Have you ever gone out on a walk with your dog, then the next second, you find him eating another dog’s poop lying around? This kind of situation can be jarring for owners and a nightmare to deal with in the aftermath (aka dealing with the horrid smell while cleaning your dog’s teeth and mouth). However, this behaviour is actually a sign of an underlying sickness or behaviour problem.
Coprophagia, the act of dogs eating their own faeces or even the faeces of other animals, is a behaviour that can be both perplexing and concerning for dog owners. This article will delve into the facts, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of coprophagia in dogs. Understanding this behaviour is essential for managing and addressing it effectively.
Facts About Coprophagia
Coprophagia is a relatively common behaviour observed in dogs, especially for puppies. It may seem repulsive to us humans, but it is a behaviour that is commonly seen done by other species, including dogs. In addition, this behaviour is linked to either maternal instincts or nutritional needs.
Puppies may engage in cophrophagia as their way to explore and learn. Since dogs use most of their senses and behaviour to not only communicate but to get to know other dogs, people, and their environment, it’s their way of finding out more about their surroundings. This behaviour might have been seen by their mother, where they mimic them when they saw to ingest the faeces to keep their place clean and protect the litter from predators.
Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances in a dog’s diet can contribute to coprophagia. If a dog’s diet lacks certain nutrients, they may instinctively try to obtain those nutrients by consuming faeces. Furthermore, coprophagia can also stem from behavioral issues, such as anxiety, boredom, attention-seeking, or the result of punishment-based training methods.
Symptoms of Coprophagia
The primary symptom of coprophagia is when a dog consumes faeces. However, there may be additional signs or behaviours associated with this issue, including:
- Bad Breath
Dogs that engage in coprophagia may develop foul-smelling breath due to the ingestion of faeces.
- Frequent Sniffing of Stools
Dogs with coprophagia may exhibit excessive interest in stools, either their own or those of other dogs or animals.
- Changes in Behaviour
Some dogs may display behavioural changes such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or aggression.
- Upset Stomach
Ingesting faeces can lead to an upset stomach, including vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort.
Why Do Dogs Eat Stools?
Understanding the underlying causes of coprophagia is crucial in addressing the behaviour effectively. If you see your dog eat stools, there can be many reasons or causes behind it. There can be both medical and behavioural reasons why dogs eat stools.
Malabsorption Issues: Some dogs may have medical conditions that affect their ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, prompting the dog to seek nutrients from alternative sources, including feces.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, or gastrointestinal disorders, can cause dogs to eat stools. Treating the underlying condition can help resolve the behavior.
Medical Causes
Not Getting Enough Nutrition
Dogs may eat stools if their diet is lacking essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, or digestive enzymes. In such cases, providing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help alleviate the behaviour. Be sure to provide a healthy, balanced diet to keep them satisfied.
Problems with Absorbing Nutrients
Some dogs may have medical conditions that affect their ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, prompting the dog to become more hungry and seek nutrients from alternative sources, including faeces.
Medical Conditions and Illnesses
Certain medical conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, or gastrointestinal disorders, can cause dogs to eat stools. Treating the underlying condition can help resolve the behaviour. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to help with these conditions and treat the underlying problems.
Behaviour Reasons
Maternal Instincts
Puppies tend to learn from watching older dogs, which includes their mothers, through the behaviour they exhibit. This may include copying the act of eating faeces as the mother’s way of cleaning the habitat and protecting the puppies. This behaviour usually diminishes as they grow older and become more independent.
Boredom or Lack of Stimulation
Dogs left alone for extended periods or those lacking mental and physical stimulation may engage in coprophagia as a way to alleviate boredom. Keep your dogs engaged and stimulated to prevent the development of this behaviour.
Attention-Seeking
Some dogs may eat stools to gain attention from their owners, even if it means receiving negative attention. This behaviour may develop if the dog has learned that eating stools prompts a response from its owner.
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs experiencing anxiety, stress, or changes in their environment may resort to coprophagia as a coping mechanism.
Diagnosis of Coprophagia In Dogs
If you suspect your dog is engaging in coprophagia, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination and may recommend additional tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to the behaviour. They will run the necessary tests to properly diagnose and recommend the best course of action to treat this behaviour.
Treatment of Coprophagia In Dogs
Treating coprophagia involves addressing both the underlying causes and modifying the dog’s behavior. Here are some approaches commonly used:
- Balanced Diet and Nutrition
Ensure your dog is on a balanced and nutritious diet. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and nutrition plan to give your pet and if any dietary supplements are needed to address nutritional deficiencies.
- Behavioural Modification
Implement positive reinforcement training techniques to discourage the behaviour. Redirect your dog’s attention to more appropriate activities and reward them for engaging in positive and proper behaviours.
- Environmental Enrichment
Provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog through regular exercise, interactive toys, and engaging activities. This can help alleviate boredom and reduce the likelihood of engaging in coprophagia.
- Consistent Commands and Positive Reinforcement
Train your dog with basic obedience commands, such as “leave it” or “drop it,” to discourage the consumption of faeces. Reward them with praise and treats and always do positive reinforcement when they comply with the commands.
- Deterrents in Diet
Various commercial products are available that can be added to your dog’s food to make stools unpalatable. These products contain natural ingredients that make the faeces taste unpleasant to dogs, discouraging them from consuming it.
- Supervise Closely and Clean-Up Immediately
Keep a close eye on your dog while outdoors to prevent them from accessing feces. Promptly clean up after your dog to remove any temptations.
Recovery Coprophagia In Dogs
The good news is dogs can recover and reverse the coprophagia behaviour. However, recovering from coprophagia requires time, consistency, and patience. Each dog is unique, and the recovery process may vary. With proper nutrition, behavioural modification, and environmental management, many dogs can overcome this behaviour. In cases where underlying medical conditions contribute to coprophagia, treating the underlying condition is essential for a successful recovery.
Conclusion
Coprophagia can be a nightmare to witness, uncomfortable to clean, and a concerning behaviour, but it can be managed and treated with the right approach and treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can effectively address coprophagia in dogs. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs, behaviour, and diet. With patience, consistency, and a well-rounded approach, you can help your dog overcome coprophagia and promote their overall well-being.