Imagine this: you're enjoying a walk with your dog in the park, the sun is shining, birds are chirping... and suddenly, your loyal four-legged friend dives nose-first into a fresh pile of poop. Before you know it, it's snatched up and swallowed.
You think: “My dog eats everything that isn't nailed down, but why on earth poop?” You're not alone! In this blog, we'll delve into the world of coprophagia (the eating of feces) and answer the most frequently asked questions we receive weekly from dog owners.
6 reasons why dogs eat poop
There are countless reasons why dogs eat poop. It's a behavior that surprises, disgusts, and sometimes even frustrates many owners. But for dogs, it's often very logical behavior.
1. Instinct and maternal love
You sometimes see the behavior early in puppies. Mother dogs eat their puppies' feces to keep the nest clean. This is a natural survival instinct: it prevents predators from smelling the nest and protects the little ones from diseases. Some puppies adopt this behavior, but usually, they grow out of it naturally.
2. Hunger or ravenousness
Simple but true: a hungry dog will quickly eat anything it finds, including poop. Dogs on a diet or not getting enough nutrients may look for alternatives. Poop still contains undigested nutrients, so for a hungry dog, it's a kind of 'snack'.
3. Nutrient deficiency
Sometimes a dog eats poop because it has a deficiency of certain vitamins, minerals, or enzymes. Especially if your dog also eats other strange things (stones, grass, mud), this could indicate a nutritional problem. Supplements like Bokashi, peat drench, or a complete dog food can help.
4. Boredom or stress
A dog that is bored or stressed may start exhibiting undesirable behaviors, such as eating poop. This is often seen in dogs that get too little exercise or mental stimulation, or in dogs that are left alone a lot.
5. Learned behavior or seeking attention
Some dogs learn that eating poop gets them attention, even if it's negative attention. After all, an angry owner is still an owner who looks at you! Especially young dogs can develop this behavior if they notice it has an effect, so make sure you know how to correctly punish your dog.
6. Medical causes
In rare cases, coprophagia can indicate a medical problem, such as a digestive disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or reduced pancreatic function. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog suddenly starts eating poop or if the behavior is extreme.
Why do dogs find poop tasty?
For us, it's unimaginable, but for dogs, poop is sometimes simply... tasty. The smell and taste of feces can be appealing, especially if the other animal's food is rich in fats or proteins. Cat poop, horse poop, and even human poop are favorites among many dogs. This is because these types of feces often still contain many undigested nutrients, which makes them extra attractive to dogs.
Is eating poop healthy?
Short answer: no, eating poop is not healthy for your dog. It carries several risks:
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Parasites and worms: Feces can contain worms and other parasites that can make your dog sick.
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Bacterial infections: Poop is full of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause stomach and intestinal problems.
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Toxic substances: If your dog eats poop from an animal that has ingested medication or toxic substances, it can be dangerous.
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Internal damage: Regularly eating poop can irritate the digestive system and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Sometimes your dog seems to have no problems, but the risks are real. Therefore, prevention is better than cure!
What to do if your dog eats poop? 8 steps to improvement
Your dog is eating poop – now what? Don't panic! There are several steps you can take:
1. Identify the cause
Try to find out why your dog eats poop. Is it hunger, boredom, stress, a nutrient deficiency, or perhaps a medical cause? This will determine the approach.
2. Check diet
Ensure your dog receives a complete, balanced diet. Consider a supplement if you suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Products like Bokashi or peat drench can support gut flora and reduce the urge to eat poop.
3. More exercise and mental stimulation
Boredom is a major culprit. Provide plenty of exercise, games, and mental challenges. A tired dog has less time (and inclination) to look for poop.
4. Clean up immediately
Does your dog eat its own poop? Clean it up immediately so it doesn't get a chance. This also applies to the garden or balcony. With the right dog poop bags, cleaning up also becomes much easier and more environmentally friendly.
5. Leashed walks
Walk your dog on a leash in places where there is a lot of poop. This way, you can intervene faster if it shows interest in a pile of poop.
6. Distract and reward
Distract your dog if it goes for poop. Use a toy, a ball, or a super tasty treat. Reward it profusely if it leaves the poop alone. Consistency is key here.
7. Behavior training
Use a command like 'leave it' and reward your dog when it obeys. Start this with puppies so they don't learn the behavior. Do you also suffer from barking? Then read our article on how to stop a dog from barking for extra tips.
8. Medical check-up
If your dog continues to eat poop despite all your efforts? Have it checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes.
The questions we receive weekly from pet owners
My dog eats other dogs' poop, is that dangerous?
Yes, because other dogs' poop can contain parasites, bacteria, or even medication residues. This can make your dog sick.
My puppy eats its own poop, will it grow out of it?
Often yes, especially if you don't unintentionally reward the behavior. Be consistent and clean up the poop immediately. Always use dog poop bags to keep it clean.
Is there a remedy for dogs eating feces?
There are supplements such as Bokashi, peat drench, and Puur Fit that can help, especially if the behavior is related to a nutrient deficiency or disrupted gut flora.
Is eating poop always a sign of a problem?
Not always. Sometimes it's just curiosity or instinct. But if the behavior appears suddenly or is extreme, it's wise to consult a veterinarian.
Do you also suffer from barking dogs in the neighborhood?
Then read our article on remedies for barking neighbor dogs or discover what to do about a barking dog for practical tips.
Finally: stay positive and consistent!
Eating poop is a persistent habit, but with patience, attention, and the right approach, you can often reduce or even completely stop the behavior.
Remember: punishment usually backfires and can worsen the problem. Reward good behavior, provide sufficient challenge, and keep an eye on their nutrition. This way, your dog will hopefully soon be a poop-free walking buddy again!