How To Stop My Dog From Eating Poop

Are you struggling with trying to get your dog to stop eating poop? If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for dogs to have this habit, and it can be difficult to break.

In this blog post, we will discuss ways to help stop your dog from eating poop and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. You’ll also learn the potential risks associated with this habit and what to do if your dog ingests any.

Table of Contents

The Cause Of The Problem

The cause of coprophagia, or dogs eating poop, can vary and may not always be clear.

Here are some possible causes: Nutritional deficiencies: If your dog is not getting enough nutrients from their food, they may eat poop to try to compensate.
Enzyme deficiencies: Some dogs have a deficiency in digestive enzymes that can cause them to eat poop.Attention-seeking behavior: Dogs may eat poop as a way to get attention from their owners or to elicit a reaction.
Behavioral issues: Coprophagia may be a sign of an underlying behavioral issue, such as anxiety or stress.Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or gastrointestinal problems, can cause coprophagia.

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian if your dog is eating poop to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss appropriate treatment options. In some cases, a combination of dietary changes, training, and behavioral modification techniques may be needed to address the behavior.

Make Sure Your Dog Has A Healthy And Balanced Diet

Ensuring your dog has a healthy and balanced diet is key to preventing them from eating poop. Make sure they are getting enough of the right kinds of food to support their energy needs and nutritional requirements.

Start by feeding them a high-quality diet that has been specifically formulated for their age, breed, size, and activity level.

The best diets include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Also, be sure to provide plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated. Offer variety in their diet by including canned foods, treats, and supplements as needed.

Make sure to feed your dog at regular intervals throughout the day and always remove uneaten food after 15-20 minutes. This will help maintain their metabolism and prevent them from being overly hungry and tempted to snack on feces.

In addition, make sure that you are providing the correct amount of food for your dog’s size and lifestyle. If you are unsure about how much to feed your pup, consult with your veterinarian for guidance.

Clean Up After Your Dog Immediately

If you want to stop your dog from eating poop, one of the most important things you can do is to always clean up after your dog immediately.

Leaving their droppings lying around will only encourage your pup to eat them. Be sure to check in your yard and around the neighborhood for any leftovers and dispose of them properly. If you have multiple dogs, make sure that one does not eat another’s feces.

It’s also a good idea to use a dog-specific waste disposals system such as a litter box or dog potty patch, especially if you have a smaller breed.

This will help keep the area clean and make it easier for you to monitor what your pup is eating. Be sure to check these systems regularly and empty them when needed.

Train Your Dog To “Leave It”

One of the best ways to stop your dog from eating poop is to teach them a command such as “leave it.” This command should be paired with treats or other rewards when they obey, so they learn that leaving the poop is good behavior.

You can start teaching this command by holding a treat in one hand and asking your dog to “leave it.” When they stop sniffing the treat, reward them with it.

Over time, gradually increase the distance between you and your pup as well as the difficulty of the command. For instance, you can have them leave treats that are placed near the poop or on top of the poop.

When they succeed, give them a treat and lots of praise. Be patient and persistent while teaching this command and eventually your pup will learn to ignore the poop.

Supervise Your Dog Outside

When your dog is outside, it is important to always supervise them closely. Make sure to keep an eye on your pup while they are outdoors, as this will help to prevent them from eating poop.

If you spot your pup sniffing around or attempting to eat poop, make a loud noise or clap your hands to distract them and break their focus.

If your pup has a history of eating poop outside, you may need to keep them on a leash when they are outside, even if they are in an enclosed area.

This way, you can have better control over them and can intervene immediately if needed. It is also important to make sure that there are no piles of poop in the area for them to snack on.

It is important to remember that prevention is key when it comes to stopping your pup from eating poop. The more closely you supervise them outside, the less likely they are to indulge in their dirty habit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dogs eating poop, or coprophagia, can be a frustrating and unpleasant behavior. Possible causes of this behavior include nutritional deficiencies, enzyme deficiencies, attention-seeking behavior, behavioral issues, and medical conditions. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss appropriate treatment options.