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If you’ve caught your dog eating dog poop, you’re not alone. This behaviour, called coprophagia, is more common than you think.
Dogs eat dog poop mainly for behavioural reasons, though medical causes can also play a role. Boredom, anxiety, and attention-seeking are common triggers, while issues like nutritional deficiencies or parasites are less common but possible.
The good news? Once you know the cause, you can stop it.
Let’s break down why dogs do this and how to fix it.
Table of Contents
The Real Reasons Dogs Eat Poop
Dogs eating poop can be frustrating to watch, but understanding why they do it is the first step to stopping the behaviour.
Behavioural causes are the most common, but medical issues can also contribute, so it’s worth knowing the difference.
Behavioural Reasons (Most Common)
Puppy Curiosity
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Poop is just another texture or smell to investigate. Many puppies outgrow this behaviour as they mature.
Learned Behaviour
Mother dogs clean up after their puppies to keep the area clean. Some dogs learn this behaviour early and continue it later in life.
Boredom
Dogs that don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation may eat poop simply to pass the time. If you need ideas, this guide on mental stimulation for dogs can help.
Stress or Anxiety
Stressful environments, changes in routine, or anxiety can trigger poop-eating. For some dogs, it becomes a coping behaviour.
Attention-Seeking
Dogs quickly learn what gets a reaction. Even negative attention, like yelling or chasing, can reinforce the habit.
Natural Scavenger Instinct
Dogs are scavengers by nature. They rely heavily on smell and aren’t bothered by things humans find disgusting.
Medical Reasons (Less Common, but Important)
Nutritional Deficiencies
If a dog isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, eating poop may be an attempt to reclaim what was missed.
Digestive or Gut Issues
Poor gut health can interfere with digestion and leave dogs feeling unsatisfied after meals.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites steal nutrients from the body. This can increase hunger and lead to poop-eating.
Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Dogs with EPI don’t produce enough digestive enzymes. They may lose weight, have loose stools, and eat anything they can find. Pet MD has a helpful overview of EPI in dogs if you want to learn more.
Conditions That Increase Appetite
Certain diseases, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can cause dogs to feel constantly hungry.
Medications
Some medications, especially steroids, can increase appetite and lower food restraint.
Underfeeding
Dogs that aren’t eating enough may look for other food sources, including poop.
Why Dogs Eat Cat Poop, Rabbit Poop, and Other Animals’ Feces
Dogs are often more interested in other animals’ poop than their own. The smells are stronger, richer, and more exciting to their noses.
Cat poop is especially tempting. It often has undigested protein and fat, which dogs find tasty.
Rabbit droppings can also be appealing. They contain digestive enzymes and B vitamins that dogs seem to enjoy.
Dogs may even try cow, horse, or other animal manure. Sometimes it has leftover grains or bits of undigested food that smell good to them.
While eating their own poop is usually harmless, other animals’ feces can be risky. Parasites, bacteria, or toxins may make dogs sick. That’s why it’s important to watch your dog and keep them away from unknown poop whenever possible.
Is Eating Poop Dangerous For Dogs?
Eating their own poop is usually not harmful. The main downsides are bad breath and the “ick” factor for owners.
Eating other animals’ poop is riskier. It can carry parasites, bacteria, or toxins that may make your dog sick.
Watch For Warning Signs
If your dog has eaten poop and shows any of these signs, call your vet:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Even if your dog seems fine, it’s a good idea to prevent access to other animals’ feces whenever possible. Prevention is the easiest way to keep them safe.
How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
Here are some simple steps you can take to stop this behaviour:
- Pick Up Poop Right Away
Remove temptation by cleaning up after your dog immediately. - Supervise Outdoor Time
Keep your dog on a leash or watch them closely when outside. - Teach “Leave It” and Recall Commands
Reward your dog when they obey. Consistency is key. If your dog is still learning, start with these basic puppy training commands. - Feed a Balanced Diet
Make sure your dog is getting enough food and nutrients. - Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Walks, play, and toys keep your dog busy and reduce boredom. - Manage Stress and Anxiety
A calm routine and enrichment activities can help reduce stress-related poop eating. - Limit Access to Other Animals’ Feces
Keep litter boxes and other animals’ waste out of reach. - Avoid Punishment
Yelling or scolding can make the problem worse. Focus on positive reinforcement instead. - Use Vet-Approved Deterrents if Needed
Some products make poop taste unappealing. One option some owners use is Forbid dog poop deterrent, but always check with your vet first.
When You Should Call Your Vet
Most of the time, poop-eating is harmless. But sometimes, it can signal a health issue.
