Many dogs, particularly puppies, partake in a habit known as “coprophagy” – eating their own feces or the feces of other animals. But fortunately, it’s a fairly easy problem to solve using behavior modification techniques, and nutritional supplementation.
How to Stop Coprophagy in Dogs – Identify Causes of Coprophagy
The first step to resolving this problem involves identifying what's triggering the behavior, so an examination at the veterinary clinic is strongly recommended.
“Beforehand, we need to determine if a nutritional deficiency or other physical problem is to blame because no amount of training can effectively solve a problem that has its basis in a medical problem,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
Once a suspected cause is identified, measures can be taken to discourage the dog's behavior through training and behavior modification techniques, in addition to supplementation and other dietary changes. Typically, a combination of several techniques can successfully bring an end to stool eating behaviors.
Training a Dog to Stop Eating Poop
When re-training a dog who eats poop, it's important to eliminate the dog's opportunity to partake in the inappropriate behavior.
Owners can reduce opportunity for the dog to eat feces by promptly collecting and disposing of feces that are located in the yard and other areas where this behavior occurs. Dog owners should also supervise all outings during the re-training process. This will enable the owner to provide negative feedback on every occasion when the dog attempts to eat feces.
Interrupting inappropriate behavior with negative stimuli makes that behavior less likely to occur over time. Therefore, associating a negative stimuli with inappropriate stool eating behaviors will make this less likely to occur. In order to be effective, the stimuli must occur within two seconds of the undesirable behavior. Examples of negative stimuli include a shot from a water spray bottle or the use of a noisemaker, like shaking an aluminum soda can filled with coins.
Stop a Dog from Eating Feces With Diet Changes, Dog Vitamins
In some cases, a dog may eat poop due to vitamin deficiencies. A multivitamin for dogs can help compensate for any dietary deficiencies that may be present, as in some cases, this can be a contributing factor in a case of coprophagy.
“A multivitamin is a good idea for every age and breed of dog, and it will help promote overall health, while lessening the likelihood of a problem stemming from a vitamin or mineral deficiency," explained Dr. Levine.
Serving fresh food supplements on a daily basis can not only add interest to meal time, but it can also make for a more nutritionally balanced meal, which is vital if a dietary deficiency is to blame for coprophagy. Fresh vegetables, like carrots, are packed with vitamins and minerals, as are fresh meats, fish, and cheeses. Serve two parts dog food and one part fresh foods to stop a dog from eating feces.
Pureed pumpkin, available year-round in canned form, can be added to a dog’s food. This will stop the dog from eating poop by making the feces less palatable, but this only works when the dog is eating his own feces or the feces of another dog in the household. A few spoonfuls of pumpkin (added to dog food at meal time) can serve as a natural alternative to commercial products that are designed to make feces undesirable for consumption.
Products to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop
Commercial poop eating deterrent products are available at major pet supply stores. These products are given to the pet to eat, making the feces less palatable. But again, this option only works if the problem involves the dog’s own feces or the feces of another dog in the household.
Behavior modification training and reducing opportunity are the best options for a pet who is eating the feces of other animals outside the household.
Related Articles on Dog Training for Behavior Problems
Dog owners may also enjoy reading about other dog training methods for some other very bothersome pet behaviors, including Why is My Dog Biting the Leash?, along with Why is My Puppy Biting Me? – How to Stop Dog Nipping.
Another common dog behavior problem involves barking. To learn why dogs bark excessively and how to stop barking, pet owners may want to read Dog Barking Causes and Barking Due to Boredom.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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