Author: DogsBlogSS Team
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a veterinarian.
why do dogs eat poop
What is Coprophagia?
According to American Kennel Club, You might have heard the fancy term “coprophagia” (pronounced “koh-proh-FAY-jee-uh”) — that’s just the scientific name for the act of eating feces. When dogs eat poop, whether their own, another dog’s, or even another species’, veterinarians often reach for that word.
Yes — I know, it’s a bit gross when you think about it from our human perspective. But for dogs, this behavior isn’t always as bizarre as it seems.
Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?
According to PetMD,It turns out — sometimes, yes. For example, many mother dogs instinctively clean up after their puppies by consuming their waste; it’s nature’s way of keeping the den clean and safe.
According to PetMD,Young puppies might imitate this behavior and even sample their own or their litter-mates’ stool — exploring their world with their mouths, much like toddlers do.
That doesn’t mean it’s ideal — but it does mean that not all poop-eating is “wrong.” Sometimes it’s instinct, sometimes curiosity.
According to PetMD,Still, for adult dogs to routinely eat their feces (or that of other dogs) is usually considered “abnormal” behavior, potentially hinting at deeper causes.
II. The “Why”: Causes and Reasons
If your dog seems strangely drawn to poop, there are several — sometimes overlapping — explanations. Let’s walk through them.
Is my dog eating poop because of a nutritional deficiency?
According to American Kennel Club+,One popular theory is that a dog may eat poop to recoup nutrients or enzymes they’re missing. The idea especially centers around deficiencies in B-vitamins or digestive enzymes. Some older studies hinted that poor nutrient absorption or digestion might trigger stool consumption.
That said — modern experts caution against jumping to this conclusion too quickly. According to a recent article from WebMD, there is “no known connection” between diet and coprophagia in many cases.
So yes, nutritional problems can be part of the puzzle — but they rarely tell the whole story.
Why do dogs eat their own poop vs. other dogs’ poop? (Autocoprophagia vs. Allocoprophagia)
According to PetMD,There are subtle differences depending on whose poop the dog is eating. Eating their own poop or that of another dog is often considered more unusual and possibly problematic behavior.
IAccording to American Kennel Club,n contrast, eating waste from other species — say, a cat’s litter box or a bit of horse manure — may sometimes be more about instinct, taste, or curiosity.
According to,In fact, some studies suggest nearly one in six dogs might be “serious” poop-eaters (caught eating feces repeatedly), while about one in four might try it at least once. American Kennel Club
According to American Kennel Club,It’s thought that such behavior might stem from ancestral survival instincts — back when wild canids scavenged whatever nutrients they could find.
why do dogs eat cat poop?
According to PetMD,This one puzzles many pet owners — but it has some logic behind it. Waste from animals like cats often contains undigested or partially digested proteins and fats, which might smell “yummy” to a dog’s nose far more than dog poop.
According to PetMD,Add in the fact that cat litter boxes sometimes “hide” the smell from you — but not from your dog — and it becomes an appealing accidental snack. Sadly, that means a regular litter-box clean and proper separation between cats and dogs is important.
What are the behavioral reasons for poop eating?
Beyond nutrition or instinct, many experts point to behavioral triggers:
- According to American Kennel Club,Boredom or lack of stimulation. Dogs — especially young ones or those left alone for hours — may explore or chew inappropriate things, including poop, simply because they’re understimulated.
- According to PetMD,Seeking attention. Some dogs learn quickly that eating poop sparks a big reaction. Whether that reaction is yelling, rushing over, or panic — to the dog, that may feel like winning your attention. Not great, but effective training-wise.
- According to American Kennel Club,Stress, anxiety, or environmental discomfort. Dogs confined to small or dirty spaces, or those undergoing changes (new home, new people, separation anxiety), may eat poop as a coping behavior.
- According to American Kennel Club,Punishment history. Some dogs, especially puppies, may develop the habit if they’ve been punished (yelled at or scolded) for accidents indoors. To “hide the evidence,” they eat the stool — thinking it will avoid punishment.
Could an underlying medical condition be the cause?
According to oxfordanimalvet,Yes — and this is why any sudden onset of coprophagia should trigger a vet visit. Conditions like malabsorption syndromes, intestinal parasites, or digestive disorders (e.g., pancreatic insufficiency) might leave a dog feeling nutrient-deprived, driving them to scavenge their own or others’ stool.
According to American Kennel Club,Moreover, diseases that ramp up appetite — such as Cushing’s disease, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic issues — can contribute to strange eating behaviors including coprophagia.
Sometimes, what seems like a strange habit is actually the dog’s body signaling “I’m not quite right.”
III. The Risks: Health and Safety
If the idea of poop-eating was weird before — the health implications can be even more worrying.
Can dogs get sick from eating poop?
