Why Dogs Eat Poop Outside: Unraveling the Reasons

1. Causes of Canine Internal Diseases: If a dog is suffering from any of the following conditions, it may trigger coprophagia, or the consumption of feces.

1. Pancreatic exocrine deficiency

2. Gastrointestinal parasites

3. Overgrowth of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

4. Inflammatory bowel disease

5. Megaesophagus or esophageal stricture

6. Unbalanced diet, such as excessive fat intake

7. Druginduced, such as barbiturates, progesterone, and steroids

8. Hyperthyroidism

9. Hyperadrenocorticism

10. Diabetes

11. Pancreatitis

2. Beyond medical conditions, owners should also selfassess, as certain behaviors can lead to coprophagia in dogs.

1) Overly harsh punishment. If a dog's owner is overly clean and disciplines the dog too severely after defecation, it can create a significant psychological scar. To avoid punishment, the dog may quickly clean up its feces to avoid detection.

2) Extreme hunger. Some dogs may eat feces out of hunger due to changes in their diet. For instance, if a dog was used to eating twice a day but is suddenly fed only once, it might resort to coprophagia if it cannot adapt to the hunger.

3) Lack of affection. A dog may intentionally eat feces to gain its owner's attention. Perhaps the dog's first instance of coprophagia caught the owner's attention and was monitored closely. Once corrected, the owner may then overlook the dog, leading the dog to believe that only coprophagia elicits attention and care.

How can these behaviors be corrected in dogs?

Coprophagia is not only gross but also dangerous, especially when a dog is exposed to contagious diseases from other dogs. If this behavior is detected, it must be addressed promptly. This includes regular deworming, vaccinations, and patient correction.

When going out, you can use a special mask for your dog to prevent it from eating feces in public. At home, if you notice your dog about to engage in coprophagia, loudly scold it immediately; do not wait until it has finished eating the feces. This way, the dog will not misunderstand your actions and feel upset. Praise your dog promptly after it defecates and use treats, toys, or other incentives to distract it from eating feces, gradually breaking the habit.