Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Coprophagy or poop eating is not a well accepted behavior in the dog community. There are many theories as to why dogs engage in coprophagy. Forty-nine percent of all dogs will eat poop at some point in their lives. There are a few products that may help. Why do dogs eat poop?

Scientists have yet to come to fully understand why coprophagy crops up in domesticated canines. When biological and environmental factors interacting with each other can cause poop eating.

Bacterial Deficiencies

In the Gut Microbiome (Diet is Lacking Nutrients) – Add in food toppers or broth can help. 

Medical Conditions

Diseases such as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. When a dog is not able to produce the proper enzymes and cannot break down food. 

Genetic Predispositions in Some Dogs – Golden retrievers and Labs are 50% more likely to eat poop.

Dogs with Anxiety

Serve as a temporary distraction from anxiety related discomfort. Make sure you observe when they eat it and maybe the situation around it. 

Ancestral Instincts

To prevent the spread of pathogens in their living area. Contains viable disease causing pathogens 

Dog Training Behavior Tips to Manage this Poop Eating Behavior:

Be on top of there poop – clean it up when they finish. Having a designated poop area in your yard may help.

Keep your dog on leash to avoid them eating poop

Avoid areas that may have many poop. These include dog parks, hiking trails, open fields.

Dog can and will eat more then just their own poop so be aware always.

Teach a “Leave it” Cue. Check out this blog post or our YouTube channel.

Tell Daycares about the behavior so they can work on managing it

If you are struggling with your dog eating poops reach out to your Veterinarian to get assistance.

Please note I am not a canine medical professional please seek a professional for advice