Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
“Why does my dog eat poop?” It’s not a crazy question for dog owners. I’m sure you are just a little grossed out as you wonder, ‘what made the dog want to eat that?’ As strange as it may be to humans, it’s actually quite normal. “Coprophagia” is the act of eating feces, and it’s a common behavior for many dogs. Here are a few reasons why:
Dogs Are Curious Animals
Although we can’t be certain why our dog wants to try feasting on another animal’s poop, it could just be a new and intriguing scent. Your poop-eater is likely attracted to the strong scent. Maybe he can smell the food that was previously eaten. It may just be sheer curiosity and wanting to explore the world around them.
Diet Deficiencies
Another reason pups will eat poop could be because of malnutrition. It’s believed that dogs who are facing vitamin and mineral deficiencies will eat the feces of another animal to compensate. But if your dog is eating a well-balanced dog food and your vet has cleared your pup with near-perfect health, then malnutrition is probably not the cause.
Fear May Cause Your Dog to Do Strange Things
I’m sure you had a few moments of shouting or scolding while your pup was still training. Maybe the dog was frightened by the disciplinary ‘shouting’. If your dog has fear of the consequences, he/she may begin to eat their poop to hide the evidence.
How to Stop It
The best way to be sure your dog stops eating feces is to clean up any poop and be sure it is discarded immediately. If you have a cat, move their litter box away from the dog. If you have a baby in the house, all used diapers should be tossed in a trash bag/can that your dog does not have access to. While walking, if you notice him smelling the feces of other animals left behind, give his leash a tug away from the poop.
