Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

April 6, 2019

To discover the reason for a dog’s love of poop, experts usually start with wolves and work their way towards feral dogs and instinctive behaviours. But there are so many theories out there from medical to behavioural to environmental, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why your dog eats poop.

Poop-eating is a natural behaviour in dogs

Let’s start with natural instincts. Wolves and wild dogs will eat poop for the digestive enzymes contained within. Also, as a survival instinct to ward off any predators, wild dogs will sometimes eat the poop of other pack-mates to hide their trail.

Another instinctive behaviour of female dogs in particular is to clean up after their newborn puppies. Which might explain why there is a higher percentage of female dogs who eat poop compared to male dogs. 

Puppies often try eating poop at least once

Because poop-eating is such a strong instinct, don’t be surprised if your young puppy tries out poop in the park. Maybe she’s acting out something hardwired in her genes, but more likely she’s just curious, like all puppies. Young pups will pick up just about anything in their mouths. So, lesson to the wise: This is the best time to deter your young canine from repeating the poop-eating experience. Tell her no and usher her away.

Dogs may eat poop for health reasons

On the other hand, if your dog suddenly starts eating poop out of the blue then it’s important to rule out medical reasons for this new behaviour. Dogs with Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes, thyroid conditions, parasites, or malabsorption issues will often eat dog poop to make up for lack of nutrients. Visit your doctor if you suspect something is wrong.

Dogs eat poop for environmental reasons

Studies have shown that dogs who are left alone in confinement all day, like a dog locked in the basement for long hours, and dogs who live in overcrowded shelters or puppy mills with too many other dogs have a greater chance of developing coprophagia or the habit of eating dog waste.

Coprophagia is a big reason why so many dogs are given up to shelters. Humans cannot tolerate the habit. It makes for one smelly dog that you don’t to cuddle, let alone kiss! Poop-eating is a hard habit to break, but once you learn that most dogs are acting out of instinct, can you honestly give up such an innocent offender?

If coprophagia is one of the biggest reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters, when well-intentioned folk take home their rescue puppy chances are he or she will be a poop-eater. Prepare yourself!

Try breaking your dog’s habit of eating poop by keeping them on a leash and away from off-leash dog parks. Unfortunately, we live in a world where a lot of people wouldn’t dream of stooping down to pick up their doggie doo-doo. It’s impossible to avoid, so watch your step!

You can also check out some deterrents like spray collars to keep your dog away from poop. There are many other products available at the pet store too. Above all, keep your dog’s vaccines up to date and keep working with them. A tasty treat is sometimes all the enticement they’ll need.

by Natalie Secretan

Photo: Bennilover by Benny Girl