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How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop: A Veteran’s Guide

Stopping your dog from eating poop, technically known as coprophagia, involves a multifaceted approach. It’s rarely a simple fix and often requires patience and consistent training. The most effective strategy combines behavioral modification, dietary adjustments, and addressing any underlying medical conditions. Implementing a “leave it” command, promptly cleaning up feces, enriching your dog’s diet with fiber and potentially digestive enzymes, and ruling out medical causes like nutrient deficiencies are all crucial steps in breaking this unsavory habit.

Understanding Coprophagia: Why Dogs Do What They Do

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand the “why.” Coprophagia, while disgusting to us, isn’t always a sign of something drastically wrong. In fact, it’s relatively common. Here’s a breakdown of the possible culprits:

Nutritional Deficiencies: Some believe dogs eat poop to compensate for missing nutrients, enzymes, or probiotics in their diet. This is especially true for poorly formulated dog foods.
Enzyme Deficiency: Lack of digestive enzymes might lead them to think they can get some by eating what was already digested once by them or others.
Boredom and Attention-Seeking: A bored dog might discover that eating poop gets them attention, even if it’s negative attention.
Anxiety and Stress: Stressful environments or separation anxiety can trigger coprophagia as a coping mechanism.
Instinct: Puppies, especially, sometimes eat their mother’s feces (and sometimes their own) as part of exploring their world. Some theorize it’s also related to cleaning up after their pups to avoid attracting predators in the wild.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Parasites, malabsorption issues, or other medical conditions can cause nutrient deficiencies that trigger coprophagia.
Learned Behavior: Dogs might learn the behavior from their mother, or from observing other dogs.
“Cleaning” Behavior: Some dogs in kennels or confined areas may eat feces to keep their space clean.
Taste Preference: Believe it or not, some dogs just seem to enjoy the taste. Undigested food particles in the stool can make it appealing.

The Action Plan: Tackling the Problem Head-On

Now, let’s move on to practical solutions. Here’s a comprehensive plan to help you curb your dog’s poop-eating habit:

1. Veterinary Check-Up: Rule Out Medical Issues

The first and most important step is a visit to your veterinarian. They can perform blood tests and fecal exams to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the behavior. This is non-negotiable. Don’t skip it.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Optimize Nutrition

High-Quality Dog Food: Ensure your dog is eating a high-quality, balanced dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Look for foods with real meat as the primary ingredient and avoid those with excessive fillers.
Fiber Supplementation: Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help improve digestion and reduce the appeal of feces. Pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling) or bran can be added to their food. Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and adjust as needed.
Enzyme Supplements: Consider adding a digestive enzyme supplement to your dog’s food. This can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Probiotic Supplements: Probiotics can help restore a healthy gut flora, which can also improve digestion and reduce the urge to eat poop.

3. Behavioral Modification: Training and Management

“Leave It” Command: Train your dog a solid “leave it” command. This is crucial for interrupting the behavior when you see it happening. Start with low-value items and gradually work your way up to feces.
Prompt Clean-Up: This is perhaps the most effective deterrent. Immediately clean up any feces in your yard or during walks. If there’s no poop available, your dog can’t eat it.
Muzzle Training: In severe cases, a basket muzzle can be used during walks to prevent your dog from eating poop. Ensure the muzzle is properly fitted and allows your dog to pant and drink water. Introduce the muzzle gradually and positively.
Supervise Closely: Keep a close eye on your dog during walks and in the yard, especially during and after defecation.
Distraction and Redirection: If you see your dog approaching feces, distract them with a toy or treat and redirect their attention.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for good behavior, such as ignoring feces. Use treats, praise, or toys as positive reinforcement.
Avoid Punishment: Never punish your dog for eating poop. This can create anxiety and worsen the problem.

4. Commercial Deterrents: A Word of Caution

There are several commercial products marketed to deter dogs from eating poop. These products typically contain ingredients that make feces taste unpleasant. While some owners have found them helpful, their effectiveness is often inconsistent. It is recommended you discuss their use with your veterinarian.

5. Environmental Enrichment: Combat Boredom

Interactive Toys: Provide plenty of interactive toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise. A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive or undesirable behaviors.
Training and Play: Engage in regular training sessions and play with your dog to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Breaking the Habit: Patience is Key

Stopping coprophagia requires consistency and patience. It may take time to identify the underlying cause and implement effective strategies. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep working with your veterinarian and using the techniques outlined above, and you’ll eventually break the habit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is coprophagia harmful to my dog?

Yes, coprophagia can be harmful. Feces can contain parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can make your dog sick. Additionally, if the feces contain medications or toxins, your dog could be exposed to those substances.

2. Are some breeds more prone to coprophagia?

While coprophagia can occur in any breed, some anecdotal evidence suggests that certain breeds, like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, may be more prone to the behavior, potentially due to their scavenging tendencies.

3. My puppy is eating poop. Will he grow out of it?

Some puppies do grow out of coprophagia as they mature. However, it’s important to address the behavior early on to prevent it from becoming a habit. Implement the strategies outlined above, even in puppies.

4. Can changing my dog’s food really help?

Yes, changing to a higher-quality dog food can often help, especially if the coprophagia is related to nutrient deficiencies. Look for foods with real meat as the primary ingredient and avoid excessive fillers.

5. What are some natural remedies for coprophagia?

Some natural remedies that have been suggested include pineapple, pumpkin, and parsley. These are believed to make feces taste less appealing to dogs. However, their effectiveness can vary.

6. How long does it take to stop a dog from eating poop?

There’s no set timeline. It can take weeks, months, or even longer to stop a dog from eating poop, depending on the underlying cause and the dog’s individual temperament. Consistency is key.

7. My dog only eats cat poop. Why?

Cat poop is often more appealing to dogs because it’s typically higher in protein and undigested food particles. The strategies outlined above still apply, but you’ll also need to restrict your dog’s access to the litter box.

8. What is the best way to clean up poop in my yard to prevent coprophagia?

Use a pooper scooper and dispose of the feces in a sealed bag. Clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odors.

9. Can stress or anxiety cause coprophagia?

Yes, stress and anxiety can be a contributing factor. Identify and address the source of the stress, and consider using calming aids or consulting with a veterinary behaviorist.

10. Should I consult a veterinary behaviorist?

If you’ve tried the above strategies and are still struggling to stop your dog from eating poop, consulting with a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. They can help identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

11. What kind of muzzle should I use to prevent coprophagia?

A basket muzzle is the best option, as it allows your dog to pant and drink water while preventing them from eating poop. Ensure the muzzle is properly fitted and comfortable for your dog.

12. What if my dog only eats the poop of other dogs?

The reasons for this are similar to why they eat their own poop. It can be related to dietary deficiencies, digestive issues, or simply a learned behavior. The same strategies outlined above apply.