If you’ve caught your dog munching on his own poop, you’re not alone-and you’re probably wondering how to stop this unpleasant behavior. Eating poop, or coprophagia, is surprisingly common among dogs but can be a source of frustration and concern for pet owners. The good news? With patience, training, and a few strategic changes, you can help your dog kick this habit for good.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Poop?
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why dogs eat poop in the first place. Some common reasons include:
– Nutritional deficiencies or poor digestion: Dogs with parasites or imbalanced diets may try to re-ingest feces to extract more nutrients.
– Boredom or stress: Dogs left alone too long or lacking stimulation might eat poop out of anxiety or to get attention.
– Learned behavior: Puppies often mimic other dogs or explore their environment with their mouths.
– Natural instinct: In some cases, especially with mother dogs, it’s a way to keep their den clean.
Knowing the cause can guide your approach to stopping this habit.
Practical Ways to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
1. Teach the “Leave It” Command
One of the most powerful tools is teaching your dog the “leave it” command. This cue can stop your dog from picking up poop and other unwanted items.
– When out on walks, keep your dog on a leash.
– As your dog approaches poop, firmly say “Leave it!” without pulling.
– Call your dog to you with “Come!” and reward with a treat and praise when they obey.
– Practice this regularly to reinforce the behavior.
This command not only helps with poop but also prevents your dog from eating harmful objects.
2. Remove Temptation Immediately
The simplest way to prevent poop eating is to remove access to it:
– Pick up your dog’s poop right away in your yard or during walks.
– Keep your dog on a leash to control where they go.
– Limit access to areas where other dogs have pooped.
By reducing temptation, you make it harder for your dog to practice the behavior.
3. Keep Your Dog Busy and Stimulated
Boredom and lack of activity can lead to poop eating. Combat this by:
– Providing interactive toys and puzzle feeders.
– Increasing exercise and playtime.
– Engaging your dog with “find the treat” games or training sessions.
A busy dog is less likely to explore gross snacks out of boredom.
4. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet
Sometimes, poop eating stems from nutritional gaps or hunger:
– Ensure your dog is on a high-quality, balanced diet.
– Feed smaller, more frequent meals to keep energy levels steady.
– Consider adding supplements like pumpkin, which can improve digestion and make poop less appealing.
– Some owners add pineapple or grated courgette to their dog’s food to change the taste of the stool.
Consult your vet to rule out deficiencies or medical issues.
5. Use Taste Deterrents
There are products and home remedies designed to make poop taste bad to dogs:
– Commercial deterrents often contain ingredients like monosodium glutamate (MSG) or pepper.
– Homemade options include adding canned pumpkin or meat tenderizer to your dog’s food.
– Some coat fresh stools with hot sauce or lemon juice (use cautiously to avoid irritation).
Over time, your dog learns to associate poop with an unpleasant taste and loses interest.
6. Monitor Your Dog Closely
Especially when the habit is new, keep a close eye on your dog:
– Supervise outdoor time until you’re confident they won’t eat poop.
– Use a basket muzzle or specialized prevention collars if necessary.
– Reward your dog immediately when they avoid poop or respond to commands.
Early intervention improves success rates.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Mouth After Eating Poop
If your dog has eaten poop, it’s natural to worry about hygiene:
– Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using dog-specific toothpaste.
– Use oral health products designed for dogs to reduce bacteria and bad breath.
– Avoid human toothpaste, which can be harmful to dogs.
– Regular dental care helps keep your dog’s mouth clean and fresh.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important since feces can harbor bacteria.
Stopping your dog from eating poop takes consistency, patience, and a combination of training, environmental management, and dietary adjustments. With these strategies, you can help your dog break this unpleasant habit and enjoy healthier, happier walks together.