Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? and How To Make It Stop!

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I understand how disgusting it is to have a dog that is a poop eater, and it never fails; they want to lick you after they’ve just had a delicate morsel. Talk about gross! I have dealt with a few poop eater dogs myself. Dogs May eat poop, a behavior known as coprophagia, for several reasons. These are some strategies I’ve used to help eliminate the behavior.

• Behavioral Issues: Stress, anxiety, or boredom can lead to unusual behaviors, including eating poop. Dogs left alone for long periods may engage in this to pass the time.
• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs may eat poop because they get a reaction from their owners. Even negative attention can reinforce the behavior.
• Instinct: In the wild, some animals eat feces to keep their den clean or as a way to scent and attract predators. Puppies may also mimic the behavior of their mothers, who might clean up after them by consuming feces.
• Medical Conditions: Malabsorption syndromes, diabetes, or thyroid disease can lead to increased hunger or altered digestion, causing dogs to seek out feces for sustenance.
• Curiosity and Exploration: Dogs explore their environment through senses, including taste, and may simply be curious about the smell or texture of feces.

• Ensure a Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog receives all necessary nutrients. Consult your vet to ensure the dog’s food provides a complete and balanced diet to rule out any nutritional deficiencies.
• Keep the environment clean: Clean up poop immediately from your yard or wherever your dog has access. This removes the temptation.
• Train with Commands: Teach the “Leave it” or “Come” command so that you can redirect your dog whenever it approaches poop. Reward the dog with treats or praise for obeying.
• Provide Sufficient Exercise and Mental Stimulation:  Boredom can lead to coprophagia. Engage your dog in physical activity, interactive toys, and mental challenges to keep them occupied and reduce the likelihood of this behavior.
• Use Taste Deterrents: There are products designed to make dogs’ feces taste bad. You can add specific vet-approved additives to your dog’s diet or sprinkle deterrents like hot sauce (in small amounts) on your dog’s stool in the yard.
• Supervision: Closely supervise your dog during walks or outdoor time. If they show interest in poop, redirect their attention and reward them for ignoring it.
• Vet Checkup: If the behavior persists, consult your vet to rule out any underlying medical issues that might be causing the problem, like malabsorption, parasites, or other health concerns.

By combining prevention, training, and management, you can help to reduce or eliminate your dog’s poop-eating behavior. If this behavior is frequent or concerning, a vet visit is recommended to rule out any underlying medical issues.