Why do dogs eat poop, and how do you make it stop? Follow these vet-approved steps to curb your pup’s bad habit.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
A dog eating poop is considered normal in some cases, such as when they’re cleaning their puppy’s backside. However, various theories exist as to why a dog eats poop. A dog eating poop could possibly be due to medical conditions or another cause for concern.
They Want Attention
They Have a Dietary Deficiency
They're Reacting to Punishment
Mom Is Grooming Her Puppies
Your Puppy Is Discovering the World
They Have a Medical Condition
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
Does your dog have a taste for things they find in a cat litter box? This dog behavior is pretty normal, and you might often find your pooch hanging out near the litter box like a little scavenger.
So why exactly do dogs consume cat poop? Cat foods are extremely high in protein, and they typically have a very strong odor, both of which are appealing to dogs. Although this is the most likely reason for ingesting cat poop, check with your vet to make sure it’s not caused by an underlying health condition.
How To Get a Dog To Stop Eating Poop
The solution to putting a stop to your dog eating feces depends on the cause.
Feed an Appropriate Diet
Work with your vet to ensure your dog is eating a balanced diet and that their food is high-quality and nutritionally sound. Feed your pup meals at regular intervals (two to four times per day, depending on age and breed).
Never decrease the amount of food you give your dog in an effort to have them produce less stool, unless your veterinarian has specifically recommended caloric restriction due to weight concerns. Not providing the proper amount of food might lead to dogs eating poop because they’re so hungry that they must resort to it.
Give Your Dog Positive Attention
If the coprophagia is due to your dog looking for attention, your best bet is to stop “rewarding” the attention-seeking poop-eating with a big response. Instead, give your pup plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior and love in other situations.
Teach Your Pup To Be Clean
This means teaching them to eat, sleep, and play in separate areas from their waste and cleaning up any used dog potty pads or messes promptly.
Train Them to "Drop It" or Walk Away
Teach your dog how to “leave it” and “come.” (And don’t forget to use positive reinforcement when training them!)
Be Consistent With Potty Breaks
Set a schedule for your dog to go outside to potty. Check with a vet about how often they need to go out. If you need help staying on schedule, try using our printable potty training chart: [ Ссылка ]
Remember to always give your pup positive reinforcement when potty training (or during any dog training for that matter).
If your adult dog has accidents, schedule an appointment with your vet to find out what may be the cause.
Provide Mental Enrichment
Keeping your dog’s mind busy and their focus and energy directed toward toys may lower the likelihood of your dog eating poop. These items can “[address] underlying problems like boredom, stress, and anxiety.”
Shop dog toys: [ Ссылка ]
Consider a Dog Probiotic
Probiotics are another product you could consider trying. Beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut in dogs, probiotics can boost the immune system, aid in digestion and help balance good and bad gut bacteria—and probiotics may help with poop-eating. Talk to your vet before adding anything new to your pet's diet.
Shop dog probiotics: [ Ссылка ]
Make the Poop Inaccessible
If it’s a case of your dog eating cat poop because they’re treasure hunting in the litter box, with no signs of health issues, then the solution’s easy: Move the litter box to a place that’s inaccessible to your poop-eaters.
Use a pet gate to block your dog from the litter box. Or try placing the box on a side table with steps leading up to it (so your kitty doesn’t have to jump right into the litter box).
Consult Your Vet
Take your furry friend to the vet to check for intestinal parasites, medical conditions and anxiety. These conditions require specific treatments for control of symptoms. With treatment, you may see a reduction in poop-eating behaviors (and possibly increased quality of stool).
Be Observant
Finally, remember to always keep an eye on your doggo. Watch for sudden or unexplained weight loss, never finding poop, breath that smells like feces, loose stools, or parasites in the stool.
#chewy #chewtorials #coprophagia #whydodogseatpoop #howtostopdogfromeatingpoop
