By rob eagar 
If you thought a dog eating grass and vomiting right after was weird, you would find the canine poop-eating habit disgusting. But it is no surprise that our adorable puppies can do nasty things like eating their own poop or the feaces of another animal.
However, the main question is, why do dogs eat poop? Many pet owners wonder if the behavior stems from psychological issues or nutritional deficiencies. No matter what the reasons are, poop-eating is common in dogs. In a study presented at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference, researchers led by Dr. Benjamin Hart from the University of California, Davis, found that:
- 16% (one in six) of dogs are classified as “serious” poop eaters, which means that they were caught in the act of eating poop five times
- 24% of the dogs in the study (one in four) were observed eating poop at least once
Now that we know that almost all dogs are into poop-eating, let’s explore why do dogs eat their own poop.
Why Do My Dogs Eat Their Own Poop?
In the same study mentioned above, Hart concluded that “eating of fresh stools is a reflection of an innate predisposition of ancestral canids living in nature that protects pack members from intestinal parasites present in feces that could occasionally be dropped in the den/rest area.”
Scientifically dog eating poop is known as coprophagia. There is no simple answer to why do dogs eat poop, but some of the significant reasons are explained below;
Mother Dogs Keep Their Pup Clean
As part of the nursing routine, mother dogs not only lick the bottoms of their pups for hygiene but also eat their poop to keep the place clean. This might seem like a not-so-hygienic way of cleaning the house, but canine instincts have been trained for centuries. In the wild, dogs can not afford their puppies wandering around, which leads to these pups eliminating right in the den. To keep their little ones clean and avoid the constant build-up of feces around the place, mother dogs ate the poop. The instincts are intact even today.
Avoid Faecal-Borne Intestinal Parasites
A 2018 survey published in Veterinary Medicine and Science suggests that “coprophagy reflects a tendency inherited from the ancestral wolf to keep the den area free of fecal-borne intestinal parasites that might be deposited in the den resting area and would typically have parasite ova that are not initially infective but could develop infective larvae after 2 days. An evolved parasite defense strategy to consume fresh feces in the rest area would be adaptive.”
Your Dog Is A Greedy Eater
Some dogs just love to eat at all times. However, overeating can lead to weight gain and other health problems, compelling pet owners to follow a strict routine when it comes to feeding their pups.
Yet, this does not stop these greedy eaters from eating their poop which for them seems an easy way of getting nutrients. Again this behavior can be traced back to the canine ancestor for whom survival was the top priority– even if it meant eating their own poop.
Your Pup Is Needy For Attention
If your puppy is attention deprived, it can go to extreme extends to get your attention, including eating poop. But why do dogs eat poop even when you give them proper time and attention?
There is no definite answer to the question. However, dog experts suggest that the immediate reaction from a pet owner can often make a dog mistake scolding for playful attention. For instance, if you see your puppy or dog grab its poop, your first reaction would be to ask it to “drop it!”
You might also get close to your canine friend to take it away from the feces and ensure that it does not ingest anything. This might seem like an invitation to play chase by your puppy and can lead to habit formation where it would attempt to eat poop every time just to get a reaction from you.
Your Dog Is Not Feeling Well
An answer to why do dogs eat cat poop or their own poop can be that they are not feeling well. Coprophagia can be associated with intestinal tract diseases and sometimes other body parts (such as the liver or brain).
You would need to continuously monitor your furry friend to be sure about any health issues. Keep an eye on your puppy for signs of vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, or a sudden loss of appetite. If you have recently moved home or there have been some significant environmental changes, take note of those, too. If your furry friend continues eating feces, you should get a vet examination to diagnose any problems properly.
How To Get Dog To Stop Eating Poop?
Depending on the cause of the dog eating poop, there are several effective ways of stopping your puppy from ingesting feces. For medical conditions, your vet might suggest medical treatments to treat the underlying health problems.
Dog experts believe that vitamin deficiency is a common cause of dogs eating poop, and the problem can be solved with canine multivitamins. Vitamin B deficiency, in particular, has been a prime suspect, and studies have backed this up. In 1981, scientists showed fecal microbial activity synthesized thiamine, a B-vitamin. Along with these enzyme supplements for dogs eating poop and taste-aversion products are found to be effective in preventing your furry friend from feasting on feces.
However, if you are looking for home remedies to stop a puppy from eating poop, you should consider changing the environmental conditions. Ensure that your pup is feeling loved and is not left alone for extended periods. Moreover, consult with a dog psychologist to ensure that your furry friend is not suffering from anxiety or any other mental issues. Keep your dog’s living area clean, including the yard, so there will be no piles of poop for them to be tempted to eat. Supervise your dog on walks, and pick up their poop immediately.
FAQs
How do I clean my dog’s mouth after eating poop?
Give them plenty of water to drink and wipe around the mouth with a clean cloth. You can also brush your puppy’s teeth to ensure that everything is clean.
How do I stop my dog from eating poo?
Consult with your vet to ensure your puppy is not suffering from any health issues, and get the necessary medications. Make your pet feel loved and keep the place clean.