Dealing with Dogs Eating Poop: Effective Solutions!

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Dogs, as scavengers, have a unique place in the animal kingdom. Being neither at the top nor the bottom of the food chain, they must often flee from predators or fight off competitors. To survive more safely, dogs have developed the habit of scavenging, which includes consuming decaying food or carcasses.

In human eyes, feces are considered dirty waste products and are not meant to be eaten. However, to dogs, feces are a different form of protein.

Boredom and Curiosity

When dogs feel bored, they might treat feces as a toy, wanting to see what it is and sniff it. Without realizing it, they might end up eating it. Discovering that it tastes good, is fun, and can fill their belly, they may develop a habit of eating feces, especially when they think no one is watching.

Unsuitable Punishment by Owners

Due to incorrect training methods, dogs might think their owners dislike them when they defecate. Therefore, they may eat their feces to destroy evidence and avoid punishment. This behavior is often seen in dogs that do not defecate in the right place. When owners scold, reprimand, or even use force, dogs may learn to clean up their messes themselves to avoid punishment. This is a result of owners' incorrect guidance.

Dog owners need to understand that teaching dogs to defecate in the right place requires proper guidance, not just verbal reprimands or physical punishment!

Imitation Behavior

Dogs may imitate their owners, who often clean up their feces, and may decide to do the same. They might choose to eat the feces as a way to clean up after themselves.

Deficiency of Trace Elements

When dogs' regular food does not meet their nutritional needs, causing a deficiency of trace elements, they may turn to eating feces to supplement what they lack, such as vitamins and probiotics.

Perceived Competition with the Owner

When owners react strongly to dogs eating feces, dogs may perceive this as a competition for the feces. This perception can make them more inclined to eat it.

Cleaning Their Tracks

When puppies are born, mother dogs will lick their puppies' anuses after they defecate and eat their feces to prevent other animals from following the scent to hunt the young. Adult dogs may also eat feces to clean their tracks if they feel threatened.

Stomach Issues

Dogs with stomach problems, such as poor nutrient absorption, digestive issues, or parasites, may also eat feces.

Which Dogs Are More Likely to Eat Poop?

Statistically, dogs that eat quickly make up 51.1% of those who eat feces. Dogs with strong food drives are more prone to this behavior. These are dogs that become extremely excited and aggressive around food, even resorting to behaviors like biting feet or barking to get their way. These dogs are more likely to eat feces. Dogs that are picky eaters and do not eat feces. Dogs with pica, such as those who eat dirt or grass, are also more likely to eat feces. Neutered male dogs account for 55% of those who eat feces.

How to Correct a Dog's PoopEating Habit

The problem of dogs eating feces can be corrected. First, you can increase the amount of dog food you give your dog to ensure they are wellfed and not driven to eat feces out of hunger. If the issue is due to a deficiency of trace elements, ensure your dog's diet is rich and balanced, and consider supplementing with trace elements. Also, clean up your dog's feces promptly after they defecate to prevent them from having the opportunity to eat it. And when your dog shows interest in tasting feces, intervene immediately. Remember, the key is to stop them when they are eating, not to punish them every time they defecate or after they have eaten it!