Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? (Coprophagia)

Eating poop has a name: coprophagia. It is common in dogs, especially in puppies. Many people find it upsetting, but there are known reasons why dogs do it. Some reasons are normal. Others can be a sign that a dog should see a veterinarian.

Cases where it can be normal

A mother dog who is nursing often eats the poop of her puppies. This helps keep the den clean.

Puppies also explore the world with their mouths. A young puppy may pick up, play with, or eat stool while exploring. The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that coprophagia is a common problem in some puppies and usually clears up by adulthood.

PetMD notes that it is normal for dogs to eat the poop of other species, but it is uncommon for adult dogs to eat their own poop or another dog's poop.

Other possible reasons

• Taste. Stool can taste appealing to a dog. The stool of other animals, such as horses or cats, can contain nutrients. Stool that contains a lot of undigested food may also be more likely to be eaten.
• Seeking attention. Some dogs learn that eating poop gets a big reaction from people, and the behavior gets reinforced by that attention.
• Anxiety or stress. Some dogs eat poop as a displacement behavior when they are anxious. PetMD lists sources of anxiety that can include being confined, being away from their person, and a lack of enrichment activities when confined.
• Boredom. PetMD lists boredom among the behavioral issues linked to dogs eating their own poop.
• Trying to hide it. Some dogs that have been punished for having an accident in the house may eat their poop to try to hide it and avoid being punished.
• Keeping the area clean. Eating fresh poop to keep the den area clean is described by PetMD as a behavior that may be inherited from wolves.

Health problems a veterinarian may check for

Only a veterinarian can check an individual dog. In general, the sources say a veterinarian may check for things such as:

• Intestinal parasites
• Malabsorption or digestive enzyme problems
• Nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal disease
• Diabetes
• Cushing's disease
• Thyroid problems

This list is general information. It is not a diagnosis of any one dog.

Are there risks?

Yes. PetMD notes that the stool of other animals can contain harmful bacteria, and that fresh poop can carry fecal-borne intestinal parasites. That is one reason the sources say it is best to discourage the behavior.

When to call the veterinarian

PetMD says a puppy or dog who eats other dogs' poop or their own poop should be examined by a veterinarian.

PetMD also says to make an appointment if an adult dog that has never eaten poop suddenly starts, especially along with signs such as weight loss, lethargy, discomfort, behavior changes, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Everyday management

• Pick up stool right away and remove it, so there is nothing left to eat.
• Go out with the dog, supervise, and redirect attention — for example, call the dog over for a treat right after it finishes, while the stool is picked up.
• Teach a "leave it" cue, using positive reinforcement.
• Keep litter boxes out of reach — for example, with a gate or door that lets the cat in but keeps the dog out, or by placing the box up where the cat can reach it and the dog cannot.
• Do not punish the dog for accidents. PetMD says to rely on positive reinforcement instead.