Few sights unsettle a dog owner quite like watching their beloved companion eat feces. Even the most attentive, caring owners ask the same questions: Why is my dog doing this? Is something wrong with their health? Why do dogs eat other dogs’ poop?
The behavior, known as coprophagia, isn’t always a red flag, but it isn’t something to dismiss either. It can stem from deeply rooted instincts, learned habits, or underlying medical conditions. Knowing the difference matters. A dog eating poop occasionally may simply be acting on an instinct, while frequent poop eating may signal a behavioral or health issue that deserves vet attention.
This guide is for pet parents who want straightforward, practical answers. You’ll understand what actually drives this poop eating, how to assess whether your dog eating poop warrants a vet visit, and what steps you can take to kick this disgusting habit.
Why do dogs eat poop?
Before you can address the behavior, it helps to understand why dogs eat poop. Coprophagia can stem from both behavioral patterns and underlying health issues. Sometimes both are at play.
1. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are smart, and they quickly learn what gets a reaction. If your dog has discovered that eating poop brings you running, he may repeat the behavior simply to engage you. Negative attention is still attention!
2. Boredom or Confinement
A bored dog is a creative dog, and not always in ways you’d hope. Dogs that spend long stretches alone with limited stimulation may turn to poop eating simply to occupy themselves.
3. Anxiety and Stress
For some dogs, poop eating may be associated with stress or anxiety. Separation anxiety, fear-based stress, or even the pressure of potty training can contribute to the behavior. Dogs undergoing house training may eat their stool to “hide the evidence” and avoid being scolded, making punishment-based training approaches particularly counterproductive.
4. Intestinal Parasites
Certain intestinal parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption or increase hunger, which may contribute to coprophagia. If your dog suddenly starts eating poop, schedule a veterinarian appointment to rule out parasites or other health concerns.
5. Calorie Restriction or Hunger
Sometimes the explanation is straightforward: dogs eat poop because they are hungry. Whether he’s not being fed enough, losing out to a companion dog at mealtimes, or experiencing increased appetite due to a medication like corticosteroids, an empty stomach can lead him straight to the nearest available food source — even if that source is his own poop. Talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
6. Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to coprophagia. When adult dogs eat poop, it may indicate they aren’t getting the nutrients they need.
This might be because they are being fed a poorly balanced diet, they aren’t getting enough to eat, or they have a medical condition that decreases their ability to absorb nutrients. For example, they might have a deficiency of digestive enzymes, or parasites that are siphoning off the nutrients.
In addition, dogs that begin eating feces of a particular dog might be doing so because that dog is not digesting his food properly, and therefore, his stools still contain excess nutrients. Certain illnesses can also change either the smell or texture of your dog’s poop to make it more appealing to them.
7. Instinct
A study at the University of California offered an evolutionary explanation for coprophagia. These researchers suggested that poop eating could be inherited from a dog’s wolf ancestors.
They found that coprophagia was primarily directed at feces no older than two days. The authors suggested that eating fresh feces could be an instinctual behavior to clean a den of potentially infectious poop and reduce exposure to parasites.
Is eating poop dangerous for dogs?
It depends. Eating their own feces carries different risks than consuming poop from other dogs, cats, or wildlife. When the behavior is repetitive or followed by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s time to involve a vet.
Here are the key health risks to know:
- Parasite Transmission: Feces can carry parasites or their eggs, oocysts, or cysts, potentially exposing dogs to roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and Giardia, or other parasites. Consuming stool from other animals significantly raises the chance of ingesting infectious larvae or cysts.
- Bacterial Infections: Stool can harbor Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Some of these bacteria are zoonotic, meaning your dog can pass them to you and other household members.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Even without parasites or bacteria, ingesting feces can disrupt your dog’s gut flora and trigger vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating.
- Toxin Exposure: Dogs that scavenge may also encounter toxic foods or other harmful substances.
- Disease Transmission: Stool from an infected animal can expose your dog to diseases that spread through fecal contamination, including parvovirus.
How can you stop a dog from eating poop?
While the first thing to do if your dog is eating poop is to check with your veterinarian, there are several other strategies you can use to deter poop-eating behavior in dogs. Let’s take a look at what you can do to help resolve this behavior.
Supervise and immediately clean the environment
The first thing to do is pick up your dog’s poop right away.
Do you have a cat at home? Even if your dog is eating dog poop, don’t encourage poop-eating behavior by allowing him access to the cat’s litter box. Keep the litter box out of reach from your puppy.
Prevent scavenging
If your dog likes to scavenge poop while you’re out with them, these tools can help.
