How to Get Your Dog to Stop Eating Poop
Dogs are known for getting into food, whether it’s a bowl of unattended pasta or a bag of opened treats, but what if they start eating something else? That something else being poop.
It horrifies dog owners (and understandably so) but there may actually be a physiological reason behind the behavior.
Why Is My Dog Eating Poop and Throwing Up?
The act of eating poop is called coprophagia and it doesn’t just affect dogs; it can also affect cats and in some rare cases, humans.
While some puppies eat poop out of curiosity (they’re still learning about the world they’re in), most dogs that engage in this behavior do so for other reasons.
1. Nutritional Deficiency
Some dogs may start eating poop if they’re not getting the essential nutrients they need from their diet.
For example, they might have a pre-existing condition that prevents them from absorbing vitamins and minerals from their food.
Dogs that are deficient in thiamine aka vitamin B1 may also engage in poop-eating behavior. It’s their bodies’ way of trying to make up for it.
Fortunately, nutritional deficiencies are not common among dogs that are fed commercial pet foods, which are formulated to meet AAFCO standards.
Typically, it only becomes a problem if a dog eats homemade or raw foods regularly as they may not be nutritionally balanced.
2. Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause coprophagia. For example, diabetes can make a dog feel hungrier than usual and if they’re not satiated, they may start seeking out other food sources such as poop.
Parasites such as hookworms or roundworms can also cause a dog to ingest fecal matter. Once they’re in the body, they will ‘steal’ nutrients from the host, preventing them from absorbing the necessary vitamins and nutrients from their diet.
Left untreated, this can cause malnutrition, which can trigger poop-eating behavior.
3. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs will eat poop simply because they’re bored. They might even see it as a game, especially if they’ve done it before and received a lot of attention from it.
They might even test their limit and try to hop into the rabbit’’s litter box for a snack.
Unfortunately, however, there’s no way to know whether a dog’s poop-eating behavior is from an underlying medical condition or from boredom.
Remember, it’s not always obvious when a dog is sick. Just like their ancestors the wolves, they’re great at hiding signs of illness.
The only way to know would be to bring them to the vet, where they would be able to test them for malabsorption, diabetes and other conditions
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Poop?
Surprisingly, most dogs will not get sick from eating poop.
Having said that, it can increase their risk of some diseases such as Salmonella, E.coli, and giardia, all of which can cause diarrhea.
Parvovirus can also be transmitted via poop and is particularly dangerous for young puppies as it can damage the heart muscle and weaken the immune system. The virus also targets the small intestine lining, which will make their bodies more vulnerable to other infections.
Intestinal worms are another possibility if the poop they eat is contaminated with parasites.
While the risk is low, the parasites can also be transmitted to humans through their saliva. For example, a person can become infected through a bite or lick to the face.
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Eating Poop
It might seem overwhelming at first but it’s completely possible to stop your dog from eating poop.
1. Schedule a Vet Visit
Given how certain illnesses can cause a dog to eat poop, the first thing you want to do is bring them to the vet for a checkup.
Tell them about your dog’s poop-eating behavior and any other symptoms they may have and they will be able to conduct the necessary tests. For example, a dog with diabetes may also pee more frequently than usual, lose weight despite eating regularly, or have cloudy eyes.
Depending on the test results, the vet may recommend certain supplements or changing your dog’s diet altogether. They may also refer you to a nutrition specialist for further treatment.
2. Remove the Poop Right Away
Pick up the poop right away once they’ve gone potty. Don’t give them a chance to get at it.
If you let your dog out for potty breaks in the yard, be there with them so you can pick everything up once they’re done with their business.
Don’t leave the droppings in the yard and definitely don’t leave your pup outside unattended with said droppings.
For those with other animals such as cats or rabbits, make sure their litter boxes are far away from your pup and that they won’t be able to access them.
3. Keep Them Entertained
If your dog eats poop because they’re bored, giving them a chew toy or puzzle may be all that it takes to stop the behavior.
Keeping them mentally stimulated with brain games can also help. For example, you can teach them new tricks or phrases. Just don’t forget to reward them with a treat if they do a good job!
Speaking of treats, you can also use a snuffle mat during mealtimes to give them some mental stimulation.
4. Feed Them More Frequently
Dogs with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or malabsorption typically eat poop because they’re hungry so you may be able to prevent it by feeding them more often.
Keep in mind, however, that it won’t be a long term solution. While it may prevent your dog from eating poop in the short run, you’ll still need to treat the underlying condition.
Not to mention your pup will likely gain weight if they gobble down more food than usual every day!
