🐾 Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? 💩

True or False? The Basenji is known as the barkless dog. (Scroll until the end for the answer email)

Poop eating, or coprophagia, is a surprisingly common yet unpleasant behavior in dogs, especially in puppies. While it might gross you out, it’s important to understand that this behavior can have both medical and behavioral roots. Learning why your dog engages in this behavior can help you manage and reduce the chances of it happening.

Afraid of the Vet bill? Save money on your pet insurance with Lemonade

Natural Instincts: Dogs and Poop Eating

Before diving into the causes, it’s helpful to remember that dogs don’t see poop the way we do. To them, it’s a source of information and not necessarily gross. Occasional poop eating is a normal canine instinct, so punishing your dog for it may do more harm than good.

Medical Causes of Poop Eating

If your dog suddenly starts eating poop more frequently, or seems obsessed with it, there could be an underlying health issue. Common medical reasons include:

• Parasites: Intestinal worms can rob your dog of essential nutrients, prompting them to seek out stool, which may contain nutrients their body craves.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: If your dog isn’t getting enough calories or essential nutrients, they might turn to poop to fill the gap.

• Malabsorption Issues: Conditions that disrupt nutrient absorption, like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal blockages, can lead to coprophagia.

If you notice these behaviors, a vet visit is essential to rule out any health problems.

Behavioral Reasons for Poop Eating

Besides medical causes, certain behavioral factors can drive your dog to eat poop:

• Stress & Anxiety: Dogs under stress, especially those with a history of isolation or trauma, may resort to poop eating as a coping mechanism.

• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs eat poop to get a reaction from their owners. Even negative attention can reinforce this behavior.

• Boredom: Dogs lacking stimulation may eat poop simply because they have nothing else to do.

How to Stop Poop Eating

Stopping this behavior may require some trial and error. Here are some tips:

• Vet Check-Up: If your dog’s poop eating is frequent, see a vet to rule out medical issues.

• Immediate Cleanup: Pick up your dog’s poop as soon as possible to limit their access to it.

• Deterrent Treats: Consider poop-eating deterrent treats or powders that make the poop less appealing.

• Exercise & Enrichment: Increase your dog’s physical activity and provide them with stimulating toys to keep them mentally engaged.

Understanding why your dog eats poop can help you address the root causes. Whether it’s health-related or behavioral, there are effective strategies to minimize this undesirable habit.

True. The Basenji dog breed is known as the "barkless dog" because they produce a unique yodel-like sound instead of barking.