Don't Let Your Dog Eat Poop

When you first bring home a new puppy (or dog) you quickly discover how he (or she) puts everything he finds in his mouth. However, when an owner sees his new pup eating his own feces it can be disgusting. However, this is a common problem among dog owners. It's also one that owners need to address quickly because their dogs can become ill from this disgusting habit.

Why Dogs Eat Poop

Also known as coprophagy, dogs eating their poop can be the result of a variety of reasons. A few may include…

Copied kennel and/or shelter behavior - Often dogs adopted from shelters mimic this behavior from other shelter dogs. In addition, this bad habit can be copied from other dogs while your dog spends time at a kennel.

• Inadequate diet - Is your dog getting enough to eat? If so, is it adequate in nutrients? Sometimes dogs eat poop because their diets are lacking in essential nutrients and minerals. On the other hand, dogs can eat poop because they're overfed and haven't properly digested all their food. It sounds gross, but the smell of their feces reminds them of their food so they partake.

• Medical problems - Does your dog have a hidden medical problem? Perhaps a visit to the vet for a complete physical exam would uncover a possible reason for the problem.

• Boredom - Amazingly, some puppies and/or dogs eat their own poop because they're bored or not exercised properly.

• Hiding feces - If you overly punish your dog for pooping in the house, he may be trying to conceal the evidence, even outdoors, to avoid further punishment.

How to Break the Habit

There are several effective techniques to break your dog's habit of eating poop.

• Crate train - By early crate training, you reduce the chances of your dog pooping in his crate and eating it.

• Add bits of certain foods to his meal - Foods such as pineapple, spinach and pumpkin give his poop a repugnant taste and smell, reducing the likelihood he'll eat it.

• Add commercial products - Search online for commercial products (such as "Forbid") that you can mix with his food that discourage poop eating. There are also commercial products found at pet stores used for solving the problem of chewing on furniture. Use these for spraying on poop as well.

• Sprinkle Tabasco sauce on poop - This solution explains itself. One taste of hot sauce and your dog will quickly get the message to "Leave it!"

• Check his diet - Make sure your dog is eating top quality dog food recommended by veterinarian standards.

• Immediately clean up any poop - As soon as your dog defecates, scoop it up and throw it away. Not only will you be guarding his health and breaking him of a dirty habit, but you'll also have a cleaner yard.

• Take regular leash walks - When you're walking your dog on a leash you can command him to not eat poop with a quick and firm, "No!" On the other hand, say, "Leave it!" in a firm, but non-punishing voice.

• Distract and reward - As soon as you see poop approaching while walking your dog firmly say, "No!" Then reward him with praise and a treat.

If these techniques sound like too much work, then do them anyway. By investing the time and effort into breaking this gross habit, you'll be rewarded with a healthier and happier dog.
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Originally published on Suite 101.