Why is My Dog Eating Poop?
It is so disgusting to find your dog eating poop. This habit of eating feces is called coprophagia and is common among dogs. So far, several theories are explaining the cause of this behavior.
Eating poop by dogs poses some danger to human beings. Parasites and bacteria from the stool can be transmitted directly to humans or other animals through contact with the dog’s saliva or mouth.
When a dog eats poop, especially of other animals, there are chances of ingesting harmful bacteria or other intestinal parasites that can make her get Ill. Below are the main reasons why a dog eats poop.
Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
Illness
Certain diseases that affect smell and taste can cause your dog to eat poop. When the dog’s senses are affected, its feces will smell different and probably like food. Since the sense of smell and taste are connected to some extent, the dog ends up eating the stool comfortably.
Other illnesses can excessively increase appetite, which drives the dog to eat anything that it comes across. If the dog is suffering from such a disease, then she can easily eat poop in place of food.
Just like human beings, dogs can suffer from brain diseases like dementia and the rest. This kind of disease is disorienting and confuses the dog to the extent of eating feces and other things.
Food Obsession and Hunger
A dog suffering from malnutrition and severe starvation will eat anything that comes her way. Some well-nourished dogs still eat poop either because of their personality or because they cannot get satisfied with food. Such dogs can eat every second of the day.
When a dog lacks vital nutrients, she can eat anything in search of nutrients. Cat poop is a favorite for many dogs since it smells well to them. Veterinarians claim that this is not the main cause of coprophagia but only a major contributor.
Restrictive Confinement and Isolation
Confining your dog in a small space for a long period can result in such a habit. The dog has minimized movement with the poop very close to it. The poop may start smelling good for the dog within a short time.
According to studies, dogs isolated in their kennel are more likely to develop that habit. Interaction with people prevents the habit because the dog will be busy and on the watch of people. It isn’t easy to try new habits in front of people.
Stress and Anxiety
An anxious dog or one undergoing stress can eat feces as a self-soothing mechanism. Stress results from fear of the unknown, like moving to a new home or from any other cause.
Dogs are creatures of habit and routine; once a dog is punished for inappropriate defecation, she immediately associates the punishment with feces. To remove the evidence next time she defects again is through eating it.
Instinct
Mother dogs lick their puppies clean, including ingesting their poop. This activity aims at keeping the environment and the young ones clean. As the puppies grow, the mother dog stops the behavior slowly, but unfortunately for some, the behavior continues to the extent of eating her stool.
Eating poop is a natural behavior for puppies that is expected to fade away as the dog grows. Eating the feces of other animals, like cats, is also a natural behavior. Cats take meals with high protein content, which makes the poop interesting for the dogs.
The Dangers of Coprophagia
Eating poop by dogs poses several dangers to humans and other animals. Parasites and bacteria from the stool can be transmitted directly to humans or other animals through contact with the dog’s saliva or mouth. When a dog eats poop, especially of other animals, there is a risk of ingesting harmful bacteria or intestinal parasites that can make them sick.
How to Stop My Dog From Eating Poop
Before deciding on how best to stop your dog, determine whether this is a medical case or natural behavior. For medical cases, the veterinarian will handle that professionally. If you ascertain that it is a natural behavior, you must shape it in the following ways.
Taste-aversion Products
Some smells are disgusting to dogs like stool smells to us. Considering this theory, you can add a poop-eating deterrent to treats or food. The poop produced afterward will be less appealing. These products contain camomile, garlic, monosodium glutamate, and pepper-plant derivatives.
Keep the Dog’s Room Clean
Environmental management and training is the best way to help your dog. Constant cleaning of the dog’s living area, including the yard, will leave the dog with no poop to eat. If you have a cat at home, keep the litter box away from the dog.
Training
You can train your dog on the “come” or “leave it” commands. This will help you easily stop her whenever she is eating feces. Use treats to reinforce the habit of coming to you and, in the process, eliminate the disgusting habit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coprophagia is a common habit among dogs, but it’s not well-received by humans. Eating feces can be caused by various factors such as illness, food obsession, hunger, restrictive confinement, isolation, stress and anxiety, and instinct.
While it may seem revolting, it is important to understand why your dog is engaging in this behavior before seeking a solution. Consulting with a veterinarian is always the best course of action in the case of a potential medical issue.
If it’s a natural behavior, you can take steps to discourage it, such as using taste-aversion products, keeping the dog’s living space clean, and training with positive reinforcement. With the right approach, you can help your furry friend break this habit and lead a happy and healthy life.
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