Dogs have some strange habits—drinking from the toilet, rolling in smelly things, and even licking their own butts. But for many dog owners, nothing is more unsettling than seeing their pup eat poop. While this behavior might seem disgusting to us, it’s actually quite common in dogs and not meant to gross us out. In fact, some owners are so disturbed by it that they consider rehoming their pets.
If your dog has this habit, don’t worry—there are ways to stop it! With behavior training and a few simple solutions, you can help your dog break this unpleasant habit. Let’s explore why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? The Science Behind Coprophagia
- How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop?
- Facts About Dogs Who Eat Poop
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? The Science Behind Coprophagia
The habit of eating poop has a scientific name: coprophagia (pronounced kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh). While it might seem strange to us, there are both behavioral and physiological reasons behind it. Research shows that poop-eating is fairly common in dogs. A study led by Dr. Benjamin Hart from the University of California, Davis, found that:
- 16% (1 in 6) dogs are considered “serious” poop eaters, meaning they were caught eating poop at least five times.
- 24% (1 in 4) dogs ate poop at least once.
So why do dogs do this? According to Dr. Hart, it’s an instinct inherited from their ancestors. In the wild, canines may have eaten fresh feces to keep their living area clean and reduce the risk of parasites spreading to the pack.
Animal behaviorist Steven R. Lindsay also suggests that this habit might have evolved as a survival instinct—when food was scarce, dogs learned to eat whatever they could find, including feces. Since dogs are natural scavengers, their idea of “food” is very different from ours! While this behavior may be disgusting to humans, it’s not unusual for dogs.
Is It Normal for Dogs or Puppies to Eat Poop?
While it may seem strange to us, eating poop is a natural behavior for dogs at certain life stages. Unlike rabbits, who need to eat their feces for essential nutrients, dogs don’t require this habit for survival. However, it is still common, especially in puppies.
Mother dogs lick their puppies to stimulate elimination and will eat their waste to keep the area clean during the first few weeks after birth. Puppies, in turn, may eat their own poop (autocoprophagia) or the poop of other dogs and animals (allocoprophagia), including cat, horse, or goose droppings.
While eating their own poop is generally harmless, consuming feces from other animals can expose puppies to parasites, viruses, or toxins. Fortunately, in most cases, this habit naturally fades by the time a puppy is around nine months old.
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
If your adult dog suddenly starts eating poop, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to rule out health issues. Conditions like parasites, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid disorders, or malabsorption syndromes can increase appetite and lead to this behavior. Nutritional deficiencies or low-calorie diets may also cause dogs to seek out alternative food sources, including feces.
Beyond medical reasons, dogs may eat poop due to environmental stress or behavioral triggers, such as:
- Isolation: Dogs kept alone in kennels or basements are more likely to develop this habit.
- Confinement: Dogs confined to small spaces for long periods, such as in crowded shelters, may eat poop due to stress or boredom.
- Anxiety: Harsh punishment during potty training can lead a dog to eat its own poop to “hide the evidence,” creating a cycle of stress.
- Attention-Seeking: If a dog realizes eating poop gets a big reaction from their owner, they may continue the behavior for attention.
- Association With Food: If a dog’s feeding area is too close to their potty area, they may struggle to distinguish the scent of food from feces.
- Mother’s Influence: Puppies may mimic their mothers, who eat their waste while cleaning them in early weeks.
- Caring for a Sick Pack Member: Some dogs instinctively clean up after an elderly or sick dog in the household, possibly to protect the pack from predators.
Understanding the cause of your dog’s poop-eating habit is the first step in stopping it. If you suspect medical issues, consult your vet. If it’s behavioral, patience and training can help break the cycle!
How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop?
Many veterinarians and dog owners have successfully reduced poop-eating behavior using different strategies. The right solution depends on the cause of the behavior. If a dog eats poop due to a medical issue, they may need dietary changes or treatment, while dogs eating poop due to stress or anxiety may benefit from behavioral training.
If this habit continues, consult your veterinarian to rule out health problems. If the cause is behavioral, your vet may recommend a dog trainer or behavior expert to help address the issue effectively. With the right approach, you can help your dog break this unpleasant habit!
Vitamin Supplements for Dogs Eating Poop
One theory suggests that dogs eat poop because they are missing important nutrients in their diet, especially Vitamin B. Research supports this idea—one study from 1981 found that bacteria in feces produce thiamine (a B-vitamin), which could explain why some dogs seek it out. Other studies have also linked poop-eating to potential nutrient deficiencies. If you suspect this is the case, a dog multivitamin may help correct any imbalances and reduce the behavior.
Enzyme Supplements for Dogs Eating Poop
Today’s commercial dog food tends to be higher in carbohydrates and lower in the meat-based proteins and fats that dogs’ ancestors ate. This change in diet may affect digestion, leading some dogs to eat poop. Some pet owners have found success with digestive enzyme supplements, particularly those containing papain, an enzyme that helps break down food and improve digestion. Adding these supplements to your dog’s diet may reduce their urge to seek extra nutrients from feces.
Taste-Aversion Products for Dogs Eating Poop
Some poop-eating deterrents work by making stool taste and smell unpleasant to dogs. These come in the form of treats or powders that can be added to your dog’s food, making their poop less appealing. Common ingredients include monosodium glutamate, chamomile, pepper extracts, yucca, garlic, and parsley.
For this method to be effective, all pets in the household must consume the deterrent, so their waste becomes unappetizing to the poop-eating dog. Some owners also use bitter-tasting sprays directly on poop to discourage the behavior. While not a guaranteed fix, this strategy can help when combined with training and proper diet.
Managing the Environment for Dogs That Eat Poop
The most effective way to prevent poop-eating is through training and environmental management. Keeping your dog’s space clean and setting clear behavioral expectations can make a big difference.
- Keep the Yard and Home Clean: Regularly remove poop from your yard and clean up immediately during walks to eliminate temptation.
- Supervise and Train: Teach your dog the “leave it” and “come” commands. A helpful trick is to reward them with a treat right after they poop, reinforcing a positive habit.
- Restrict Access to Cat Litter: If you have a cat, keep the litter box clean and out of reach. Consider using a self-cleaning litter box or a dog gate to block access.
By combining consistent training, supervision, and a clean environment, you can help break this unpleasant habit over time!
Facts About Dogs Who Eat Poop
For puppies, eating poop (coprophagia) is usually just a part of their natural curiosity as they explore the world. While most puppies are content with sniffing, some will put anything in their mouths—including poop!
Interestingly, dogs seem to prefer firm stools over soft or runny poop, and some even find frozen poop extra tempting. A study by Dr. Hart found some surprising trends:
- Multi-dog households have higher poop-eating rates—33% in homes with three dogs, compared to 20% in single-dog homes.
- Female dogs are more likely to eat poop, while intact (unneutered) males are the least likely.
- 92% of poop eaters prefer “fresh” poop that is only one or two days old.
- 85% of poop eaters avoid their own poop and prefer that of other dogs.
- Greedy eaters—dogs who steal food off tables—are more likely to eat poop.
If your dog has developed this habit, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Identifying the cause will help you take the right steps to break the behavior!