Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? - PetMD

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons. And while some are normal, others are signs of an underlying issue.

Normal reasons a dog might eat poop include …

• Nursing

• Instinct

• Taste

… while abnormal reasons why dogs eat poop include:

• Getting your attention

• Not feeling well

• Anxiety

• To avoid being punished for an accident

Let’s dive into each of these reasons.

1. They’re Nursing

Nursing female dogs often eat the poop of their young to keep their den clean.

2. It’s Instinctual

According to a 2018 survey published in Veterinary Medicine and Science, dogs might eat poop as a behavior inherited from wolves. Wolves would typically eat fresh poop (less than two days old) to keep the den free of fecal-borne intestinal parasites.

3. It Tastes Good

Dogs sometimes eat the poop of another species. While the stool of other animals, such as horses or cats, contains nutrients that can be beneficial, it can also contain harmful bacteria—so it’s best to discourage your dog from eating it.

It’s normal for dogs to eat the poop of another species, but it’s uncommon for adult dogs to eat their own poop or another dog’s poop.

4. They Want To Get Your Attention

Some dogs may have started eating poop at a young age because they feel like it’s a game.

For example, when puppies are young, they may explore by grabbing their poop with their mouths. And as you run toward them, crying out some form of “drop it,” some puppies may get startled, drop the poop, and never touch it again, while others may interpret the yelling as an excited invitation to play.

As your dog becomes an adult, this is carried over as a learned behavior that gets them attention. And let’s face it: It’s really difficult not to pay attention to a dog that’s eating poop.

5. They’re Not Feeling Well

When you have a puppy or dog who eats other dogs’ poop or their own poop, have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Coprophagia can be associated with diseases of the intestinal tract and sometimes other parts of the body, such as the liver or brain.

If your adult dog has never been a poop eater and suddenly develops the habit in association with symptoms of disease, such as weight loss, lethargy, discomfort, behavioral changes, vomiting, or diarrhea, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

The vet will need to perform diagnostic tests to determine if your dog has an underlying medical problem, such, pica, intestinal parasites, nutritional deficiencies, or gastrointestinal disease.

Coprophagia can be associated with diseases of the intestinal tract and sometimes other parts of the body (such as the liver or brain).

6. They Have Anxiety

Other dogs eat poop as a displacement behavior when they’re anxious. If an anxious dog is confined, they may defecate and eat their own poop.

Possible sources of anxiety that can cause coprophagia include:

• General anxiety

• Worrying about being confined

• You being away from them (separation anxiety)

• Lack of enrichment activities when confined

7. They’re Scared of Being Punished for an Accident

Some dogs may learn to eat their poop as puppies if they’ve been repeatedly punished by their pet parents for defecating in the house.

When potty training a puppy or dog, never punish. Instead, rely on positive reinforcement.