Coprophagia, the eating of stool, is a common behavior problem among dogs, young and old. In the wild, canine mothers instinctively lick their pups to cause them to have a bowel movement and then happily eat the stool. This helps to keep the den clean and keep predators from picking up their scent and harming the puppies. This is a natural behavior for wild dogs but a very annoying and disgusting habit for us to observe.

Dogs do not limit themselves to their own stool, they also seek out cat litter pans, a housemate’s or any other stool that was left by another critter in the yard.

WHY DO THEY DO IT?

There are many theories for why dogs do this; including psychological and nutritional reasons. The psychological reasons include, but are not limited to, boredom, attention seeking behavior and stress. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time may develop this habit. Dogs that are kept in stressful conditions develop coprophagic behaviors. Stressful conditions include crowded, noisy kennels and unsanitary conditions. Pets that are kept in the same area where they urinate and defecate can also develop coprophagic behavior.

Another possible reason, not as common, is a poor quality diet. The vast majority of pets are on excellent diets. If your pet is on a generic or non-brand name diet you may consider switching to a high quality diet. Pets who eat meaty/canned foods tend to have “better, more tasteful” stools. Also, cat food is higher in calories and fat and many dogs will seek out cat stool because it, too, tastes better.

HOW TO STOP COPROPHAGIA

In some pets, nothing seems to stop this behavior. However, here are a few suggestions that may help:

• Pick up the stools in the yard daily. Don’t let your pet see you doing this.
• Prevent access to cat litter boxes. If acceptable to your cat, a BoodaTM litterbox may be helpful.  A baby gate blocking the dog's access, but not the cats, may also be helpful.
• If your pet is left alone, provide plenty of toys. For example; Kongs®, chew bones or Buster cubes®.
• When you see your dog eating stool calmly and firmly say “No” and remove the dog from the situation. Don’t get overly excited about the behavior.
• Teach your dog the “Leave It” command.
• Make the stool unattractive or distasteful by putting hot pepper or Bitter Apple® on it.
• Add Forbid® to the food to cause the stool to become less appetizing to your dog.

We would be happy to assist you with this or any other behavior problem your pet may have. Please call the clinic for a Behavior Examination appointment.