We know this is a topic you don’t necessarily want to think or talk about. But when your dog is eating poo, it is something you are forced to think about and perhaps Google any time it happens. You want an explanation and a solution NOW – and we don’t blame you!

So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research for you. Coprophagia (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh), a.k.a. poop eating, is behavioral and physiological and there are several reasons why your dog is doing it. In our research, we’ve found so many reasons that we’ve narrowed it down to the most common six found across the web. One of these reasons might land you a permanent solution to fix this unwanted and disgusting behavior.

IT’S A COMMON PROBLEM TO HAVE.

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, poop eating is a relatively common problem with dogs. You’re not alone! In fact, you might not be the only one reading this post right now. Sadly, one article stated that poop eating is often a reason people try to rehome a dog or even opt for euthanasia. Instead of rehoming your dog or worse, understand the problem and try a few things to help prevent it. Don’t give up. We are here to help.

WHY DO DOGS EAT FECES (poop)?

1. It is a behavioral problem, in one way or another. It could be anxiety!
2. Your poop eating dog could be associating it to real food.
3. It could be caused by a medical disorder.
4. It is a dietary deficiency.
5. It could stem form nesting behaviors.
6. It could be that your dog is trying to tell you something – like I am bored.

The veterinarian’s office is the best place to start in order to help you discover why your pet is eating poo. Dogs can get intestinal parasites by eating other dog’s feces. Talk to your vet about what options you might have or other things to consider.

HOW TO STOP YOUR PET FROM EATING POOP:

1. Take away the temptation by having a clean yard clear of any mounds. Clean up immediately after your pet the moment he takes care of business.
2. Visit your veterinarian to rule out any behavioral or health issues.
3. Train and/or use behavioral products to train your pet not to eat things that he should not. Teach him the “leave it” command. Offer a reward right after he takes care of his business and then re-direct.
4. Change your dog’s diet. When your dog inhales his food, does not chew it up completely and then spots it in his poo he could be trying to eat more of it!
5. Giving your dog supplements that deter them from eating their own feces could help.

We hope this helps you find a solution to your poo eating pup. Coprophagia is not a fun problem to have and many dogs do it. Talk to your veterinarian and try a few of the suggestions above before deciding that this problem is too great to tolerate. Pets are amazing creatures, but just like humans they are not perfect.

Good luck and thank you for reading our blog!

Other ‘HOW TO’ posts you might be interested in:

• 5 Hot Weather Safety Reminders for Pets
• How can you make road trips easier for pets?
• Make it a Calm Summer for your Dog or Cat

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