Call your vet if you notice any of these signs:
- Sudden poop-eating in an adult dog
- Weight loss or poor appetite
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Obsessive or constant poop-eating
Your vet can check for nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, or parasites. Getting a professional opinion is the safest way to rule out serious issues.
Common Questions About Dogs Eating Poop
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by dog owners.
1. Is it normal for puppies to eat poop?
Yes. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and many will try poop. Most grow out of it as they get older.
2. Will my dog eventually stop doing this?
Often, yes. With supervision, training, and addressing the cause, many dogs lose the habit.
3. Does eating poop mean my dog has a deficiency?
Not usually. Most poop-eating is behavioural. Sometimes medical causes play a role, so a vet check can help rule them out.
4. Do home remedies like pineapple or pumpkin work?
They may help temporarily, but results vary. These aren’t reliable long-term solutions.
5. Can my dog get sick from eating poop?
Eating their own poop is usually harmless. Other animals’ poop can carry parasites, bacteria, or toxins, which may make dogs sick.
Key Takeaways
Poop-eating is a behaviour that puzzles many dog owners. Understanding why dogs eat dog poop can help you manage and stop this habit safely.
Here’s what to remember:
- Most dogs eat poop at some point, especially puppies.
- Behavioural reasons are most common, including curiosity, boredom, and stress.
- Medical issues are less common but worth checking with a vet.
- Eating other animals’ poop carries higher health risks.
- Supervision, training, and enrichment usually stop the habit.
Have you ever seen your dog eating poop? Share your experiences or tips below, we’d love to hear from you!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Hello Jenny!
I see from the dates of other readers I’m a bit late to this haha.
I had searched up the obvious and came across your articles and thank you so very much for everything you had written in here as well as the ‘deterrent’ article. I have 3 frenchies and 1 of them is a Caca connoisseur! It is sooooo gross! LOL For the most part she likes her own poop, however I’ve seen her eat the other dogs poop as well! I’m pretty on top of it when they poop I immediately throw it out as they are puppy pad potty trained. I have stopped her many times as well and she listens to that command of “leave it” I THANK YOU so much for your detailed articles! I definitely will also try other things that you suggested.
Hi Candace,
It’s so frustrating and gross when you have a poop eater!
Being on top of it, is really the best solution, by cleaning up the poop right away and training your dog to leave it.
I’m glad this article has helped you out.
As far as deterrents, they do work for some dogs, but not all.
In my case, with my Golden Retriever, she only tries to eat other dogs poop on occasion (picky eater/selective eater, Lol!). Plus, it only happens in the winter (frozen poop).
Trust me, it’s never boring being a dog owner.
But, it sounds like your dog is doing really well with the leave it command.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and kind words.
Take care,
Jenny.
Thanks for sharing this, as a new dog owner your post has been very helpful. I have not witnessed my dog eating poop yet, hopefully, I never will, but if it happens I will be more prepared. Thanks again, and keep posting these helpful tips.
Hi Sofia,
If you’re lucky, your dog will never dine on his or her own poop, or that of others. I’m glad you found this post helpful.
Thanks for stopping by,
Jenny.
Hi Jenny – I have to say when I first read the title I found it to be repulsive. But I find dogs interesting so I decided to read it anyway. Once I started I couldn’t stop. It all makes sense, including your solutions. I was amused by what you wrote about dogs doing things to get our attention. They can be such children! Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi Nathaniel,
I’m glad you stuck around and read my article. I guess you have learned something about dogs. The title of this article is definitely repulsive, but it is a very common problem that dog owners encounter with their dogs.
Dogs are very much like children, LOL! They do so many things which can either be good or bad just to get our attention.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
LOL, what a topic for an article. But I must say it’s relevant because if owners can understand why their dogs tend to eat dog poop, then maybe they can do something to curtail this kind of unsavoury behaviour.
I can understand some of the reasons that you give to explain this. For instance, mother dogs doing that to help to hide a litter from predators. That I can kind of understand as an instinctive move for species preservation in the wild that has carried over to our domesticated pooches.
You’ve also given some very good ideas on how to stop them from doing such a thing. If I ever see my dog carrying on with this disgusting behaviour I think I’m just going to try the Tabasco sauce idea to make him stop.
Hi Donald,
I’m glad you found this article useful as well as funny. It is certainly quite a topic, but because it is quite a common problem among dog owners, I thought it was important to address this issue.
I hope for your sake that your dog never indulges in this bad habit, but if so, Tabasco sauce might be the answer for you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Jenny.
Oof, dogs are so awesome but this is one of those things that is just too weird. It’s good to have a list of reasons they might be acting this way, as there are a lot of ways that could help the dog and stop the poop eating odd behaviour.
