How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop
Coprophagia (eating poop) is common but fixable. Causes include instinct, boredom, stress, hunger, medical issues, or learned behavior. - Rule out medical problems with a vet visit. - Clean up poop immediately and prevent access. - Use âleave itâ and âlook at meâ training. - Increase attention, enrich your dogâs routine, and adjust diet.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Dogs may eat poop due to instinctâmothers clean up their puppiesâ waste to keep the den safe and hidden from predators. This behavior can become a habit, especially if puppies mimic their mother. Some dogs find feces pleasurable, particularly cat, deer, or rabbit poop, which are high in protein and smell strong. Others may eat poop out of boredom, stress, or a need for attention. Punishing a dog for accidents can backfire, teaching them to âclean upâ the evidence to avoid punishment.
Medical Causes to Rule Out
Certain health issues can cause increased appetite or nutrient deficiency, leading dogs to eat stool. Conditions like diabetes, Cushingâs disease, intestinal malabsorption, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and parasites can make a dog eat feces to compensate. If your dog eats poop and shows signs like greasy, yellow stools or weight loss, consult your vet. Medications can also increase appetite. Proper nutrition and balanced meals are key to preventing this behavior.
Stop Access: Clean Up Immediately
The most effective way to stop coprophagia is to eliminate access. Always clean up after your dog right awayâbefore she can eat it. Use a leash when outside so you can monitor her. If you pick up poop consistently, your dog may learn itâs not her job. This environmental control is critical, especially during training.
Train with âLeave Itâ and âLook at Meâ
When your dog shows interest in poop, interrupt her with âLeave itâ and redirect her attention with âLook at me.â Reward her with a treat when she focuses on you instead. This is a real-life training moment, not a formal session. Practice this repeatedly over months, using intermittent rewards to reinforce the behavior. Avoid letting your guard down too earlyâhabits take time to break.
Fix Diet and Lifestyle Habits
If your dog is underfed or on a poor diet, she may eat poop to get more nutrients. Ensure sheâs getting enough calories and balanced food. Switching to higher-quality kibble or feeding smaller meals throughout the day can reduce hunger. Add canned pineapple, spinach, or a dash of MSG to make stool less appealing (though some dogs may react poorly). Also, enrich your dogâs life with play, grooming, and mental stimulation to reduce boredom and stress.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bitter sprays to stop my dog from eating poop?
Bitter sprays may not work well because dogs often swallow food quickly, missing the taste. Dry sprays are less effective than wet ones, and some dogs may have adverse reactions.
Is eating poop dangerous?
Yesâpoop can carry parasites or diseases. Even if your dog only eats her own or a dogâs stool, itâs still a health risk and should be stopped.
Sources
- Zak Georges Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog · Zak George, Dina Roth Port · Chapter 3, Chapter 22
- Big Kibble · Shawn Buckley, Dr Oscar Chavez · Section on Coprophagia
- Puppy Training the Simple Way Housebreaking, Potty Training and Crate Training in 7 Easy-to-Follow Steps · Brandon Harris
- Train Your Dog Positively · [Author not specified] · Multiple sections on coprophagia and training
â ïž Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different â breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.