Why Dogs Eat Poop: Coprophagia Explained and How to Stop It

Of all the less-than-pleasant habits our canine companions can develop – from a penchant for toilet water to rolling in who-knows-what – coprophagia, or the eating of feces, is often the most off-putting for dog owners. While it’s certainly not a behavior dogs engage in to deliberately disgust us, the very idea of it is enough to make many pet parents cringe. In fact, the discovery that a dog eats poop can sometimes lead to owners considering rehoming or, in extreme cases, even euthanasia. If you’re dealing with a dog who eats poop, take heart. There are effective strategies, including behavior modification techniques and readily available products, to help discourage this behavior and make poop less appealing to your dog.

Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs

Coprophagia (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh) is the scientific term for the act of eating feces. While it might seem bizarre to us, for dogs, the reasons behind this behavior can be both behavioral and physiological. Although extensive scientific research on coprophagia in dogs is still somewhat limited, it’s acknowledged as a relatively common phenomenon. A study presented at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference by researchers at the University of California, Davis, led by Dr. Benjamin Hart, revealed some interesting statistics:

A significant 16% of dogs were classified as “serious” coprophagics, meaning they were observed eating poop five or more times. (http://avsabonline.org/uploads/main/2012_ACVB-AVSAB_Symposium_Proceedings_Final.pdf)
Nearly a quarter of dogs, 24%, were observed eating poop at least once in the study.

Dr. Hart’s interpretation of these findings suggests a link to the evolutionary history of dogs: “Our conclusion is that eating of fresh stools is a reflection of an innate predisposition of ancestral canids living in nature that protects pack members from intestinal parasites present in feces that could occasionally be dropped in the den/rest area.” In simpler terms, the inclination to eat poop might be ingrained in a dog’s DNA.

This study, based on surveys from around 3,000 dog owners, highlights that while repulsive to human sensibilities, poop eating isn’t as disgusting from a canine perspective. Dogs evolved as scavengers, accustomed to consuming whatever they could find, be it on the ground or in discarded waste. Their definition of palatable food differs considerably from ours. Animal behaviorist Steven R. Lindsay, in his book “Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training,” proposes that coprophagia “may be one of several appetitive survival behaviors that have evolved to cope with the periodic adversity of starvation.” Essentially, in times of food scarcity, dogs may have developed this behavior as a survival mechanism.

Is Eating Poop Normal Dog Behavior, Especially for Puppies?

While coprophagia might seem abnormal to us, it’s important to understand that for certain species, like rabbits, it’s a completely natural way to obtain essential nutrients. Rabbits extract vital nutrients through this process, and preventing it can lead to health problems, particularly for young rabbits. Fortunately, dogs do not require poop consumption for nutritional needs. However, eating poop is considered a normal, instinctive behavior in dogs during certain life stages.

Mother dogs instinctively lick their puppies to stimulate elimination and then consume their puppies’ feces for approximately the first three weeks post-birth. This maternal behavior is crucial for hygiene in the whelping den and potentially for nutrient recycling. Puppies also naturally exhibit coprophagia, consuming their own feces (autocoprophagia), feces from other dogs (allocoprophagia), and even feces from cats and other animals. Horse manure and goose droppings are known to be particularly appealing to some dogs.

For puppies, eating their own poop is generally not dangerous. However, consuming feces from other animals can pose health risks if the stool is contaminated with parasites, viruses, or toxins. In most cases, puppy coprophagia is a phase that typically diminishes by the time they are around nine months old.

Why Does My Adult Dog Suddenly Eat Poop? Potential Causes

If your adult dog develops a poop-eating habit, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Several health issues can trigger coprophagia, including:

Parasites: Intestinal parasites can lead to nutrient malabsorption, potentially driving dogs to seek nutrients in feces.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Diets lacking in essential nutrients or calories can cause dogs to explore alternative sources, including poop.
Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions that hinder nutrient absorption in the digestive tract can lead to increased appetite and coprophagia.
Diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, and Thyroid Disease: These endocrine disorders can cause increased appetite, which might manifest as poop eating.
Certain Medications: Steroids and other drugs can increase appetite as a side effect, potentially leading to coprophagia.

Beyond medical reasons, environmental stress and behavioral factors can also contribute to poop eating in dogs.

