Coprophagy (eating feces) is relatively common in dogs and can have several causes, ranging from normal or benign to problematic. Here’s a concise overview to help you understand why it happens and how to address it. What drives dogs to eat poop
- Nutritional or medical factors: Some dogs eat feces due to nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, parasitic infections, diabetes, thyroid issues, or other digestive problems. If the behavior starts suddenly or is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, a veterinarian should evaluate your dog.
- Behavioral and environmental factors: Puppies often imitate their mother’s clean-den instincts, and curiosity or boredom can lead to coprophagy. Dogs may eat feces to seek attention, due to anxiety or stress, or as a consequence of punishment-related associations with elimination. In some cases, it may be tied to a desire to keep the living area clean or to an instinctual scavenging behavior from ancestral canids.
- Ingestion of feces from other animals: Some dogs are drawn to feces from cats, rabbits, or other animals because those feces can contain partially digested nutrients or certain textures and scents that appeal to them. This is more common in multi-pet households or outdoor environments.
- Possible compulsive or learned patterns: For some dogs, coprophagy becomes a learned habit or is linked to anxiety or compulsive behaviors. In severe cases, it can be a sign of canine OCD and may require behavioral modification and veterinary guidance.
Practical steps to reduce or stop the behavior
- Rule out medical causes: Schedule a check-up to rule out parasites, digestion problems, diabetes, thyroid issues, or mineral deficiencies. A vet can run tests and provide guidance if a medical issue is present.
- Ensure a balanced, appropriate diet: Verify your dog’s calories, protein, fat, and mineral intake meet their needs. Underfeeding or imbalanced nutrition can contribute to coprophagy. Your vet or a veterinary nutritionist can tailor a plan.
- Improve supervision and management: Keep waste areas cleaned promptly, use leash control during walks, and supervise in yards to interrupt opportunities for coprophagy. A consistent routine helps reduce boredom and stress.
- Enrich the environment and training: Increase mental stimulation with puzzle toys, training sessions, and regular play. Reward alternative, desired behaviors to replace coprophagy, and avoid inadvertently rewarding the behavior (e.g., don’t scold after the fact). A veterinary behaviorist can help with tailored strategies if needed.
- Consider preventive measures for other animals’ feces: In homes with multiple pets, manage access to litter boxes or outdoor areas and clean up after other animals promptly to reduce exposure.
When to seek help
- If the behavior is new or escalating, if your dog shows signs of illness, or if training efforts don’t reduce the behavior, consult a veterinarian promptly. In some cases, referral to a veterinary behaviorist may be beneficial.
If you’d like, I can tailor a plan based on your dog’s age, health status, and environment, or help identify potential medical checks to discuss with your veterinarian.
