junk food’ options! Additionally, some dog owners have reported success with adding small amounts of pineapple or pumpkin to their dog’s food, which can make the poop taste unpleasant to the dog. It’s nature’s way of saying “No dessert for you!”

Environmental Management

According to Arden Grange, these practical steps can help:

• Clean up poop immediately after your dog defecates
• Keep your garden clean and poop-free
• Supervise your dog during walks
• Use a lead when necessary
• Keep litter boxes out of reach if you have cats

Think of it as a poop-prevention strategy - if there’s no poop available, your dog can’t eat it! This might mean being extra vigilant during walks, almost like a secret agent on a “poop patrol” mission. It might seem tedious, but it’s far better than dealing with the aftermath of a poop-eating spree.

Training Techniques

• Teach a solid “leave it” command
• Reward your dog for ignoring poop during walks
• Don’t punish the behaviour (this can increase anxiety)
• Create positive associations with moving away from poop

Training your dog to ignore poop can be a game-changer. You’re essentially teaching them that there are better things in life than a poop snack. Try carrying high-value treats on walks and lavishly praising your dog when they walk past poop without showing interest. It’s like teaching them to choose a gourmet meal over a garbage buffet!

When to See a Vet

Consult your veterinarian if:

• The behaviour starts suddenly
• Your dog shows other changes in appetite or behaviour
• You notice weight loss or other health changes
• The behaviour persists despite management attempts

Remember, sudden changes in behaviour can be a sign of underlying health issues. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and check with a professional if you’re concerned. After all, you wouldn’t ignore it if your human friend suddenly developed a taste for something highly unusual!

Prevention Tips

The best approach is prevention:

1. Feed a high-quality, complete diet
2. Maintain regular feeding times
3. Ensure plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
4. Keep your dog’s environment clean
5. Address any anxiety or stress issues
6. Regular veterinary check-ups

Prevention is all about creating an environment where your dog doesn’t feel the need or desire to eat poop. It’s like childproofing a house - you’re “poop-proofing” your dog’s life! Regular exercise and mental stimulation are particularly important. A tired, contented dog is much less likely to go searching for unorthodox snacks.

Remember, while this behaviour might be disgusting to us, it’s relatively normal in the dog world. With patience and consistent management, most cases can be successfully resolved. And who knows? You might even look back on this experience one day and laugh about the time your furry friend thought poop was a delicacy. After all, every dog has its quirks - this one just happens to be a bit messier than most!