If you've ever asked yourself, "Why do dogs eat poop?" you’re not alone. As unpleasant as it sounds, this behavior, known as coprophagia in dogs, is surprisingly common, especially among puppies. While it can be distressing to witness, rest assured, there are compassionate and effective ways to manage and stop this behavior.
This guide is designed to help dog guardians understand the causes behind stool consumption and explore positive, force-free strategies to address it.
Coprophagia is the scientific term for the act of eating feces. While the behavior may seem abnormal to us, it can be entirely natural for dogs. Some puppies engage in stool consumption out of curiosity or mimic their mother’s behavior during early life stages.
Though it can be temporary, it's important to understand the underlying reasons and how to stop coprophagia in dogs if it becomes persistent.
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Dogs may engage in coprophagia for several reasons, which typically fall into three categories: biological, behavioral, and emotional.
Nutritional deficiencies: Dogs may eat feces if their diet lacks essential nutrients.
Parasites or digestion issues: These can lead to poor nutrient absorption, prompting stool consumption.
Learned behavior: Puppies may copy their mother or littermates.
Exploration: Young dogs explore with their mouths—sometimes leading to stool consumption.
Scavenging instinct: Some dogs see feces as a food source.
Attention-seeking: Your reaction may unintentionally reinforce the behavior.
Boredom: A lack of stimulation can lead to unwanted habits.
Anxiety and stress: Changes in environment or routine can trigger stress-eating behaviors.
Fear: Dogs punished for potty accidents may consume stool to hide evidence.
Compulsive disorders: Some cases may escalate into compulsive behavior requiring professional help.
Start with a health check-up:
Rule out medical causes and parasites.
Evaluate diet quality and completeness.
Ask about safe additives (prescription, over-the-counter, or natural) that make stool unappetizing.
Stay present during potty breaks.
Immediately distract your dog with a high-value treat right after elimination.
Promptly clean up waste to eliminate temptation.
Use puzzle toys and training to engage their mind.
Provide daily physical exercise to reduce boredom-related behaviors.
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Reward your dog for ignoring feces during walks or yard time.
Practice the “leave it” command consistently.
In persistent cases, consider gentle muzzle training with professional guidance.
Feed a well-balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s age and needs.
With your vet’s guidance, add fiber to the diet, it may make the stool less palatable.
If you’re navigating coprophagia in dogs, remember this behavior is not a sign of defiance or misbehavior. It often stems from instinct, habit, or unmet needs. With patience, understanding, and a proactive plan, you can reduce or eliminate stool consumption while strengthening the bond with your furry friend.
Never punish your dog for this behavior, it can increase fear and worsen the issue. If your efforts aren’t producing results, consult a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist for customized support.
Still wondering why do dogs eat poop or need more help figuring out how to stop coprophagia in dogs? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Homeschool Trainer or message Homeschool directly. Support is just a tail-wag away.
Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.