Environmental and Behavioral Triggers for Coprophagia

Isolation and Confinement: Studies indicate that dogs kept in isolation, such as in kennels or basements, are more prone to coprophagia compared to dogs living closely with their families. Similarly, prolonged confinement in small spaces, like crates, can trigger this behavior, often observed in dogs rescued from overcrowded shelters.
Anxiety and Stress: Harsh punishment during house training can inadvertently lead to coprophagia. Dogs might eliminate and then eat their poop to eliminate evidence of accidents, fearing further punishment, creating a negative cycle.
Attention-Seeking Behavior: Dogs are clever and quickly learn how to get reactions from their owners. Eating poop, with its guaranteed disgusted response, can become an attention-seeking behavior. It’s important to avoid overreacting if you witness your dog eating poop.
Inappropriate Association with Food: Feeding dogs near their elimination areas can create an association between food odors and fecal odors, blurring the lines between what is and isn’t food. Feeding and potty areas should always be separate.
Learned Behavior from Mother Dogs: Puppies might learn coprophagia by observing their mothers cleaning them. Lindsay suggests that puppies may become confused by fecal odors on their mother’s breath after she has cleaned them. In some cases, mothers might regurgitate food mixed with puppy feces, a phenomenon he calls “appetitive inoculation,” potentially predisposing puppies to this habit.
Living with Sick or Elderly Dogs: In multi-dog households, a healthy dog might consume feces from a weaker or incontinent dog. This behavior is hypothesized to be linked to an instinct to protect the pack from predators by removing scent trails of vulnerable members.

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop: Effective Strategies

Veterinarians and dog behaviorists have identified several effective strategies to address coprophagia. The underlying cause of the behavior is crucial in determining the best approach. Medical-related coprophagia necessitates different solutions compared to behaviorally driven poop eating. Consulting your veterinarian is the first step if coprophagia is an ongoing issue. They can rule out medical causes and potentially recommend a certified veterinary behaviorist if needed.

Dietary Supplements: Vitamins and Enzymes

Vitamin Supplements: A long-held theory suggests that nutritional deficiencies drive coprophagia, particularly vitamin B deficiencies. Studies have shown that fecal microbial activity synthesizes thiamine (vitamin B1), and other research has pointed to other missing nutrients. A high-quality dog multivitamin supplement might be beneficial.
Enzyme Supplements: Modern dog food, often higher in carbohydrates and lower in meat-based proteins and fats compared to ancestral canine diets, may contribute to digestive enzyme deficiencies. Digestive enzyme supplements for dogs, especially those containing papain (a digestion-aiding enzyme), have shown promise in curbing coprophagia in some dogs.

Taste-Aversion Products: Deterrents for Poop Eating

Taste-aversion products work on the principle of making feces unpalatable to dogs. These products, available as treats or powders added to food, contain ingredients like monosodium glutamate, chamomile, pepper-plant derivatives, yucca, garlic, and parsley, which are designed to make poop taste and smell disgusting to dogs. It’s essential to treat all dogs (and cats, if applicable) in the household with these deterrents to ensure all feces become equally unappealing. Bitter-tasting sprays can also be applied directly to feces to further deter consumption.

Environmental Management and Training: Key to Long-Term Success

Environmental management and training are often the most effective long-term solutions for coprophagia.

Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean your dog’s living area, including your yard, to remove any feces promptly and eliminate temptation.
Supervise Walks and Immediate Poop Pick-Up: Closely supervise your dog during walks and immediately pick up their poop using poop bags.
“Leave It” and “Come” Training: Focus on training commands like “leave it” and “come.” A simple training exercise involves rewarding your dog with a treat immediately after they defecate when they come to you, redirecting their attention away from the poop.
Cat Litter Box Management: If you have cats, keep the litter box clean and inaccessible to your dog. Utilize self-cleaning litter boxes or dog gates to restrict access.

Interesting Facts About Coprophagia in Dogs

Puppy Exploration: In puppies, coprophagia is often considered a normal part of exploring their environment.
Preference for Hard Stools: Dogs exhibiting coprophagia often prefer hard, formed stools and tend to avoid soft feces or diarrhea. Frozen poop seems to be particularly enticing.
Multi-Dog Households: Coprophagia is more prevalent in multi-dog households. Studies show a higher incidence in homes with multiple dogs compared to single-dog homes.
House Training and Coprophagia: Dogs that eat poop are not necessarily harder to house train than other dogs.
Gender Predisposition: Female dogs are more likely to engage in coprophagia, while intact males are the least likely.
Freshness Matters: Dogs who eat poop usually prefer fresh feces, only one to two days old.
Not Their Own Poop: A significant majority of dog poop eaters (85%) will avoid eating their own feces and prefer the poop of other dogs.
Greedy Eaters: Dogs who are prone to stealing food (greedy eaters) are more likely to exhibit coprophagia.

Conclusion: Addressing Dog Poop Eating

If you observe your dog eating poop, consulting with your veterinarian is the crucial first step. Identifying the underlying cause, whether medical or behavioral, is essential for developing an effective solution. With a combination of veterinary guidance, appropriate dietary or taste-aversion interventions, environmental management, and consistent training, you can effectively address coprophagia and help your dog break this unpleasant habit. Remember, patience and consistency are key to success.