Does Your Dog Eat Poop? Here’s How to Stop Them

We know this topic is a little uncomfortably disgusting, but it does happen. If you are a dog parent or have been one for a while, you know what we are talking about. 

“Coprophagia”, is the scientific name for your dog’s poop-eating habit. Interestingly, one in six dogs is classified as serious poop eaters. Before we dive into ways of stopping your dog from eating poop, let’s go over some facts about this habit. 

Interesting Facts About Dog Poop Eating

A study of over 1,000 dogs and their parents concluded the following statistics;

• Female dogs are more likely to eat poop than male dogs
• Dogs that live in multi-dog households are more likely to eat their own poop than single dog households
• 92% of the poop eaters preferred fresh, 1-2-day old poop
• 85% of dogs that eat poop, don’t want to eat their own! They like other dogs better.
• Dogs that tend to steal food off tables, tend to eat poop.

How to stop your dog from eating poop?

1. Clean up the poop

Of course, this is the simplest answer. CLEANLINESS! If the poop is cleaned, your dog won’t be able to eat it. Keep litter boxes and cages clean if your doggo can eat other animals’ poop as well, for instance, your cat’s. 

Keep an eye on your dog during walks. Use impulse control training to keep them away from eating poop or any trash from the ground. 

2. Use mental stimulation & exercise

Boredom causes humans and animals to do things they wouldn’t do otherwise. For dogs, eating poop is one of them. 

You should intentionally spend time with your furiend, engage in different activities, and play mentally stimulating games with them. Physical and mental exertion is important to minimize problematic behaviors in your dog. 

3. Give supplements

Lack of vitamins and nutrients in your dog’s diet might be one of the reasons behind their poop-eating habit. Consult your vet about the best supplement to give to your doggo. 

4. Control their environment

Supervision is important. When it is not possible, make sure to gate of areas where they can find poop. Keep them away from cages and litter boxes. 

5. Train! Avoid punishment

If you have scolded or punished your dog for poop accidents in the house, they may eat their poop the next time an accident happens, to avoid the harsh reaction or the punishment. They might be nervous to get in trouble. 

Proper potty training can help you and your dog. They will know how to let you know they have to go poop, and where to poop. 

Don’t punish your dog, not even for eating poop as that can lead to problems like anxiety, submissive urinated, etc. 

Remember, love, patience, and training does wonders!

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