How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

As much as we adore our dogs, some habits of theirs are unapproachable. One such behavior is Coprophagia- a fancy term describing the habit of poop-eating. 

If your dog also finds these unappealing actions attractive don’t worry. This is a common behavior and usually harmless. 

However, it can sometimes signal underlying issues, health, and dietary issues that need your attention. Let’s understand it more deeply. 

Why do dogs eat poop? 

Understanding the reasons why your dog is eating poop can help you address the issue effectively. Let's break it down into a few key reasons: 

1. Normal puppy Behavior 

Dogs are naturally curious about their surroundings and use their mouths to explore the world around them. Eating poop is often just another way for them to investigate the surroundings. 

2. Instinctual cleanliness or survival 

Coprophagia helps dogs clean their dens and hide scents that could attract predators which is the root behavior. Mother dogs still conduct this behavior to clean and protect their young ones. Though domestic dogs don’t face these challenges, they might have intact behavior. 

3. Boredom or Attention- Seeking  

The dog might eat poop simply for stimulation or attention-seeking behavior. Boredom might reinforce it by making a big fuss. 

4. Nutritional Deficiencies 

Dogs eat poop because their bodies are missing nutrients. Nutritional gaps, such as lack of B vitamins, minerals, or digestive enzymes could lead to poop-eating behavior.

Health Issues that can cause coprophagia 

Poop-eating behavior can have potential medical reasons like: 

• Digestive Problems 

A dog’s digestive system might struggle to absorb nutrients from food which leaves dogs hungry or crave for odd things like poop in an attempt to make up for the deficit. 

• Parasites  

Intestinal worms or other parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption, leaving the dog’s body deprived. This behavior leads to eating disgustingly. 

• Dietary Imbalances 

Dogs lacking the essential nutrients might develop a strange craving to fill the gap. The low-quality food or diets cause an imbalance in the body leading to Coprophagia. 

• Anxiety or stress 

Stressful situations or chronic anxiety can lead to poop-eating behavior as it can stimulate coping mechanisms.  

Training Strategies to prevent Poop- eating  

The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating poop is to remove the waste promptly. This elimination temptation can reduce dogs from eating poop. 

Teach your dog the “leave it “command so that they ignore things they shouldn’t touch. Monitoring them during bathroom breaks does not involve sniffing around or exploring other parts of the yard. 

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement these strategies help dogs to overcome their poop-eating behavior. 

Nutritional Solutions to Prevent Poop-Eating 

Nutritional imbalances or deficiencies can drive dogs to seek out nutrients in all the wrong places. Here’s how to ensure dietary: 

• Balance Diet 

A high-quality, well-balanced diet including all the necessary nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals reduces the strange craving, including coprophagia. 

• Multivitamins 

Add a multivitamin supplement to fill gaps in your dog’s nutrition. Try the Wiffy Pets 11 in 1 Multivitamin Soft Chew Treat Supplement for Dogs, specially formulated to address common deficiencies, including B vitamins linked to poop-eating behavior.

• Digestive Enzymes 

Digestive Enzymes help your dog break down food, ensuring it gets proper nutrients from meals, which reduces its cravings. 

• Probiotics 

Probiotic supplements promote a healthy balance and a dog’s overall well-being. It also prevents odd cravings and improves digestion. A healthier gut might lead to a healthy lifestyle. 

• Minerals 

Ensuring that your dogs get adequate Zinc and magnesium levels through their diet or supplements helps overcome this habit. 

Safe deterrents to stop Poop-eating 

If your dog is persistently eating poop, using safe deterrents can help to discourage this behavior. Mix the deterrents as recommended by the vet to the dog’s food. These additives make poop taste bad. This eventually leads to a loss of interest in eating the poop. 

Adding natural ingredients like a small amount of pineapple, pumpkin, or apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food so that it changes the taste of their poop making it less appetizing. 

You can also use anti-coprophagia products such as sprays, chews, or supplements but ensure the product is safe and aligns with your dog’s dietary needs and health conditions. 

Veterinary Monitoring 

Veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your dog’s overall health. A routine visit to the vet helps to identify and address any medical conditions and also prevents your dog from deficiencies.

Regular veterinary monitoring is key to managing a dog’s health and resolving poop-eating behavior. 

Consistent Behavioral Training 

When it comes to stopping poop-eating behavior, consistency is necessary. Distracting your dog  with toys, and providing safe deterrents is crucial. Don’t forget to reward your dogs when they  don’t eat poop as it creates a positive attitude.  

On the other hand, avoid punishment. Yelling or scolding your dog when they eat poop can increase  stress and anxiety among them which could have a negative impact. A calm, patient approach  will help your dogs to break the poop-eating habit. 

Poop-eating is an unpleasant but often manageable behavior. By combining dietary adjustments, such as using Wiffy Pets 11 in 1 Multivitamin Soft Chew Treat Supplement for Dogs, with behavioral training and veterinary care, you can help your dog overcome this habit.

Remember it is not one one-day process but needs patience and consistency. Also, don’t hesitate to work with a professional to ensure you’re providing your dog with the best care possible.