Leanne James 
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
Understanding and Managing Canine Coprophagia
Discovering your dog eating feces is one of the most disturbing and puzzling behaviors for pet owners. While this habit, known as coprophagia, is unpleasant to witness, it's actually more common than many people realize and has several potential causes.
Understanding why dogs engage in this behavior is the first step toward addressing it effectively. This comprehensive guide will explore the various reasons behind coprophagia and provide practical solutions to help curb this undesirable habit.
Did You Know?
Coprophagia is relatively common in dogs, with studies suggesting 16% of dogs are classified as "serious" stool eaters and up to 24% have been observed eating stool at least once.
Quick Navigation
Common Causes of Coprophagia
Did You Know?
Mother dogs naturally eat their puppies' feces to keep the den clean, which may explain why the behavior persists in some adult dogs.
Behavioral Causes
Many cases of coprophagia stem from behavioral rather than medical issues.
Natural Instinct
Wild canids often eat feces to keep their dens clean and avoid attracting predators to their young.
Attention Seeking
Some dogs learn that eating poop gets a strong reaction from their owners, which they interpret as attention.
Boredom or Anxiety
Dogs left alone for long periods may eat stool out of boredom or as a coping mechanism for stress.
Curiosity
Puppies especially may explore their world with their mouths, including investigating feces.
Medical and Nutritional Causes
Sometimes coprophagia indicates an underlying health or nutritional issue.
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enzyme Deficiency | Dogs may seek digestive enzymes present in feces |
| Malabsorption | Conditions like EPI prevent proper nutrient absorption |
| Parasites | Intestinal worms can increase hunger and nutrient stealing |
| Poor Diet | Low-quality food may not meet nutritional needs |
| Medications | Some drugs like steroids can increase appetite |
| Medical Conditions | Diabetes, thyroid issues, or Cushing's disease can increase hunger |
Important Note
Always consult with your veterinarian if your dog starts eating stool suddenly or the behavior intensifies. Medical causes should be ruled out before assuming it's a behavioral issue.
Most Common Types of Coprophagia
Understanding what type of feces your dog prefers can provide clues to the underlying cause.
Health Implications and Risks
Health Warning
While many dogs who eat feces show no immediate ill effects, the practice can transmit parasites and diseases. Always consult your veterinarian if you're concerned about your dog's health.
Potential Health Risks
Coprophagia can expose dogs to various health issues.
Parasite Transmission
Feces can contain intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia that can be transmitted through ingestion.
Bacterial Infections
Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful bacteria may be present in feces, especially from sick animals.
Viral Exposure
Parvovirus and other viruses can be shed in feces and remain infectious for extended periods.
Toxin Ingestion
If the stool comes from an animal that ingested toxins or medications, these can be passed to your dog.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Certain signs indicate your dog needs immediate veterinary attention.
| Symptom | Potential Concern |
|---|---|
| Sudden Behavior Change | New onset coprophagia could indicate medical issues |
| Vomiting or Diarrhea | Possible bacterial infection or parasite burden |
| Lethargy | Could indicate systemic illness or infection |
| Weight Loss | May signal malabsorption or parasites stealing nutrients |
| Increased Thirst/Urination | Could indicate metabolic diseases like diabetes |
Expert Tip
Regular fecal exams (at least annually) are important for all dogs, but especially for those who engage in coprophagia. This helps detect parasites before they cause serious health issues.
Effective Solutions for Coprophagia
Key Insight
There's no single solution that works for all dogs. You may need to try several approaches to find what works for your specific situation.
Management Strategies
Preventing access to feces is the first line of defense.
Immediate Cleanup
Remove feces from your yard immediately after your dog defecates to eliminate the opportunity.
Supervised Potty Breaks
Keep your dog on leash during bathroom breaks so you can redirect them immediately after they finish.
Muzzle Training
A basket muzzle can prevent stool eating during walks where you encounter other animals' feces.
Environmental Control
Keep litter boxes out of reach and regularly clean areas where your dog has access to feces.
Dietary and Supplement Approaches
Nutritional adjustments can help address some underlying causes.
| Approach | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Quality Diet | Switch to a high-quality, highly digestible dog food |
| Enzyme Supplements | Add digestive enzymes to food to improve nutrient absorption |
| Probiotics | Support healthy gut flora with probiotic supplements |
| For-Bid Products | Use commercial products that make stool unappealing |
| Pineapple or Pumpkin | Some owners report success with these natural additives |
| Meat Tenderizer | A small amount can make stool less palatable (consult your vet first) |
Training Tip
Teach a solid "leave it" command using high-value treats. Practice in low-distraction environments first, then gradually add more challenging scenarios, including around feces.
