If you have ever wondered, “Why do dogs eat poop?”, you are certainly not alone. This unpleasant but surprisingly common behaviour is called coprophagia. It is particularly common in puppies, although some adult dogs do it too.
While eating poop can sometimes indicate a health or behavioural problem, many dogs are simply curious scavengers. The best way to address it is to identify the likely cause, prevent access and use calm, reward-based training.
Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?
Poop eating is considered normal in a few situations. Mother dogs instinctively lick and consume their young puppies’ waste to keep the nesting area clean. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths and may investigate faeces in the same way they investigate sticks, leaves and other objects.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, coprophagia is relatively common in puppies and will often resolve as they mature when it is managed with good nutrition, supervision and appropriate guidance.
However, a dog that suddenly begins eating poop—especially an adult dog—may need to be examined by a veterinarian.
Why do dogs eat poop?
There is no single explanation that applies to every dog. The most common causes include the following.
Curiosity and scavenging
Dogs are natural scavengers with a much less selective idea of what counts as food than we have. A strong smell or an interesting texture may be enough to encourage a curious puppy or dog to investigate.
If the dog finds the experience rewarding, the behaviour can quickly become a habit.
Hunger or an appealing smell
Faeces may contain partially digested food, making it smell attractive to some dogs. This can be particularly tempting when it comes from another animal, such as a cat.
A dog may also search for additional things to eat if they are consistently hungry, receiving insufficient food or being fed a diet that does not meet their nutritional needs.
Boredom and insufficient stimulation
Dogs left alone in a yard, kennel or small area for long periods may eat poop because they are bored and looking for something to do.
Regular exercise, sniffing opportunities, play and food-based enrichment can help meet your dog’s physical and mental needs. However, enrichment should complement supervision and training rather than replace them.
Stress or anxiety
Coprophagia can sometimes be associated with anxiety, isolation or a stressful environment. A dog may also learn to consume the evidence after being punished for toileting in the wrong place.
Reacting angrily can therefore make the problem worse. The RSPCA supports reward-based training, which teaches dogs what we want them to do without using fear, force or punishment.
Attention-seeking
Discovering your dog eating poop understandably produces a strong reaction. Unfortunately, chasing, shouting or making a commotion may turn it into an exciting game—or teach your dog that picking up faeces is a reliable way to gain attention.
Try to remain calm and redirect your dog before quietly cleaning the area.
An underlying medical problem
Although most cases are behavioural, coprophagia can occasionally be associated with conditions that increase hunger or interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. Possible causes include intestinal parasites, gastrointestinal disorders and other illnesses.
Book a veterinary appointment if the behaviour starts suddenly or occurs alongside:
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Low energy
- A poor-quality coat
- Changes in the appearance or frequency of stools
A vet may recommend an examination, diet review, blood tests or a faecal test to check for parasites and other problems. Faecal testing is commonly used to screen for intestinal parasites and infections, particularly when diarrhoea is present, according to PetMD.
Can eating poop make a dog sick?
Eating their own fresh faeces may not always cause illness, but it is still a habit worth preventing. Consuming another animal’s waste presents a greater risk because the faeces could contain parasites, bacteria, viruses or traces of medication.
Dogs can acquire some intestinal worms through contaminated faeces or soil. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and visible worms, although an infected dog will not always show obvious signs (PetMD).
Contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes unwell after eating faeces or consumes waste belonging to an animal that may be sick or receiving medication.
How to stop a dog eating poop kindly
1. Remove the opportunity
Pick up faeces promptly at home and keep the yard clean. During walks, keep your dog on a lead in areas where waste is likely to be present.
Place litter trays behind a baby gate or in an area your dog cannot access. If you have several dogs, supervise toileting so waste can be removed immediately.
2. Teach a strong “leave it” cue
Begin indoors with a low-value item placed safely under your hand or foot. When your dog moves away from it, mark the decision with “yes” and offer a better reward.
Gradually practise around more tempting objects, but do not begin training with actual faeces. Outdoors, maintain enough distance for your dog to respond successfully.
3. Reward your dog for moving away
After your dog toilets, cheerfully call them towards you and offer a high-value treat. Pick up the waste while they are enjoying their reward.
You want your dog to learn a simple new pattern:
Toilet → move towards the person → receive something wonderful.
For deaf dogs, the same exercise can be taught with a clear hand signal, visual marker or gentle vibration cue that has already been positively conditioned.
4. Avoid chasing or punishment
Do not shout, hit, frighten or rub your dog’s nose in the mess. Punishment may increase anxiety, encourage secretive behaviour or cause the dog to swallow the poop quickly before you can take it away.
If your dog already has something in their mouth, calmly offer a valuable treat in exchange rather than forcing their mouth open.
5. Review diet, routine and enrichment
Feed a complete and balanced diet in an amount appropriate for your dog’s age, size and activity level. Ask your veterinarian before adding supplements or changing diets.
Provide daily exercise, sniffing walks, short training sessions, safe chews and puzzle feeders. Dogs who are physically comfortable and mentally engaged are less likely to invent undesirable activities of their own.
Be patient and consistent
Understanding why dogs eat poop is the first step towards changing the behaviour. In most cases, prompt clean-up, close supervision and generous rewards for making a better choice will produce the best results.
If the habit is persistent, begins suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian. Once medical causes have been ruled out, a qualified reward-based trainer or veterinary behaviourist can help you create a plan suited to your dog.
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This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice.