Dog Ate Rabbit Poop: What You Need to Know

Is your four-legged friend treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet of bunny droppings? Don’t worry - you’re not alone in dealing with this rather unsavoury habit. Let’s dig deeper into why dogs find rabbit poop irresistible and what you can do about it.

Why Do Dogs Eat Rabbit Poop?

Our canine companions have several reasons for this peculiar snacking habit, a behavior known as coprophagia:

• Natural Scavenging: Dogs are natural scavengers, and this behavior stems from their ancestral habits of exploring their environment through taste and smell. According to research from the American Kennel Club (AKC), this instinct is deeply ingrained in their DNA, making them prone to investigating and sometimes consuming various items they encounter, including rabbit droppings.

• Nutritional Interest: Rabbit droppings are high in fiber and B vitamins, which might attract dogs if they feel their diet is lacking these nutrients. The digestive enzymes present in rabbit poop can also be appealing to dogs. This nutritional aspect might explain why some dogs seem particularly drawn to these ‘pellets of interest’ they find in the garden or during walks.

• Simple Curiosity: Sometimes, it’s just a case of “see poop, eat poop” - dogs explore their world through their mouths! This exploratory behavior is particularly common in puppies who are still learning about their environment. However, adult dogs may also indulge in this habit out of sheer curiosity or boredom.

• Behavioral Factors: In some cases, dogs may eat rabbit poop due to underlying behavioral issues such as anxiety or stress. It could also be a learned behavior, especially if they’ve observed other dogs doing it or if they’ve received attention (even negative attention) for this behavior in the past.

Is Rabbit Poop Dangerous for Dogs?

Good news - rabbit poop is generally not harmful to dogs. However, there are some health considerations to keep in mind:

• Upset Stomach: Some dogs might experience mild digestive issues after eating rabbit droppings. If your dog shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or refuses to eat or drink, it’s important to contact your vet for advice.

• Parasites: While most rabbit parasites don’t affect dogs, there’s still a small risk of picking up certain organisms. Rabbits can carry parasites like coccidia or giardia, which could potentially infect your dog if ingested in large quantities.

• Indirect Risks: The bigger concern isn’t the poop itself but the rabbits - wild rabbits can carry fleas and ticks that might affect your dog. If your dog develops any unusual symptoms after consuming rabbit droppings, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.

• Medication Risks: While less common with rabbit poop, it’s worth noting that some types of animal feces, particularly from livestock or horses, can contain worming medications that are dangerous for dogs. Always be cautious about what your dog is consuming during walks or in the garden.

How to Stop Your Dog Eating Rabbit Poop

Here are some practical solutions to keep your pup from this unsavoury snacking:

1. Proper Nutrition: Ensure your dog’s diet includes high-quality protein and necessary nutrients. Consider switching to a complete, natural diet like Pala Petfoods’ air-dried raw food, which provides all the nutrients your dog needs, including human-grade protein, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

2. Training Commands:

   • Teach a solid “leave it” command. This can be invaluable in preventing your dog from eating not just rabbit poop, but any undesirable items they might encounter.
   • Practice recall training. A dog that responds quickly to your call is less likely to have the opportunity to snack on rabbit droppings.
   • Reward good behavior with healthy treats. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging desired behaviors.

3. Environmental Management:

   • Keep your garden clean and regularly check for rabbit droppings. The less opportunity your dog has to find these ‘treats’, the less likely they are to develop a habit of eating them.
   • Consider fencing off areas where rabbits frequently visit. This can help reduce your dog’s access to rabbit poop.
   • Supervise your dog during garden time. This allows you to intervene quickly if you see your dog showing interest in rabbit droppings.

4. Redirection and Enrichment:

   • Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation for your dog. A bored dog is more likely to engage in undesirable behaviors.
   • When on walks, keep your dog engaged with toys or treats to distract them from searching for rabbit poop.

Prevention Through Nutrition

A well-balanced diet can help reduce scavenging behaviors. Pala Petfoods’ natural, air-dried raw food options provide:

• High-quality protein from human-grade meats
• Essential nutrients and vitamins
• No artificial additives or fillers
• Easy digestibility

By ensuring your dog’s nutritional needs are fully met, you can reduce their interest in seeking out alternative food sources like rabbit poop.

When to See a Vet

While eating rabbit poop isn’t usually dangerous, contact your vet if your dog:

• Shows signs of stomach upset
• Develops diarrhea or vomiting
• Seems lethargic or unwell
• Has a reduced appetite

Remember, while this habit might seem gross to us, it’s relatively common in dogs. With proper management, nutrition, and training, you can help your furry friend kick this unsavoury habit to the curb.

Want to learn more about your dog’s dietary habits? Check out our related articles about what happens if your dog ate poop or other dietary concerns. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy, free from the temptation of rabbit poop snacking!