According to iere,Absolutely. Feces — especially from other animals — can contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, both of which can cause serious gastrointestinal upset or even systemic illness in dogs (and potentially transfer to humans).
Even if the dog seems fine immediately, repeated exposure increases the risk.
Will my dog get worms or parasites from eating feces?
According to Canine Journal,Yes — and that’s one of the main dangers. Eating infected feces (from cats, other dogs, stray animals) can transmit parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and more.
According to Canine Journal,These infections can lead to serious health problems: digestive distress, nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, anemia, and even risk to human household members (especially children or immunocompromised persons).
When should I see a vet about my dog’s poop eating?
If poop-eating is occasional in a young puppy, it may be “just a phase.” But you should get professional advice if:
- According to PetMD,The behavior appears suddenly in an adult dog.
- According to PetMD,It comes with other symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, or behavioral change.
- According to PetMD,The stool being eaten belongs to other animals (e.g., cats, wild animals), increasing risk of parasites/infections.
- There’s frequent or habitual coprophagia — not just a one-time “mistake.”
According to Vetster Online Vets,A veterinarian can perform stool tests, check for digestive or absorption issues, screen for parasites, and recommend dietary or medical interventions.
IV. The Solutions: Treatment and Prevention
The good news is — with consistency, patience, and sometimes a bit of creativity — you can greatly reduce (or even eliminate) coprophagia in many dogs.
What are the most effective home remedies to stop dogs from eating poop?
Some pet parents and vets recommend natural deterrents added to your dog’s food — though success varies. For instance:
- According to WebMD,Pineapple, pumpkin, or meat tenderizer: There’s anecdotal evidence that these can make the scent or taste of stool less appealing to some dogs.
- According to Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center,Spicy deterrents: Some suggest sprinkling a very mild deterrent (like a bit of bitter apple or safe herb mixture) on fresh stool, though you have to make sure it’s safe and non-toxic for dogs.
According to American Kennel Club,That said — experts emphasize that these methods are often unreliable if used alone. They may help in a few cases, but they’re rarely enough without behavior modification and environmental changes.
Do “stop eating poop” supplements and chews actually work?
According to PetMD,There are commercial “coprophagia deterrent” supplements and chews on the market, designed to make the dog’s stool taste unappealing. Some pet owners report success with them — especially when used alongside training and supervision.
According to American Kennel Club,However, results are inconsistent. According to the same sources, these products are most effective when combined with better diet, routine cleanup, behavioral training, and environmental management.
How do I train my dog to “Leave It” and break the habit?
Behavioral training is often the most reliable long-term solution. Here’s a step-by-step-friendly approach many experts recommend:
- According to American Kennel Club,Use a “leave it” command: Teach your dog that ignoring poop leads to a treat or praise — a positive reward for the right behavior.
- According to PetMD,Work on recall and redirection: As soon as your dog poops, call them to you and offer a treat. While they’re enjoying the treat, promptly clean up the stool. This replaces the “snack → poop” loop with “snack → human come → clean up.”
- According to PetMD,Use tools if necessary: A leash outdoors or confinement indoors during training sessions can help manage access until the habit fades.
According to PetMD,Crate-training (for puppies) or ensuring that the living area remains clean and poop-free can also reduce temptation.
What management changes can prevent access to poop?
Prevention is often easier than cure. Simple but effective strategies include:
- According to PetMD,Pick up stool immediately: Don’t leave feces lying around — especially outdoors or where pets roam.
- According to PetMD,Separate litter boxes from dog zones: If you have cats, make sure the litter box is inaccessible to dogs (e.g. on a high surface or behind a pet gate).
- According to American Kennel Club,Provide plenty of enrichment: Toys, puzzle feeders, walks, playtime — a mentally stimulated dog is less likely to find feces entertaining.
- According to PetMD,Avoid punishment: Scolding or punishing your dog for eating poop can backfire — it may make them more anxious or more secretive about it. Positive reinforcement works far better.
Conclusion
If your dog eats poop — you’re not alone, and you’re not necessarily a bad pet parent. For many dogs, coprophagia starts as instinct, curiosity, or a learned habit from puppyhood. But sometimes, it’s a signal: of boredom, stress, nutritional imbalance, or even underlying health problems.
What matters now is how you respond. With patience, kindness, and consistent care — along with a little bit of cleanup duty — many dogs can learn to leave the poop alone. And a clean environment, a stable routine, loving attention, and proper veterinary care can go a long way.
If your dog’s poop-eating feels persistent, intense, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms — don’t hesitate to contact your vet. After all, keeping them safe and healthy is the goal.
Notice : The DogsBlogSS editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, research-based information about dog health, behavior, and care. All our articles are fact-checked using trusted veterinary sources such as VCA Hospitals, Merck Vet Manual, and the AKC.
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