Why Dogs Eat Poop and Ways to Help Prevent It

Dogs eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is a common behavior that can be frustrating and embarrassing for pet owners. It’s important to understand why dogs eat poop so that you can take steps to prevent it.

There are a number of reasons why dogs may eat poop, including:

Medical problems. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism, can increase a dog’s appetite and lead to coprophagia. Other medical problems, such as gastrointestinal diseases and parasites, can interfere with nutrient absorption, which may also lead to coprophagia.

Nutritional deficiencies

Dogs may eat poop if they are not getting the nutrients they need from their diet. This can be more common in dogs fed homemade or raw diets.

Boredom or anxiety

Some dogs eat poop out of boredom or anxiety. This is more likely to happen in dogs that are left alone for long periods of time or that are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Learned behaviour

Dogs eat poop may learn if they see other dogs doing it or if they are rewarded for doing it. For example, a puppy that is punished for having an accident in the house may learn to eat its poop to hide the evidence. If you notice your dog eating poop, it’s important to see a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems. Once any medical problems have been addressed, you can start working on preventing your dog from eating poop.

There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that pineapple can help prevent dogs from eating poop. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is thought to alter the taste and smell of dog poop, making it unappetizing to dogs. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Some veterinarians recommend feeding dogs a small amount of pineapple (about 2-3 chunks per day) as a way to deter coprophagia. However, it is important to note that pineapple can cause stomach upset in some dogs, so it is important to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount if your dog tolerates it well.

Here are some tips:–

• Pick up your dog’s poop immediately after they defecate. This will reduce the amount of poop that your dog has access to.
• Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet. This will help ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
•  Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This will help reduce boredom and anxiety.
• Keep your dog away from others that dogs eat poop.
• If you catch your dog eating poop, distract them with something else and give them a positive reinforcement for not finishing the dogs eat poop.
• If you are having trouble preventing your dog from eating poop on your own, talk to your veterinarian or a behaviorist. They can help you develop a personalised plan to help your dog break this habit.

Here are some additional tips that may help Dogs Eat Poop:

• Add a poop-eating deterrent to your dog’s food. These products typically contain ingredients that make poop taste bad to dogs.
• Teach your dog a command like “leave it” or “drop it.” This can be helpful if you catch your dog about to eat poop.
  With patience and consistency, you can help your dog break the habit of eating poop.

Jeannene

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Jeannene Anchen Bark with Buster. A dog treat business which sell air dehydrated, 100% natural, Australian dog treats and dog bones. Conveniently delivering Australia wide. Wholesale opportunities are also welcome to help service pet related businesses.