Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs

One of the most perplexing and unpleasant habits a dog owner may encounter is catching their dog eating poop. Despite how distasteful it seems, this behavior, known as coprophagia, is not uncommon among canine companions. While it might trigger concern or even embarrassment for pet owners, it’s important to understand that coprophagia can be rooted in a variety of natural, behavioral, and medical factors. This comprehensive guide will explore the science behind why dogs eat poop, assess whether it poses any health risks, and provide actionable strategies for preventing and managing this habit.

Table of Contents

• What is Coprophagia?
• Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?
• Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
• Are There Health Risks?
• How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
• When to See a Veterinarian
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Coprophagia?

Coprophagia is the scientific term used to describe the act of eating feces. In dogs, this behavior can involve the consumption of their own stool, the stool of other dogs, or even the feces of other animal species, such as cats. While this conduct often comes as a shock to pet owners, it is a well-documented canine trait with deep evolutionary roots.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?

For dogs, eating poop is a behavior with both natural and learned components. In fact:

• One in four dogs have been caught eating poop at least once in their lives.
• One in six dogs make a regular habit of it.
• Coprophagia is particularly common in puppies and adolescent dogs.

In the canine world, scavenging is an innate survival instinct. Wild canines often consume feces as a method of keeping their den areas clean and to potentially recover undigested nutrients. In domestic settings, the behavior can persist for a range of reasons, many of which are not linked to health problems.

Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop

Modern research and anecdotal evidence suggest several reasons why dogs may eat poop. Understanding the underlying cause is the best starting point for addressing this undesirable habit.

Behavioral Reasons

• Instinct and Evolution: Dogs descended from wild ancestors who relied on scavenging for survival. Eating feces could provide access to missing nutrients and keep their environment tidy.
• Maternal Behavior: Mother dogs routinely ingest the feces and urine of their puppies during the first few weeks of life to keep the den clean and reduce scent trails for predators.
• Puppy Curiosity: Young dogs frequently explore the world with their mouths and may try feces during this process. Most outgrow the behavior with time and proper training.
• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs learn that eating poop gets a big reaction from their owner, making it a reinforced behavior.
• Imitation: If one dog in a household eats poop, other dogs may mimic the behavior.

Environmental Factors

• Confinement: Dogs kept in small spaces or isolated from social interaction may be more likely to eat feces.
• Lack of Cleanliness: Infrequently cleaned living areas or yards increase the temptation and opportunity for dogs to engage in coprophagia.
• Boredom and Anxiety: Emotional factors such as boredom, stress, or anxiety often prompt dogs to engage in odd behaviors, including eating feces.

Dietary and Health-Related Causes

• Dietary Deficiencies: Some scientists believe that a lack of essential nutrients, enzymes, or certain vitamins (notably B vitamins) may drive dogs to seek these through feces consumption.
• Malabsorption: Dogs with trouble digesting or absorbing nutrients, as in some digestive disorders, may develop coprophagia to compensate for what their bodies are not receiving.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, or conditions leading to increased appetite (polyphagia) can increase the likelihood of coprophagia.

Other Common Factors

• Attraction to Cat Poop: Cat feces often smells like high-protein cat food and can be especially enticing to dogs.
• Hunger or Restricted Feeding Schedules: Dogs who are underfed or experience irregular feeding may turn to stool as a last resort food source.
• Palatability: Some dogs just seem to enjoy the taste, particularly if the stool is fresh or contains undigested food particles.

Are There Health Risks Associated With Coprophagia?

Although coprophagia is mostly considered a behavioral nuisance, it can pose some health risks to your dog and, in some cases, to humans (zoonosis). The risks include:

• Internal Parasites: Eating feces can expose dogs to harmful intestinal worms or protozoa, especially if the feces is from an infected animal.
• Bacterial Infections: Feces can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can potentially cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset.
• Deadly Toxins: Ingesting feces from animals treated with certain medications or that have consumed toxic substances could transmit toxins to your dog.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Coprophagia is a common cause of foul-smelling breath in dogs.
• Human Health Risks: Handling a dog that eats feces increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, especially to children or immunocompromised individuals.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop

While coprophagia is natural to some extent, most pet owners seek to curb the behavior. Here are proven strategies that can help reduce or eliminate feces eating in dogs:

• Supervise and Clean Up: The most effective method is to quickly clean up after your dog and prevent access to feces, both inside the home and in the yard.
• Train the “Leave It” Command: Teach your dog reliable commands such as “leave it” or “come” to manage behavior during walks or off-leash play.
• Address Dietary Needs: Ensure your dog’s diet is nutritionally complete. Consulting a veterinarian to rule out deficiencies or malabsorption disorders can be helpful. Supplement with digestive enzymes or B vitamins if recommended.
• Increase Feeding Frequency: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can curb hunger-driven coprophagia.
• Minimize Stress and Boredom: Provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to deter behavioral coprophagia.
• Deterrents: Some owners find success with commercial taste deterrents, which are added to food or directly to feces to make them unpalatable.
• Litter Box Management: Place cat litter boxes in areas that are inaccessible to your dog but easy for your cat to reach.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for ignoring feces and displaying desired behaviors.

What Doesn’t Work

• Punishment: Scolding your dog after they have eaten feces is ineffective and may increase anxiety, worsening the issue.
• Home Remedies: Folk solutions such as adding pineapple or hot sauce to feces lack scientific backing and may upset your dog’s digestion.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog’s coprophagia is sudden, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, consult your veterinarian. Medical causes such as malabsorption, endocrine disorders, or nutritional deficiencies should be ruled out through examination and diagnostic testing.

Table: Common Causes of Coprophagia and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it dangerous for my dog to eat poop?

A: While not always immediately harmful, coprophagia can expose dogs to parasites and bacteria. It is best to discourage the behavior and consult your vet if it is persistent.

Q: Is coprophagia a sign of illness?

A: Sometimes, yes. If your dog suddenly starts eating poop, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, a medical issue could be the cause. Have your veterinarian examine your dog to rule out underlying problems.

Q: How can I stop my puppy from eating poop?

A: Puppies often outgrow this phase, but supervision, prompt waste removal, and consistent training are key. Providing adequate nutrition and stimulation also helps deter the habit.

Q: Why do dogs eat cat poop, in particular?

A: Cat feces contains more protein, which makes it particularly attractive to dogs. Keep litter boxes out of reach to prevent this behavior.

Q: Are some breeds more prone to eating poop?

A: There is no definitive evidence linking specific breeds to coprophagia, though dogs raised in environments where feces is not cleaned promptly may be more likely to develop the habit.

Conclusion

While the tendency for dogs to eat poop is unpleasant, it is a behavior with both evolutionary origins and modern-day solutions. For most dogs, coprophagia is a passing phase or a manageable behavior problem. By understanding the causes, ruling out medical issues, and employing consistent prevention techniques, pet owners can usually curb this habit and ensure their dog’s continued health and happiness.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta