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Community Corner

Why Do Some Dogs Eat Feces? And Is It Harmful?

There are many theories about why dogs engage in this behavior, but most fall into two categories–behavioral or medical.

Each week, Dr. Patrick Tate, chief of the veterinary staff and a general practitioner at , answers reader questions about pets. This week's question comes from reader Corey (Sweeney) Engmann.

Question: As awful as this sounds, I have caught our dog eating her own feces in the backyard. Why is she doing this and is it harmful?

Answer: Although it is somewhat unpleasant to talk about, many pet owners have experienced coprophagia (the medical term for “eating feces”) with their dogs. Not only do dogs eat their own stools, but they often like the feces of cats, birds, deer, rabbits and other animals. This behavior is most common in puppies up to a year old, but can occur at any stage throughout a dog's life. 

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Coprophagia is usually harmless, but can sometimes spread an infectious disease or parasite to your dog. It can also cause gastroenteritis that results in vomiting and diarrhea.

There are many theories about why dogs engage in this behavior, but most fall into two categories–behavioral or medical.

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Sometimes a dog begins to eat feces if they have an underlying health problem such as diabetes, a parasitic infection or gastrointestinal disease. However, other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, lethargy and weight loss would usually be present along with the coprophagia. As always, consult your veterinarian if you see these or other symptoms in your pet.

When analyzing the behavioral cause of dog coprophagia, it is helpful to remember that dogs are VERY different from humans. A human does not enjoy the smell or taste of a rotting animal carcass, spoiled food, putrid water, urine or feces. Unfortunately, these are often favorites of our canine friends. Some dog breeds seem to practice coprophagia more than others. My two Portuguese Water Dogs love to search for “snacks” in the yard or litter pan, but my other dogs have shown little interest.  

Here are a few POSSIBLE reasons why dogs eat their feces (and that of other animals):  

  1. They simply like the taste, especially when there is undigested food present. This can happen when a dog is overfed or eats “people” food. Dogs seem to especially enjoy the taste of cat feces, perhaps because of the flavor of high-protein cat food.
  2. They are bored and looking for something to do.
  3. They are stressed and experiencing anxiety of some kind.
  4. The yard is filled with feces, and they are trying to “pick-up” and “clean-up” their environment.
  5. They are trying to get attention from their owner.
  6. They have been punished for eliminating in the wrong place and are attempting to “hide” the evidence.
  7. They have learned coprophagia from other dogs, and it has become a habit.

Here are a few ways to stop your dog from eating feces:

  1. Feed your dog a high quality dog food at regular intervals
  2. Make sure your dog has plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  3. Keep your dog’s living area and yard clean.
  4. Try a “coprophagia deterrent” food additive designed to make the feces taste bad (like Deter, Potty Mouth, Nasty Habit, etc.). Note: Even though these additives are available over-the-counter, be sure and check with your veterinarian before using.  
  5. Try adding a little pineapple or pumpkin to your dog’s food. Dogs don’t mind the taste but it may make their feces unappealing.
  6. Teach your dog the “Leave It!” command and try to catch them in the act.
  7. Walk your dog on the leash until he has a bowel movement (picking it up, of course)
  8. Put the litter box in a place where your dog can't reach it, but your cat can (this can be a challenge!).
  9. Some people say that putting hot sauce or cayenne pepper on feces will deter a dog, but I do NOT recommend trying it.

In my experience, this behavior may be mild or temporary in some dogs, but very persistent in others. Talk with your veterinarian for additional options if behavioral coprophagia becomes a serious problem and the above suggestions don’t help. He or she may refer you to an experienced animal behavioral specialist.

Do you have a question for Dr. Tate? Email your questions to Webster Groves Patch Editor Sheri Gassaway. Be sure to attach a photo of your pet, and we'll feature it along with your question!

About this column: Dr. Patrick Tate, chief of the veterinary staff and a general practitioner at Webster Groves Animal Hospital, answers reader questions about pets.

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