I feel like a lot of dog owners will look at the list of causes and feel like their dogs may fall into multiple categories. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the right combination of things that can help the dog to stop.
Hi Aly,
I agree dogs are awesome but this bad habit is something that I can do without. It is certainly a trial and error situation, as each dog is different and what could work for one dog may not work for the other.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Jenny.
Hi There,
Well, I said I’ll be back and here I am. Poop eating dogs is rare but it does happen and I’m glad if anyone asked me about it I can say its called Coprophagia. I enjoyed learning again from the last time I viewed your post and what better than to come back to read your poop eating dog post. I think for dogs it’s all about cleaning their litter as you mentioned but then again they say that dogs that eat grass are eating it to get better and to empty their tummy because it makes them sick.
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Unfortunately, dogs that eat poop is not really that rare, in fact, it is quite common. As mentioned, one of the reasons could be that the dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet and is looking to eat poop to get those nutrients. As disgusting as it sounds and is, it is something that should be discouraged and prevented. The dog owner needs to rule out any medical reasons behind it, and if not medical then look at the behavioural reasons.
Jenny.
Hi Jenny! I found your post on Pinterest and thought it was so coincidental that you are from Peterborough! Us too! Thanks for your advice! Hopefully, we can get our poop eater out of this habit!
Hi Tara,
Thank you for commenting. That is so cool that you have found my post on Pinterest and that you live in the same city as I do. I sure hope that my advice serves you well.
Take care,
Jenny.
Hi Jenny. I am a dog owner and have seen this behavior in many dogs. Yes, it is gross. and I agree with you on most of your recommendations. But I have often wondered why they did this and as you explained it made sense. I have seen this behavior in other dogs but our dogs never seemed to have this problem.
We have always trained our dogs and I had never come across this kind of behavior. But then again they have always been a puppy first.
My shitzu is a very picky eater. Most of the dogs that we have had are fast and furious at eating, but our Bear (that is his Name) will sniff and walk away. This was a big problem because I was forever changing his brand of food. Bear came to us at three years old and already had this problem. I do not believe in giving dogs human food. But I did find a solution, he has to eat at a certain time of the day every day and if he didn’t eat within 10 minutes I would remove his food until the next feeding. Now he is eating fine and getting a good healthy look. He is still a moocher with those big puppy eyes watching you eat, he gets sent away to go lay down, off he goes with his tail down.
Have you ever seen a dog that doesn’t bark? Well, Bear doesn’t, he was taught not to bark because he lived in a small apartment with another shitzu and they were not allowed to bark, he only barks in his sleep(O:
Well thank you for this post and I will keep you in mind if I need any help for our puppy.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comment. You are lucky to have never experienced poop eating behaviour in your dogs, as it is very common among dogs. It sounds like you are doing a great job with your dog Bear, by not giving him any human food, and by teaching him to eat at a certain time of day to maintain a regular routine. That’s funny that Bear only barks in his sleep, he must be pretty sound asleep and dreaming away. I am glad you enjoyed my post, and if you need any further advice or help for your puppy please check my website.
Hi Jenny,
When I saw your title, I just had to read the whole post.
By the time I finished it I was very grateful that I am not a dog!
And I will certainly stop before I let a dog lick my face again!
I don’t have a dog right now, but have had many in my life and this was something I was fortunate enough never to see.
I think the causes of why a dog would do that seem very logical. If I was a bored dog locked up in a small kennel who got punished every time I pooped, I might too be creative in getting rid of the poop!
It would take me a long time before i ate it though!
Great post and this will certainly come in very handy for a lot of dogs.
You did a great job of giving solutions.
Tim
Hi Tim thank you for your comment. It sounds like you have been lucky enough never to have witnessed a dog eat poop, or own a dog that has. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem for many dog owners, myself included. To us dog owners it is embarrassing, and very gross, but to dogs it is none of those things. I am so glad you enjoyed my post, and the solutions that I mentioned. Hopefully you will never encounter this problem, but in the case that you do, you will know how to handle it.
Wow, thanks for the methods to get dogs from eating their own poop. As disgusting as it is, I feel like it just isn’t healthy for them, am I right? My girlfriend has a little jack russel and they can be pretty smart like some of the things you listed, getting your attention, to keep a clean area, or to avoid being punished.
Hi Nate, thanks for your comment. Poop eating is very disgusting to us humans, but dogs don’t find it gross, or do it to gross us out. Always make sure to rule out any medical issues, and then address the behaviour. Eating their own poop is not harmful, but when they eat other animals feces, it is definitely a concern, as they are putting themselves at risk for getting sick.