Royal Library

The question of why dogs eat feces is revolting to many owners. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can be distressing but is surprisingly common and usually has biological or behavioral causes.

Why Do Dogs Eat Feces?

• Puppies often explore by tasting everything, including feces.
• Some dogs eat feces to get attention or out of boredom.

Physiological Reasons

• Dogs may eat feces to compensate for a deficiency in their diet, especially in vitamin B.
• Medical issues like parasites, malnutrition, or malabsorption can lead to this behavior.

Health Risks

• While eating their own feces (autocoprophagia) usually isn’t harmful, ingesting feces from other animals can expose dogs to parasites, viruses, or toxins.

Managing and Preventing Coprophagia

Nutritional Supplements:

• Consider giving your dog a multivitamin or digestive enzyme supplement to address possible deficiencies.

Poop-Eating Deterrents:

• Use commercially available products that make feces taste bad to dogs.

Environmental Management:

• Keep your yard clean and dispose of feces regularly.
• Supervise your dog during walks and discourage access to litter boxes if you have cats.

Behavioral Training:

• Train your dog with commands like “leave it” and “come” to redirect their attention.
• Reward your dog for good behavior and for coming to you immediately after defecating.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If the behavior persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues and consider working with an animal behaviorist.

By understanding and addressing the reasons behind coprophagia, you can help your dog break this undesirable habit. 🐾