Preventing Coprophagia
Early Intervention with Puppies
Prevention is easier than treatment when it comes to coprophagia.
Clean Environment
Keep puppy areas meticulously clean to prevent the habit from forming.
Proper Nutrition
Feed a high-quality puppy food that meets all nutritional requirements.
Supervision
Watch puppies during potty breaks and redirect them immediately after elimination.
Training
Teach "leave it" early and reward for ignoring feces.
Environmental Management
Create an environment that discourages coprophagia.
Regular Yard Maintenance
Clean up feces immediately and consider installing fencing to keep out wildlife.
Litter Box Solutions
Use covered litter boxes or place them in areas inaccessible to your dog.
Enrichment Activities
Provide plenty of toys and activities to prevent boredom-related coprophagia.
Proper Exercise
Ensure your dog gets adequate physical and mental stimulation daily.
Did You Know?
Dogs who receive regular mental stimulation and environmental enrichment are 40% less likely to develop coprophagia compared to dogs in less stimulating environments.
Understanding Different Types of Coprophagia
Key Insight
The type of feces your dog prefers can provide important clues about the underlying cause of their coprophagia.
Autocoprophagia (Eating Own Stool)
When dogs eat their own feces, it often suggests nutritional or medical issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Dogs may be seeking undigested nutrients from their own stool.
Malabsorption
Conditions like EPI or pancreatic issues can lead to nutrient malabsorption.
Hunger
Dogs who are underfed or on calorie-restricted diets may eat their stool.
Learned Behavior
Some dogs develop the habit and continue it even after the initial cause is resolved.
Interspecific Coprophagia (Eating Other Animals' Stool)
When dogs prefer other animals' feces, it often relates to dietary preferences.
Cat Feces
High protein content makes cat feces particularly appealing to some dogs.
Herbivore Feces
Horse, rabbit, or deer manure may be attractive due to partially digested plant matter.
Other Dog Feces
Dogs may be attracted to the scent markers or undigested food in other dogs' stool.
Coprophagic Preference
Some dogs develop specific preferences for certain types of feces.
Special Concern: Cat Litter
Dogs who eat cat feces from litter boxes may also ingest clumping litter, which can cause serious intestinal blockages. Use covered litter boxes or place them in inaccessible areas.
Key Takeaways
Coprophagia is a common but complex behavior with multiple potential causes. The most effective approach involves:
- First ruling out medical causes with a veterinary examination
- Implementing immediate management to prevent access to feces
- Addressing potential nutritional deficiencies with diet changes or supplements
- Using training techniques like "leave it" to teach alternative behaviors
- Providing adequate mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom
- Maintaining a clean environment to remove temptation
- Being patient and consistent with your approach
While coprophagia is unpleasant for owners to witness, with proper management and treatment, most dogs can overcome this behavior or have it significantly reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
While many dogs who eat feces show no immediate ill effects, the practice does carry health risks. Feces can contain parasites, bacteria, viruses, and potentially toxins if the source animal ingested something harmful. Regular veterinary check-ups and fecal exams are recommended for dogs who engage in coprophagia.
Cat feces are particularly appealing to many dogs because cat food is high in protein, which makes their stool protein-rich as well. The strong odor may also be attractive to dogs. Additionally, the texture of cat feces (often firm and well-formed) may be appealing to some dogs.
Some owners report success with pineapple, pumpkin, or meat tenderizer added to their dog's food. The theory is that these ingredients make the stool less palatable. However, scientific evidence supporting these remedies is limited, and they don't work for all dogs. These approaches are generally safe to try but should be part of a comprehensive management plan.
Sudden onset coprophagia warrants a veterinary examination. New medical issues like malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, parasites, or other health problems could be triggering the behavior. Certain medications can also increase appetite and lead to coprophagia. Always rule out medical causes before assuming it's behavioral.
Hunger can be a factor in some cases, particularly if dogs are underfed or on severely calorie-restricted diets. However, many dogs with coprophagia have adequate food intake. More commonly, the issue relates to nutrient absorption rather than quantity of food. If you suspect hunger is a factor, consult your veterinarian about appropriate feeding amounts.
Punishment is generally ineffective for coprophagia and can create additional behavior problems. Dogs may simply learn to eat feces when you're not watching. Positive reinforcement training (teaching "leave it" and rewarding compliance) combined with management (preventing access) is more effective and preserves your relationship with your dog.
Coprophagia is relatively common in puppies, who are naturally curious and explore the world with their mouths. Mother dogs also naturally clean their puppies' feces, which may influence the behavior. However, it's important to address the habit early through management and training to prevent it from becoming a long-term behavior.
References and Further Readings
You May Want to Know
About the Author
