Is your dog eating poop?

Now that all the snow has melted, it’s easier to see the presents our pups leave in the backyard. Unfortunately, it’s also easier for your pup to find them, too.

And while it may be vile for us humans to witness, some of us will have to face the harsh reality that our pup is a poop eater.

The first reason dogs may eat their poop is due to medical issues, according to veterinarians. A dog’s pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats, and in the case of a pancreatic insufficiency, the enzymes would be missing and the fat wouldn’t be digested, so a dog would have to eat its poop to recover the nutrition they had lost. 

The second reason a dog may eat its poop is due to behavioral issues. Some dogs actually have an obsessive/compulsive-like need to clean up after themselves. Female dogs will instinctively eat their pups’ poop to keep their nests clean, so the behavior to clean up after oneself is instilled in all dogs, whether or not they consume their feces after going. Some dogs may eat their poop to get attention – if you see them do it and you yell at them for it, they’ll know that it’s something that will get your attention. Other dogs may poop in the house, get yelled at, and then realize that they need to “clean up” the evidence as the stress of being in trouble makes them anxious. 

The third reason vets say dogs may consume their poop is due to the environment in which they are cared for. Some dogs that are bored of their food or are fed lower quality foods, may simply not be satisfied with their meals or still hungry and want seconds. If a dog isn’t being fed a completely balanced diet, they may be experiencing deficiencies in which their natural instincts are to eat their poop for more nutrients.

If you do notice that your dog wont stop eating its poop, talk to your vet, as there are some aids that can be added to the pet’s food to helpfully deter them from the nasty habit. 

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.

The first reason dogs may eat their poop is due to medical issues, according to veterinarians. A dog’s pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats, and in the case of a pancreatic insufficiency, the enzymes would be missing and the fat wouldn’t be digested, so a dog would have to eat its poop to recover the nutrition they had lost. 

The second reason a dog may eat its poop is due to behavioral issues. Some dogs actually have an obsessive/compulsive-like need to clean up after themselves. Female dogs will instinctively eat their pups’ poop to keep their nests clean, so the behavior to clean up after oneself is instilled in all dogs, whether or not they consume their feces after going. Some dogs may eat their poop to get attention – if you see them do it and you yell at them for it, they’ll know that it’s something that will get your attention. Other dogs may poop in the house, get yelled at, and then realize that they need to “clean up” the evidence as the stress of being in trouble makes them anxious. 

The third reason vets say dogs may consume their poop is due to the environment in which they are cared for. Some dogs that are bored of their food or are fed lower quality foods, may simply not be satisfied with their meals or still hungry and want “seconds.” If a dog isn’t being fed a completely balanced diet, they may be experiencing deficiencies in which their natural instincts are to eat their poop for more nutrients. 

If you do notice that your dog wont stop eating its poop, talk to your vet, as there are some aids that can be added to the pet’s food to helpfully deter them from the nasty habit. 

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.