Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop From It?

If your dog likes to eat feces of its own or other animals, you are not alone. Dog lost statistics find that 22% of dogs like to eat their feces or other animals. Although this dog-eating poop phenomenon which is called coprophagia, is common but it's yucky for us humans. 

We can understand your situation if you are unfamiliar with this gross habit. Don’t panic. This is entirely normal, and there are effective ways to eliminate this unpleasant habit in dogs. 

Eating their own feces has significant health benefits in other animals like rabbits, such as more vitamin B and nutrients. Rabbits might feel sick if they don’t eat their feces. 

Dogs inherit this habit from their ancestral descendants, wolves. This wild decent would eat poop to prevent the spread of intestinal parasites around their living areas. 

In this article, we have discussed in detail why dogs eat poop and how to stop it. Let's take a deep dive in. 

Why Dogs Eat Poop?

Although it is not entirely known why dogs eat poop but there are a few theories. Below,  we have outlined a few reasons why dogs eat feces.  

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Dogs might eat poop because they lack certain nutrients in their diet. This behavior, coprophagia, can occur if a dog’s food lacks all the necessary vitamins and minerals. They might try to get these missing nutrients from feces.

2. Inappropriate Food Supply

If dogs are not fed correctly or if their food is of low quality, they may start eating their poop. An inadequate food supply drives them hungry, which leads them to seek other sources of nutrients, including feces of their own or other animals. This helps them to fill up their belly and not get hungry. 

3. Compulsive Behavior

Some dogs develop compulsive behaviors, such as eating poop. This might be due to a range of psychological issues similar to obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans. It becomes a habit that’s hard to break.

4. Boredom

Dogs that are left alone for long periods or don’t get enough mental stimulation may eat poop out of boredom. They might engage in this behavior as a way to entertain themselves. Studies suggest that dogs who live alone in basements or in places with less contact with humans tend to eat their feces more than other animals. 

5. Fear of Punishment

Many times, we tend to punish dogs for improving their behavior. While horse training a dog not to eat poop, If dogs have been punished harshly, they may eat their poop to hide the evidence. This behavior stems from the fear of getting into trouble with their owners.

6. Health Conditions

Certain health issues, such as parasites, diabetes, or thyroid problems, can lead to coprophagia. These conditions may affect the dog’s appetite or how their body absorbs nutrients, leading them to seek additional food sources, including feces.

7. Anxiety or Stress

Training your dog to avoid poop is essential. Use commands like “leave it” or “no” when they approach feces. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog for ignoring poop, can be very effective.

8. Maybe Curiosity

Sometimes, dogs eat poop simply out of curiosity. They explore the world with their mouths, and feces is another thing for them to investigate. Thus, many times, it is seen that they start eating their poop or other animals out of curiosity.

9. Instinctive Scent and Taste

Some dogs are attracted to the smell and taste of poop. This instinctive behavior can be traced back to their ancestors, who might have eaten feces to keep their dens clean or to avoid attracting predators.

How to Stop It

As a dog owner, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind your dog's coprophagia. This understanding will guide you in implementing the most effective strategies to prevent this behavior. 

If your dog is going through medical conditions, you will have one process, and if they are doing it out of curiosity and other reasons, you will need to take another mechanism to stop them from doing it. 

Below we have outlined several reasons on how to prevent your dog from eating poop, but it's crucial to consult a veterinarian before implementing any of these strategies. A vet can provide personalized advice based on your dog's health, diet, and behavior.

1. Vitamin Supplements

If you are suffering from nutritional deficiency, providing vitamin supplements can help a lot. These supplements can fill in the nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet.

2. Enzyme Supplements

Enzyme supplements are another crucial way to stop your doing from eating poop. It can help with proper digestion and nutrient absorption. They can also ensure your dog gets the most out of their food, reducing the need to seek nutrients elsewhere.

3. Taste-Aversion Products

Products that make poop taste terrible can be effective. These products are added to the dog’s food and cause their feces to have an unpleasant taste, discouraging them from eating it.

4. Clean Dog's Environment

Keeping your dog’s living area clean is crucial. Regularly pick up and dispose of feces in your yard and when you’re out for walks. This reduces the chances of your dog encountering and eating poop.

5. Provide A Nutrient-Rich Diet

Ensuring your dog’s diet is well-balanced and nutrient-rich can prevent nutritional deficiencies that lead to coprophagia. Consult your vet to choose the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.

6. Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated can reduce boredom-related poop eating. Provide plenty of toys, playtime, and exercise to keep them entertained.

7. Train The Dog About Poop

Training your dog to avoid poop is essential. Use commands like “leave it” or “no” when they approach feces. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog for ignoring poop, can be very effective.

A Statistical Report on Dog Eating Poop

Various research studies have been conducted on dogs' coprophagia behavior. As said earlier, 22 % of dogs have at least eaten their own feces. On the other hand, It is seen that female dogs are more likely to eat poop than male ones. Furthermore, dogs are more likely to eat soiled or old poop than fresh ones. 

On another note, renowned veterinary specialist Dr. Benjamin Hart once published a paper in the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior that said that 16% of dogs are serious poop eaters. 

FAQs

Is It Normal For Dogs Or Puppies To Eat Poop?

Yes, it’s fairly common, especially in puppies, who may eat poop out of curiosity or boredom. Adult dogs might do it due to stress, habit, or to clean up. If it's occasional and your dog is healthy, it's usually not a significant concern. 

Can A Dog Get Sick From Eating Poop?

Yes, dogs can get sick from eating poop. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues, parasites, or infections. This risk is higher if the poop is from other animals. If your dog seems ill or shows any changes in health

What To Put In Dog Food To Stop Eating Poop?

Try adding products that make poop taste harmful to dogs or use supplements that improve digestion. You may use sprays that make the poop further bad quickly as they finish their potty. 

Conclusion

As answered earlier, it is fairly common for dogs to eat their own poop or of other animals. There are several theories of why dogs eat poop. Many a time, it is seen that dogs restore to eating poop due to medical conditions or simply out of curiosity. They can also start doing this act if they are undergoing nutritional deficiencies or simply because of inadequate food supply.