Is eating poop a behavioral issue in dogs?

Understanding Why Dogs Eat Poop: Behavioral Issue or Instinct?

While it may appear disturbing to pet owners, coprophagia—or stool eating—is a common canine behavior. It affects an estimated 16% to 24% of dogs. To understand whether this is a behavioral issue or a result of other factors, it's important to explore the reasons behind it and how to address it.

Normal Reasons for Coprophagia

Coprophagia isn’t always abnormal. In some contexts, it is considered quite normal and instinctual:

• Puppies and nursing mothers: Female dogs often eat their pups’ feces to keep the den clean and reduce parasite risk. Puppies may imitate this or explore stool out of curiosity.
• Instinctual behavior: It's believed that dogs inherited this trait from wolves, which historically kept their dens clean by eating feces.
• Exploratory actions: Dogs discover the world using their mouths and may taste feces to understand smells or textures.
• Taste appeal: Some dogs are drawn to the flavor or consistency of certain stools. Feces from cats or horses may contain undigested nutrients that appeal to dogs.

When Coprophagia Becomes a Behavioral Issue

While sometimes normal, coprophagia can also signify deeper behavioral or medical issues:

• Hunger or nutrient deficiency: A poor diet, skipped meals, or lacking certain digestive enzymes can make dogs seek alternate nutrient sources.
• Diseases and medical conditions: Disorders like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid issues, intestinal parasites, or side effects from medications can result in increased appetite or poor digestion, prompting stool eating.
• Anxiety and stress: Dogs may eat feces as a coping mechanism when confined, stressed, or lacking enrichment. Punishment during house training could also worsen the issue by making them hide evidence.
• Boredom: A lack of stimulation, interaction, or exercise can drive dogs to unusual behaviors like coprophagia.
• Attention seeking: If a dog learns that eating poop gets a noticeable response, even if negative, it may repeat the behavior.

Other Patterns Observed

• Dogs typically prefer stools that are fresh—less than two days old.
• They are more likely to eat others’ poop rather than their own.
• Breeds like Beagles, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Labrador Retrievers may be more prone due to curiosity or food motivation.
• This behavior doesn’t correlate with training issues, age, or diet, making it widespread across various dog types.

Risks of Dogs Eating Poop

There are potential health risks associated with coprophagia:

• Internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can be transmitted.
• Dogs may ingest harmful bacteria or viruses.
• Feces from other animals can contain toxins or medications, like dewormers in horse manure, that are dangerous to dogs.
• There’s a minor zoonotic risk if dogs lick humans after consuming feces.

How to Stop Dogs from Eating Poop

1. Visit the vet: Rule out medical issues, parasites, and ensure your dog has a balanced diet.
2. Improve nutrition: Feed your dog a high-quality, complete diet on a consistent schedule.
3. Limit access: Clean up poop swiftly and deter access to litter boxes with pet gates or elevated placements.
4. Use positive reinforcement: Train commands like “leave it” and reward avoidance with treats and praise.
5. Add enrichment: Provide adequate toys, playtime, and stimulation to reduce boredom.
6. Avoid punishment: Do not scold. It can worsen anxiety and backfire.
7. Consider special products: Taste-altering supplements or probiotics may help but should be used under vet guidance.
8. Install physical barriers: Use crates or gates to limit exposure, especially in multi-pet households.
9. Use a basket muzzle: In chronic cases, a muzzle can prevent ingestion during walks—only under professional guidance.
10. Seek expert help: If the issue persists despite intervention, consult a veterinary behaviorist for tailored treatment.

Special Considerations

• Puppies: Clean up promptly, reward good behavior, and avoid harsh training methods.
• Litter attraction: Keep litter boxes clean and out of reach using baby gates or placement in inaccessible rooms.

Conclusion

Though unpleasant, poop eating in dogs is common and manageable. If your pet exhibits this behavior, stay calm, avoid punishment, and adopt a strategy combining veterinary care, training, and environmental adjustments. In most cases, consistent supervision and management are key to resolving coprophagia successfully.