Have you ever caught your dog snacking on poop and wondered, “Why do dogs eat their own poop?” Do dogs like eating their poop or is there something else that needs explanation? Your questions are valid because this puzzling and downright gross habit, known as coprophagia, is more common than you might think.
While it might leave dog owners scratching their heads (and holding their noses), this behavior has several reasons. Understanding why your dog might indulge in this unpleasant habit can help you address it.
Exploring causes to dig more about this foul habit of dogs, we requested industry experts to share their invaluable insights. It’s time to begin reading these. Let’s get started right away, without further delay.
- Dietary Issues Lead to Coprophagia
- Hunger or Inadequate Nutrition
- Instinct to Keep Living Space Clean
- Anxiety and Stress Relief
- Curiosity and Sensory Exploration
Dietary Issues Lead to Coprophagia
Dogs often eat their own poop because of their diet, especially high-carbohydrate or low-quality diets.
Many dog foods containing ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat are difficult for dogs to digest. This is because dogs’ digestive systems differ from humans. Their intestines are shorter and more acidic, which makes it challenging for their bodies to break down and absorb nutrients from these types of ingredients.
As a result, a significant portion of the food they consume may pass through their system undigested. This leads to waste that still contains nutrients, minerals, and sometimes fermented byproducts. When a dog eats their stool, they try to retrieve those missed nutrients and vitamins that weren’t fully absorbed during the first round of digestion.
While this behavior might seem gross, it has a biological explanation. In some cases, the stool may even contain beneficial microorganisms that help with digestion. Essentially, the dog is attempting to make the most of its food by “recycling” these undigested nutrients.
However, it’s important to note that while this behavior may have an instinctive or dietary root, it could also signal other issues such as nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or even medical conditions.
If coprophagia is frequent or concerning, it’s a good idea to evaluate your dog’s diet to ensure it meets their nutritional needs and consult with a veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems.
Ben Vernon, Owner/Head Trainer, Vernon Dog Training
Hunger or Inadequate Nutrition
When I got my first dog, Kuya, at 5 months old, I was meticulous about his diet, but I noticed something alarming-he started eating his poop during potty time.
Concerned, I brought it up to the vet, who suspected a digestive issue and prescribed deworming. Even after treatment, the habit persisted. On a follow-up visit, the vet assured me that Kuya was healthy and suggested training to address the behavior.
Despite my efforts, the habit continued until I tried increasing his food portions. That was the breakthrough – Kuya stopped eating his poop. Turns out, he simply wasn’t getting enough food.
I learned from this that canine coprophagia may indicate dietary issues, so a diet evaluation is crucial before considering other explanations.
Cherrie Ann Balictar, CEO/Founder, Pet Content Solutions
Instinct to Keep Living Space Clean
Dogs & puppies will eat their own poop for lots of different reasons. In my experience, one of the most “fascinating” reasons for coprophagia is the desire to keep their living space clean.
Dogs, and their wild ancestors, wolves, are hard-wired with the instinct to poop away from where they sleep. Modern-day dogs live very different lives, but some of those instincts remain. Today, many dogs have a crate at home which closely mirrors a den in nature. If they have an “accident” in the crate, their instinct is to “clean their room,” so to speak.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not an attempt to hide evidence to avoid getting in trouble, but taking the phrase “clean up after yourself” a little too literally. Unfortunately, this natural behavior often leads to an upset stomach, which can result in vomiting and create a very unpleasant mess to clean up. Best to avoid both and give pups plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves outdoors.
Alicia Collins, Founder & Entrepreneur, K9 Activity Club
PETBIZS Team on Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop
- Anxiety and Stress Relief
Dogs, much like humans, can exhibit unusual behaviors when under stress or anxiety. Eating their own poop can sometimes be a coping mechanism to counter stress or anxiety.
For example, a dog left alone for extended periods might turn to coprophagia as self-soothing. The act itself becomes a repetitive habit, like nail-biting in humans.
Remember, anxiety-driven behavior like coprophagia often stems from their environment or experiences that you can address by creating a stress-free and supportive space.
- Curiosity and Sensory Exploration
Dogs are curious and explore the world through their senses—especially taste and smell. Feces, while repulsive to us, might hold an intriguing mix of scents and textures that appeal to their exploratory nature.
Sometimes, they may even mimic other animals they’ve observed engaging in similar habits. For adult dogs, boredom can play a role as well. If a dog doesn’t have enough mental or physical stimulation, they might resort to eating poop to pass the time and engage their senses.
Final Words!
Understanding why dogs eat their own poop is complex. This may include dietary issues and nutritional deficiencies, instincts, stress, and sheer curiosity. While the reasons can vary, addressing the underlying causes can help reduce or eliminate this habit.
If the behavior persists or seems excessive, consulting with a veterinarian is always a wise step to rule out medical issues. With patience and understanding, you can help your dog leave this undesirable behavior.
FAQs – Why do dogs eat their own poop?
- Is it harmful for dogs to eat their own poop?
Eating their own poop is generally not harmful, but it can expose dogs to bacteria or parasites, especially if the feces contain pathogens. If this habit becomes frequent, consult your vet to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.
- Can training stop my dog from eating poop?
Yes, training can be an effective solution. Teaching commands like “leave it” and rewarding positive behaviors can help. Supervision during potty breaks and quickly cleaning up after your dog also reduce opportunities for them to indulge in the habit.
- Could a medical condition be causing coprophagia in my dog?
Yes, medical issues like malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, or intestinal parasites can contribute to coprophagia. A veterinarian’s evaluation can rule out these conditions.
- Are certain dog breeds more likely to eat poop?
Some studies suggest that smaller breeds or dogs with higher energy levels may be more prone to coprophagia. However, this behavior can occur in dogs of any breed or size.
- What can I do to deter my dog from eating poop?
Ensure your dog is on a high-quality, well-balanced diet and receives adequate mental and physical stimulation. You can also use deterrent sprays or additives that make the feces taste unpleasant to dogs. In addition, consistent training and routine vet check-ups are key.