Dog Eating Poop: Causes & Solutions

Common Causes of Coprophagia

Dogs may eat poop for several reasons, many rooted in instinct or environment. Mother dogs eat their puppies’ waste to keep the den clean and reduce predator attraction—pups often mimic this behavior into adulthood. This natural habit can persist if not corrected. Dogs also have scavenger instincts; feces from herbivores like deer or rabbits may smell like food and seem appealing. Some dogs eat poop simply because it’s interesting or pleasurable, especially if it’s frozen ("poopsicles"). In some cases, dogs eat stool due to stress, boredom, or lack of stimulation—especially those from puppy mills or pet stores with little social interaction.

Medical & Nutritional Factors

Certain health conditions can drive a dog to eat feces. Diseases like diabetes, Cushing’s, intestinal malabsorption, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) increase appetite. Parasites can also steal nutrients, making the dog seek food elsewhere. If your dog is underfed, on low-quality food, or recently switched to a homemade diet without proper balance, she might eat poop to compensate for missing nutrients. Malabsorption disorders mean the dog can’t extract enough from food, so stool becomes a second chance for nutrition.

Behavioral Triggers & Reinforcement

Boredom and stress are major contributors. Dogs left alone all day may eat poop for entertainment. Major life changes—like a new baby or moving—can trigger stress-related coprophagia. Even your reaction can reinforce the behavior. If you yell or show strong emotion when you catch your dog, she may interpret it as attention, which encourages repetition. Punishment after indoor accidents can backfire: a dog may eat her own poop to “clean up the evidence” and avoid punishment, turning the act into a habit.

Effective Solutions & Training Tips

Start with a vet visit to rule out medical or nutritional causes. Once health is confirmed, focus on behavior. Control the environment: Always clean up after your dog immediately. If she can’t access her own feces, she can’t eat it. Keep her on a leash outside to monitor her. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with a treat right after she poops outside. This redirects her focus to you and reinforces outdoor toileting. Train “leave it” and “look at me”: When she shows interest in poop, say “Leave it,” then redirect her attention with “Look at me.” Reward her for focusing on you. Practice consistently over months, using intermittent rewards to maintain the behavior.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog eats poop obsessively—defecating multiple times just to eat it—this may indicate OCD. Consult a veterinarian or certified dog behavior consultant. Dogs with a history of trauma, poor early care, or severe housetraining issues (like Jasmine, who rarely left her crate) often need extra support. Early intervention and consistent training are key.