Stool Eating

(Also known as Coprophagy)

(Excerpt from the SF/SPCA)

 Some experts are of the opinion that Coprophagy is an instinctual behavior. Wolves and coyotes may often eat feces when food is not readily available, or may be trying to replenish their supply of vitamin B by eating the feces of herbivores, such as deer and rabbits. However, dogs do not generally eat feces because they have a dietary deficiency, although, some medical problems may give rise to Coprophagy - severe disorders of the pancreas or intestine, starvation, or severe malnutrition caused by a serious parasitic infestation.

Some behavioral experts believe Coprophagy may arise in dogs suffering from stress and anxiety. There has also been a suggestion that when dogs are punished for defecating inappropriately, some of them come to associate defecation with bad behavior, and try to hide the evidence by eating it. Coprophagy may also be a learned behavior, or one that begins as play, when puppies mouth and chew on many objects as they explore their world. However, once eating feces has become a habit, and if dogs enjoy it, it's not easy to change so it's important to stop it before it becomes entrenched.

The best way to prevent the problem is to keep your dog's area free of stool by scooping the poop immediately. Give him lots of activity and exercise, but when you take him for a walk, keep him leashed at all times. Some dogs may also need to wear a cage muzzle, (but always supervise a muzzled dog). And make sure your dog doesn't have access to a cat's litter box.

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Another perspective of Coprophagy

Feces have unused proteins in them, Feline feces have a higher content of unused proteins than canine feces does. That is why dogs love cleaning cat boxes for us. Dogs by nature are scavengers. They eat almost anything that they can. So eating feces is quit normal for them. It is part of their social/dominance behavior.

Sometimes adding digestive enzymes or a Probiotic to their diet of an already quality kibble may end the unsightly habit. However, some breeds of dogs are well known for this act, and nothing can stop them.

If you do have a dog that has this unwelcomed habit, do be sure to check and treat for parasites on a regular basis. Oh yea, avoid their kisses if possible!!!!