1. Introduction
It’s one of the most unpleasant and perplexing behaviors a dog can exhibit – eating poop. But why do dogs eat poop? It’s an instinctive behavior that has been observed in both domestic and wild canines, and it’s known as coprophagia. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior, the health risks associated with it, and how you can stop your pup from indulging in this disgusting habit.
2. Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Coprophagia is an instinctive behavior that has been observed in both wild and domesticated dogs for centuries. It is believed to be a remnant of their days as scavengers in the wild, where they would consume feces from other animals to supplement their diets or gain nutrition from undigested food particles. In addition, some experts believe that puppies may learn the behavior from their mothers who instinctively lick their offspring clean after they defecate.
3. Coprophagia: The Scientific Name for Eating Poop
Coprophagia is the scientific name for eating feces, whether it be from other animals or your own pet’s droppings. This behavior is seen more frequently in some breeds than others, such as Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Terriers, Bulldogs and Dachshunds; however, any breed of dog may engage in coprophagia at some point in its life.
4. Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
There are several theories as to why dogs eat feces – some are rooted in instinct while others are linked to nutritional deficiencies or boredom:
• Instinct – As mentioned earlier, coprophagia is believed to be an instinctive behavior leftover from when dogs were scavengers in the wild;
• Nutritional Deficiencies – Some experts believe that dogs may eat poop if they are lacking certain vitamins or minerals in their diet;
• Boredom – Dogs may also eat poop if they are bored or simply looking for something to do;
• Attention Seeking – Some puppies may engage in coprophagia if they are seeking attention;
• Stress/Anxiety – When a dog feels stressed or anxious they may resort to eating feces as a coping mechanism;
• Medical Issues – Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or pancreatic insufficiency can lead to coprophagia;
• Parasites/Infections – If your pup is infected with intestinal parasites or bacteria then he may be more likely to eat poop;
5. Health Risks of Eating Poop
Eating feces carries several health risks for your pup including bacterial infections, parasites and viruses which can cause serious illness if left untreated. In addition, ingesting fecal matter can lead to digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea which can further weaken your pet’s immune system and make them more susceptible to infection. It’s important to note that even if your pup doesn’t show any signs of illness after eating poop there could still be potential health risks involved so it’s best to take preventative measures against coprophagia whenever possible.
6. How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
The first step towards preventing your pup from engaging in coprophagia is identifying any underlying causes such as boredom or stress then addressing those issues accordingly (e.g., providing more mental stimulation through interactive toys). Additionally you should ensure that your pet is receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet so nutritional deficiencies don’t become an issue either. Finally you should always clean up after your pup immediately when he does his business outside so there aren’t any tempting morsels lying around for him to snack on!
7. What To Do If Your Dog Eats Poop
If you catch your pup snacking on someone else’s droppings then it’s important not to punish them – instead try redirecting their attention elsewhere by offering them a treat or toy instead (this will help reinforce positive behaviors). If you’re worried about potential health risks then consult with your vet immediately – they will be able to advise you on what steps need taking next (e.g., deworming medication).
8. How To Discourage The Behavior In The Future
Once you’ve taken steps towards addressing any underlying issues that might have caused your pup’s coprophagic tendencies there are also several things you can do at home too: keep your yard clean by picking up droppings regularly; provide plenty of mental stimulation through interactive toys; feed them a balanced diet full of all necessary vitamins & minerals; give them regular exercise & playtime outside; reduce stress levels by providing a calm environment & plenty of love & affection!
9. Common Myths About Dogs Eating Poop Debunked
There are several myths surrounding why dogs eat poop – let’s debunk them here: Myth 1 – Dogs eat poop because they’re hungry – FALSE! While nutritional deficiencies can sometimes lead pups down this path most often it’s due to instinctual behaviors leftover from when our furry friends were scavengers living out in the wild! Myth 2 – Eating poop makes my dog sick – FALSE! While ingesting fecal matter comes with certain health risks most often these illnesses aren’t serious enough for us humans too worry about (unless our pups have compromised immune systems). Myth 3 – I need special products/medications/foods etc…to stop my dog from eating poop – FALSE! Most often all that’s needed is good old fashioned love & attention plus making sure our furry friends get plenty of mental stimulation & exercise throughout the day!
10. Conclusion
In conclusion we’ve explored why do dogs eat poop? We now know that while copraphagia isn’t pleasant it’s actually quite common amongst our canine friends due either leftover instincts from when they were scavengers living out in the wild plus nutritional deficiencies or boredom can also play into this behavior too! We’ve also looked at some ways we can discourage this habit including keeping our yards clean plus providing plenty of mental stimulation & exercise throughout the day plus reducing stress levels by providing a calm environment & lots of love & affection! Finally we debunked some common myths about why pups indulge themselves in this yucky habit so hopefully now we’re all better informed about what makes our furry friends tick!
FAQ
Is eating poop OK for dogs?
Eating your own feces is harmless but eating other animals feces can cause health problems if the feces are contaminated with parasites viruses or toxins. In most cases this behavior disappears by the time the puppy is about nine months old.
Can a dog get sick from eating poop?
Although eating poop is a normal behavior it can still make your dog sick. Eating feces is a common way that internal parasites are passed from dog to dog or from other animals to dogs. Dogs are also at risk of contracting other infectious gastrointestinal diseases from eating feces.
What home remedy can I use to stop my dog from eating his poop?
DIY solution Drizzle with hot sauce or lemon juice. Add a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to his food bowl each day. Collect garbage regularly.
What are the symptoms of dog eating poop?
Signs that your dog is sick from eating feces include: Gastroenteritis. Vomiting and diarrhea. Lack of appetite Fatigue Intestinal parasites.
How do I clean my dog’s mouth after eating poop?
Brushing your dogs mouth first and brushing it with dog toothpaste or coconut oil will help get rid of bad breath. Do not use toothpaste on dogs as it can be toxic to dogs. You can use a regular curved toothbrush or a finger toothbrush for your dogs teeth.
Do I need to clean my dog’s mouth after eating poop?
You want to clean his mouth for your peace of mind. Brushing your teeth or wiping your mouth with a cloth works well and will definitely make you feel better. Remember that dog saliva is a natural cleanser that breaks down germs and removes them from the mouth.