- Basket Muzzles: A properly fitted basket muzzle covers your dog’s face so that he can’t eat poop but can still pant and drink. He may, however, still smear feces all over the muzzle.
- Field Guards: These are similar to a muzzle, but they are specifically designed to protect your dog’s face and mouth in areas where foxtails are prevalent. They also help prevent coprophagia by preventing your pup from eating feces.
- Head Collars: These are similar to the halter you use on a horse, but they’re made for dogs. They allow you to lift his head when he tries to eat poop.
Adjust feeding schedule
If your dog is consuming feces because he’s not getting enough food, he may need more food or to be fed more frequently. This can reduce his hunger and scavenging behavior, but it’s advisable to check with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog’s diet or feeding schedule.
Provide balanced nutrition
If your vet determines your dog’s poop-eating habit is caused by nutritional deficiencies, work with them to find an appropriate diet. Your veterinarian can help you evaluate dietary choices, including whether a grain-free diet may be appropriate for your dog.
Improve mental and physical enrichment
If your dog is eating poop because he’s bored, you might need to increase his mental enrichment. You might consider brain games for dogs, outdoor exercise, or training to help your dog stay mentally and physically engaged.
Train your dog to “leave it”
Lock down the “leave it” cue to help stop your dog from eating poop.
- Take a pocket full of treats when you’re with your puppy dog on a leash.
- Approach the cue — a pile of poo or litter box — but not close enough that your dog can eat it.
- When they notice the poo, wait for them to turn their head away from it.
- When they turn their head away, say “Yes!” Or, if you use a clicker, give it a click, and immediately reward your dog for essentially turning away from the poo.
- Repeat until your dog learns that leaving poop alone earns a reward.
What is the best dog food for poop eaters?
Dogs need a complete, balanced diet of dog food appropriate for their age, activity levels, and health condition. Coprophagia can sometimes be associated with poor nutrition or conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, so feeding a balanced diet of dog food is important.
For dogs whose coprophagia is related to hunger, a higher-fiber diet may help them feel fuller. Talk to your veterinarian before adding foods or supplements, such as canned pumpkin.
Other poop-eating deterrents you can use
Some other nutritional products are marketed to discourage dogs from eating poop. Evidence for these products is limited, however, so it’s best to consult with your vet before adding supplements or other products to your pet’s nutritional regimen.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotic and probiotic supplements may support healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, and healthy gut flora.
Digestive Enzymes
Dogs with certain digestive conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption may require pancreatic or other digestive enzyme supplementation. Your vet can determine whether these supplements are appropriate for your dog.
Vitamin B Supplements
Dogs with malabsorption disorders may develop a Vitamin B deficiency. Your veterinarian can test for deficiencies and recommend supplementation if needed.
Help your dog’s feeding behaviors
Although coprophagia is often behavioral, health or nutritional issues can sometimes contribute to poop eating. Coprophagia may be tied to poor nutrient absorption, incomplete satiety, or digestive discomfort, rather than disobedience.
Consistent feeding schedules and a complete, highly digestible diet can reduce that drive over time. When food isn’t properly digested, some of it may pass through undigested.
JustFoodForDogs human-grade meals are an alternative to conventional kibble, with targeted nutrition available for dogs with specific nutritional needs. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Is Poop Eating Behavior in Dogs?
A study conducted by the University of California’s Center for Companion Animal Health found that approximately 23% of dogs will eat poop at least once in their life. About 16% of the over 1,500 dogs in the study were described as frequent stool eaters.
Why do dogs eat their own poop?
Is it normal for dogs to eat poop? Yes and no. Here are three main reasons.
Instinct is especially common in puppies, who often mimic the den-cleaning behavior of mother dogs. Many simply grow out of this puppy stage.
Behavioral triggers include boredom, stress, anxiety, and attention-seeking.
Medical and digestive issues are worth ruling out when the behavior starts suddenly in an adult dog. Intestinal parasites, enzyme deficiencies, malabsorption conditions, and hunger can all leave a dog nutritionally unsatisfied.
If the behavior is new, frequent, or paired with other symptoms, start with a vet visit.
How long does it take for dogs to stop eating poop once corrected?
There is no single timeline as it depends on what’s driving the habit in the first place. When coprophagia stems from a medical issue like intestinal parasites, improvement often follows once the underlying condition is treated. Behavioral causes tend to take longer, requiring consistent training, environmental changes, and patience before the habit fades. In general, most owners may see meaningful improvement within a few weeks to a few months of addressing the root cause.
