Dogs sometimes eat poop. This habit shocks many owners. But it happens more than you think. About one in six dogs does it at times. The act has a name: coprophagia. It can come from old instincts or health problems. In this post, we break down the main causes. We also cover risks and steps to curb it. If your dog does this, you can take action. Start with a vet check to rule out issues.
What Is Coprophagia in Dogs?
Coprophagia means eating feces. It includes a dog’s own poop or that from other animals. Puppies often start this around weaning. Mother dogs eat puppy stool to keep the den clean. This hides scents from predators. In the wild, wolves do the same. Today, pet dogs may keep the habit. It usually stops by nine months old. But some adults continue. This can point to deeper reasons.
Main Reasons Dogs Eat Poop
Dogs eat stool for natural or learned causes. Here are the key ones.
Instinct from Ancestors
Many dogs inherit this from wild roots. Mother dogs clean up after pups. It stops parasites from spreading. Scavenger dogs in the past ate anything to survive. Poop might offer extra bits of food. This explains why some eat horse or rabbit droppings. They find undigested plants there.
Nutritional Gaps or Hunger
If a diet lacks key parts, dogs seek them elsewhere. Poop can have leftover proteins or fats. This happens with poor food quality or quick digestion issues. Parasites steal nutrients too. Dogs on steroids or with diabetes feel extra hungry. They turn to stool. Check your dog’s food. Use our pet food safety checker to see if it meets needs.
Medical Problems
Health issues often trigger this. Enzyme shortages stop full food breakdown. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver trouble, or thyroid problems play a role. Diabetes or Cushing’s disease ramps up appetite. Brain or gut diseases show up this way. Watch for signs like weight loss, loose stools, or low energy. If new, see a vet fast. Our pet symptom checker helps spot patterns.
Boredom or Stress
Dogs alone all day get restless. They eat poop to pass time. Anxiety from changes, like new homes, adds to it. Separation worry makes some self-soothe with stool. Confinement in small spots worsens this. Add play and walks. Tired dogs cause less trouble.
Attention or Fear
Some dogs learn it gets a rise from owners. Yell, and they do it more. Puppies eat accidents to hide them. They fear scolding during house training. Praise good potty spots instead. Never punish after the fact. This builds trust.
They Just Like the Taste
Poop smells strong. Undigested bits make it tasty. Cat litter appeals most. It’s softer with bits of food. Some dogs prefer frozen winter poop. It crunches.
Is Eating Poop Bad for Dogs?
Yes, it carries risks. Poop holds germs, worms, and toxins. Bacteria like salmonella cause tummy upset. Parasites such as roundworms spread easy. If the stool has meds, like heartworm pills, it harms your dog. Other animal poop brings unknown bugs. Puppies face more danger from weak systems. Long-term, it leads to bad teeth or gut woes. Clean yards daily. This cuts chances.
For more on dog health basics, read our post on common dog owner mistakes.
Which Dogs Do This Most?
Any breed can, but some more. Terriers chase scents. Beagles and Labs love food. Shetland Sheepdogs top lists from studies. Puppies under a year often try it. Adults with stress histories keep going.
How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop
You can train most dogs out of this. Start with basics. Then add steps.
- Vet Visit First: Rule out sickness. Get a full check. Treat any parasites or diet fixes.
- Better Food: Switch to high-quality kibble. Add fiber like pumpkin. It firms stool and cuts appeal. Avoid sudden changes.
- Block Access: Pick up poop right away. Use leashes on walks. For cats, raise litter boxes. Clean yards twice a day.
- Train Commands: Teach “leave it.” Reward with treats. Practice with toys first. Use positive words only.
- More Activity: Walk 30 minutes daily. Play fetch or tug. Puzzle toys keep minds busy. Bored dogs quit bad habits.
- Taste Deterrents: Sprays make poop bitter. Try pineapple in food or enzyme chews. Check with vet first.
- Muzzle if Needed: Short-term for bad cases. Train to wear it happy.
If stress seems key, try our pet compatibility checker for home fits.
For safe treats, see what fruits can dogs eat.
When to See a Vet About Poop Eating
Go if it starts sudden. Or with other signs: vomiting, thin frame, or odd poop. Puppies need quick looks. Adults over five too. Vets test for worms or blood work. Early catch stops big issues.
Why Do Puppies Eat Poop More?
Pups explore with mouths. They copy moms. Milk diets lack enzymes at first. It fades as they grow. Train early with potty rules.
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
Cat food packs protein. Litter hides it easy. Keep boxes high or clean often. Deter with covers.
Can Dogs Get Worms from Eating Poop?
Yes. Eggs from other dogs or animals pass over. Deworm every three months. Vets guide doses.
For worm signs, use our symptom tool linked earlier.
Related Dog Diet Questions
Owners ask about safe foods too. Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, in small bits. Learn more here. What about mushrooms? Skip wild ones. See this guide.
External resource: The American Kennel Club has solid training tips.
Final Thoughts
Poop eating upsets owners. But understanding helps. Mix vet care, training, and routine changes. Your dog stays healthy. Track progress weekly. If stuck, ask a pro. With patience, most quit.
Try our pet breed finder quiz for active breeds that need less boredom fixes.
