Contrary to popular belief, your dog would happily snack on just one food for their entire life. They don't get bored with meals like humans do. So if they're eating poop, they'll probably keep doing so until you intervene. But why do dogs eat poop when there's so much delicious kibble around? Some dogs have more troubling reasons than others. Luckily, if you can find out why your pet is eating poop, you'll know how to stop them.
Keep reading for possible causes of your dog's new eating habits.
WHY DO DOGS EAT POOP?
In most cases, dogs eat their feces because they're really hungry. It's a way for them to recycle the nutrients from the food they've already digested. Some dogs eat poop for entertainment and may continue to do so until more interesting things come along. And in a bid for comfort, pups will eat their own feces when they're feeling anxious. Chewing on something with a familiar smell helps them calm down and relax.
HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM EATING FECES
Make a habit of disposing of your dog's waste immediately after it's excreted. Your dog won't have the chance to munch on it. Also, limit your dog's access to places where other pooches have left their droppings so they won't be tempted to make a meal out of it. You can make your dog's poop less appealing by adding pumpkin, apple cider vinegar, or meat tenderizer to their food. This will change the scent and taste of the feces, making it less attractive to your pup. If your dog has a harmful pattern of eating poop, add behavioural modification tactics to their dog training. When your pup makes healthy diet choices, reward them with praise or a treat. If you see your dog snacking on poop, say "no" in a firm tone and give them something else to chew on instead.
DO YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE VET?
Your furry friend might have parasites or worms in their gut, absorbing the nutrients from their regular meals. If your pet isn't getting enough vitamins from their diet, they will eat waste materials to supply their body with the missing elements. If your canine displays any of these unusual symptoms, make a trip to the vet:
Acting slow or lazy
Vomiting
Soft bowel movements
Oily or black feces
A vet can perform exams to pinpoint the cause of your dog's coprophagia and whether they need any treatment. Keep in mind that medicine may be necessary for dogs with parasites or other issues that are driving them to eat feces.
SOLVE THE DOG ISSUES THAT ARE HARMING YOUR PET
So, why do dogs eat poop? Your dog's reason for eating poop can be as simple as curiosity or as serious as parasites. The only way to know for sure is to book an appointment at Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital. We'll run some tests to make sure there's nothing medically wrong with your furry companion. If there is, we'll treat it!