Effective Solutions to Stop Shih Tzu from Eating Poop

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There are several reasons why dogs might engage in coprophagia, or the consumption of their own feces:

1. Maternal Instincts: It's wellknown that mother dogs will lick their puppies' feces, which is likely a natural behavior or one that they've learned by observation.

2. Unjustified Punishment: If a dog is punished for defecating, it can create psychological distress, leading to the dog eating its feces out of fear.

3. Feeding Habits: Some dogs are accustomed to eating three meals a day and might eat feces if their feeding schedule is suddenly changed to just one meal per day due to hunger.

4. Health Issues: Sometimes, a dog's digestive system may not be functioning optimally, or it might have consumed highenergy substances that are not fully absorbed. This can make the feces still nutritious, prompting the dog to eat it.

5. Internal Parasites: Dogs with a high infestation of parasites might eat feces because the parasites absorb the nutrients from the food, leaving the dog feeling hungry.

6. Deficiency in Trace Elements: This is quite common, often due to an imbalanced or incomplete diet in commercial dog food.

While eating feces may not cause significant harm, it's still important to discourage this behavior.

Strategies to Address Coprophagia:

1. Immediate Intervention: When you see your dog eating feces, it's crucial to intervene immediately and firmly. Timing is key, as the dog needs to understand the correct behavior. If the dog has already consumed the feces, it might be confused about why you're stopping it.

2. Adjust Feeding Habits: Make changes to your dog's feeding routine gradually rather than abruptly. Sudden changes can lead to unexpected behaviors.

3. Address Health Concerns: Health issues require a slow and steady approach to treatment. Avoid administering medication without consulting a veterinarian. For poor digestive absorption, consider feeding a supplement like "Devabol" to improve appetite and promote better intestinal absorption.

4. Regular Deworming: Schedule regular deworming for your dog, and more frequently if it consumes raw food.

5. Supplement with Trace Elements: Use trace element supplements to address immediate deficiencies. For longterm health, ensure your dog's diet is balanced and comprehensive. Opting for highquality dog food can be a simple solution.

By understanding the reasons behind your dog's behavior and taking appropriate action, you can help break the cycle of coprophagia and ensure your pet's health and wellbeing.