How to Stop Your Dog Eating Poop: Coprophagia Explained

Coprophagia is the term used to describe the unpleasant behaviour of dogs eating faeces. While it may sound shocking, it is a relatively common issue that many dog owners face at some point. Dogs may eat their own stools or those of other animals such as horses or rabbits. This behaviour can be distressing to witness and may pose health risks for your dog and your household.

What Causes Coprophagia in Dogs?

Coprophagia is generally considered a behavioural issue rather than a medical condition, although in rare cases it may relate to nutrient deficiencies or digestion problems. Many dogs develop this habit for reasons ranging from attention seeking to inherited instincts. Before seeking professional help, understanding these causes can help you address the problem effectively.

1. Attention Seeking Behaviour

Some dogs eat poop to get a reaction from their owners, even if it's negative. Ignoring the behaviour consistently, while ensuring your dog's emotional needs are met, will help reduce this motivation for attention.

2. Oral Fixation in Puppies

Like human babies, puppies use their mouths to explore the world. This oral fixation often disappears as they mature. Keep their mouths busy with safe toys to discourage them from eating stools.

3. Learned Behaviour

Puppies may mimic their owners cleaning up faeces by picking it up with their mouths. Try to clean up discreetly out of sight to prevent this copying.

4. Inappropriate Toileting Guilt

If a dog is forced to toilet indoors, it may eat its waste to hide evidence and avoid displeasing you. Make sure they have ample opportunity to relieve themselves outdoors and recognise their signals.

5. Maintaining Territory Cleanliness

Dogs in enclosed yards might eat poop to keep their territory clean. Clean your yard frequently to reduce this behaviour.

6. Natural Instinct to Hide Scent

In the wild, mothers clean up puppies' faeces to protect them from predators. This instinct can persist in domestic dogs but is usually manageable with training and prompt cleaning.

7. Hunger or Dietary Deficiencies

Hungry dogs or those missing specific nutrients in their diet might eat faeces to compensate. Ensure your dog receives a balanced, high-quality diet suitable for their needs.

8. Internal Parasites

Parasites can cause poor nutrient absorption, which may lead to coprophagia. Regular worming is crucial to prevent this and protect your dog’s health.

9. Enjoyment of Taste or Texture

Though unappealing to humans, some dogs may simply like the taste or texture of faeces. Adding pineapple to the diet can help make stools less appealing.

10. Medical Issues (Rare)

Occasionally, underlying medical issues such as enzyme deficiencies can cause coprophagia. If the behaviour starts suddenly or persists despite interventions, consult your vet for a thorough check-up.

How to Manage and Prevent Coprophagia

1. Feed a Balanced Diet: Provide your dog with nutritious, high-quality food to ensure they are not eating faeces due to hunger or deficiencies.
2. Supervise Outdoor Time: Monitor your dog when outside and clean up their waste promptly to reduce access.
3. Train Commands: Teach reliable commands like "leave it" and "come" to interrupt the behaviour before your dog eats stool. Reward positive responses with praise or treats.
4. Ignore the Behaviour: Avoid giving attention when your dog eats faeces to prevent reinforcing it.
5. Use Deterrents: Some owners find success with deterrents like unpleasant-tasting powders or supplements that make the faeces unappealing.
6. Maintain Regular Worming: Keep your dog on a consistent parasite control programme as advised by your vet.
7. Consult Professionals: If behaviour continues, seek advice from a vet or a qualified canine behaviourist for tailored treatment.
8. Practice Good Hygiene: Prevent your dog from licking your face or hands after this behaviour and wash your hands thoroughly after contact.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Faeces contains harmful bacteria and parasites that may cause illness. Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning up after your dog or coming into contact with their saliva. Never allow your dog to lick your face or hands to reduce health risks.

By understanding the causes and applying consistent training and management, most owners can successfully reduce or eliminate coprophagia in their dogs. Patience and a positive approach go a long way in managing this difficult behaviour.

For more guidance on dog care and finding puppies, always choose responsible breeders or consider adoption from reputable sources.