Why Do Dogs Eat Their Poo?

Finding that your dog has eaten their own poo, or the poo of another animal, can be deeply unsettling. Known as coprophagia, this behaviour is more common than many people realise. While it may seem unsanitary or repulsive, it is important to understand why dogs engage in this behaviour and what, if anything, should be done about it.

This guide explores everything you need to know about why dogs eat their poo, what it means, and how you can manage the situation if it becomes a concern.

What Is Coprophagia?

Coprophagia is the term used to describe the behaviour of eating faeces, whether it is their own or another animal's. While it might sound shocking to us, it is actually quite a common behaviour in dogs, especially in puppies.

In most cases, coprophagia is not a sign of illness or distress, but rather a natural or learned behaviour. However, there are certain situations where it can indicate a medical issue or a behavioural concern that requires attention.

Common Reasons Dogs Eat Their Poo

Instinctual Behaviour

In the wild, dogs' ancestors (wolves and wild canids) would often eat the faeces of other animals as a way of keeping their living area clean. This behaviour helped prevent the spread of parasites and diseases. In domestic dogs, this instinct can still surface, especially in puppies or dogs with limited environmental stimulation.

Some experts believe that dogs may instinctively eat their own faeces to avoid attracting predators by leaving a scent trail. This behaviour is more commonly observed in puppies or dogs living in environments where cleanliness or safety is a concern.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Another possible reason for coprophagia is nutritional deficiencies. Dogs that are not getting all the nutrients they need from their diet may turn to eating faeces in search of missing vitamins, minerals, or proteins.

This is more likely in dogs fed poor-quality food or those with digestive issues that make it difficult for them to absorb nutrients from their food. If your dog is eating poo frequently, it might be a good idea to review their diet and consider switching to a higher-quality, nutritionally balanced food.

Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Dogs are clever creatures and quickly learn which behaviours get them attention. Some dogs may eat their poo simply because they know it causes a reaction from their owners, whether that is scolding, laughter, or even a concerned comment.

If your dog has been given attention for eating faeces in the past, they may continue to do so as a way of getting your attention. In these cases, coprophagia can become a habit rather than a need-based behaviour.

Stress or Anxiety

Just like other compulsive behaviours, coprophagia can be a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs that are left alone for long periods, are not getting enough physical or mental stimulation, or experience changes in their environment may turn to eating faeces as a way of coping with their feelings.

Stress-related coprophagia is often observed in dogs that are anxious, fearful, or depressed. If your dog’s poo-eating coincides with other signs of anxiety, such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or pacing, it may be worth investigating their emotional health.

Exploring the Environment

Dogs, particularly puppies, are naturally curious creatures. They explore the world around them by sniffing, licking, and yes, sometimes eating things they shouldn’t. In puppies, this behaviour is often part of their learning process as they discover the world around them.

While puppies often grow out of this behaviour as they mature and learn what is appropriate to eat, some adult dogs may continue to engage in coprophagia simply because they are curious or find the act stimulating.

Cleaning Up After Themselves

In some cases, dogs may eat their own faeces as a way of keeping their environment clean. This is most often seen in puppies or dogs that have been confined to small spaces such as crates or pens. In these situations, dogs may instinctively eat their waste to prevent it from becoming a health risk or to maintain cleanliness.

Additionally, a mother dog may clean up after her puppies by eating their faeces, as this is a behaviour seen in some species of mammals to protect the den from parasites and keep the young ones safe.

Medical Issues

Occasionally, coprophagia can be linked to medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, malabsorption, or parasites. If a dog is unable to properly digest food or absorb nutrients, they may eat faeces in an attempt to get the nutrients they are missing.

Conditions such as pancreatitis, diabetes, or certain infections can cause a dog to eat poo more frequently. If your dog is eating faeces and showing other signs of illness, such as weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhoea, it is important to consult your vet.

When Should You Be Concerned About Coprophagia?

In most cases, coprophagia is not a cause for concern. However, there are a few instances when you should seek veterinary advice:

• Sudden increase in poo-eating: If your dog suddenly starts eating faeces more frequently, especially if this is accompanied by changes in behaviour, appetite, or stool consistency, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
• Weight loss or digestive issues: If your dog is eating poo and also showing signs of malnutrition, weight loss, or gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), this could indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
• Severe behavioural issues: If your dog’s poo-eating becomes obsessive or compulsive, this may be linked to anxiety or behavioural problems that require professional help.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poo

If you are concerned about your dog’s coprophagia, there are several steps you can take to address the issue.

Improve Their Diet

If nutritional deficiencies are suspected, switching to a high-quality, balanced dog food can help ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. Make sure the food is suitable for their age, size, and any specific health conditions they may have.

Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Boredom is a major cause of unwanted behaviours in dogs. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, play, and mental enrichment. Regular walks, interactive toys, and training sessions can help keep your dog occupied and reduce the urge to engage in undesirable behaviours like eating poo.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

If your dog’s coprophagia is linked to stress or anxiety, try to identify and address the source of their distress. Providing a secure, consistent environment, avoiding long periods of isolation, and using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety in dogs.

If your dog’s stress-related behaviour is severe, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.

Clean Up Immediately

One of the most effective ways to prevent coprophagia is to remove the temptation. Clean up your dog’s waste as soon as they go to the toilet, so they don’t have the chance to eat it. This may not stop the behaviour entirely, but it can make it less likely to occur.

Use Deterrents

Some owners have had success with adding deterrents to their dog’s diet, such as products that make faeces taste unpleasant to dogs. These products are available from pet shops or veterinarians and can sometimes reduce the likelihood of coprophagia. However, they should be used in combination with other strategies like improved diet and environmental enrichment.

Conclusion

While dog poo-eating can be an unpleasant behaviour to witness, it is typically not a sign of a serious health problem. In many cases, coprophagia is driven by instinct, curiosity, or dietary needs, and is not harmful. However, if your dog’s behaviour becomes excessive or is accompanied by signs of illness, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for advice.

By improving your dog’s diet, providing more mental and physical stimulation, and addressing any potential behavioural issues, you can often reduce or eliminate this behaviour. Understanding why your dog eats their poo is the first step in managing it effectively.