Why do dogs eat poop? Reasons behind your pet's behavior and how to stop it

Sometimes, dogs do strange things. Beyond rolling in mud puddles or biting themselves, your pet might drink from toilets or lick their butt.

In other cases, they may eat their own poop or, worse, the poop of another dog or animal. This is cause for concern for any pet owner.

There is, however, a reason behind your pup's poop consumption. Their actions seem gross to humans, but your dog's motive may not be. 

Why do dogs eat poop?

There are several "whys" when it comes to dogs eating poop, the American Kennel Club reports. It could be because of anxiety, isolation, confinement, inappropriate association with food, or for attention. 

Dogs that have punishment trauma may eat their own poop to avoid further reprimand, according to the American Kennel Club. Others will eat poop to get a reaction out of their owners. For those scenarios, it's best not to overreact.

If dogs are often kept alone and away from humans, they may eat poop. Similarly, dogs put in tight, small spaces – like overcrowded kennels – might consume feces. 

Dogs may confuse the scent of food and feces when their food is near where they use the bathroom. This can cause them to associate poop with consumption.

Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?

Poop eating, known scientifically as "coprophagia," is not rare among dogs.

According to a 2018 study in Veterinarian Medicine and Science, 16% of respondents reported their dogs to be "frequent stool eaters." This classification meant the dogs were caught eating poop less than or equal to six times. Nearly 77% of owners, however, reported that they never saw their dogs eat poop.

Certain instances when dogs eat poop are relatively normal. For example, nursing female dogs will eat the poop of their babies to keep an area clean, according to PetMD. 

Some dogs will eat other animals' poop – such as horses' – since the feces contain nutrients. But this behavior should be discouraged as there can also be harmful bacteria in the poop, PetMD reports.

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Will my dog get sick from eating poop?

Dogs eating poop should be a concern to their owners. 

If your dog is eating their own poop, they may be OK, but there is still a risk of illness, Muenster Milling reports. If your dog is eating the poop of another dog or animal, there is a large risk of infectious diseases or parasites.

Symptoms of poop eating include gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness and intestinal parasites, according to Muenster Milling.

Consult your veterinarian if your dog has eaten poop and is experiencing any behavioral changes or symptoms. 

How can I keep my dog from eating poop? 

Consider giving your dog vitamin or enzyme supplements to stop their poop consumption. These can help if your dog is eating poop due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, the American Club Kennel reports. 

There are also various deterrents on the market that make poop less appetizing to your dog. 

Other methods to stop your dog from eating poop include training, using commands, keeping a close eye during walks and cleaning up feces immediately.

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