Why Dogs Eat 💩
Coprophagy, which is the consumption of feces, is a common behavior in domestic dogs. Dogs are scavengers; for them, almost anything can be considered food. While it may be repulsive to us, it isn’t to them; it's a food source. They might be extracting undigested food from the fecal material, whether it belongs to them or another animal.
In some dogs, coprophagy may result from nutritional deficiencies, such as thiamine, vitamin B, or digestive enzyme deficiencies. If you suspect this, consult your veterinarian.
Additionally, coprophagy can be a displacement or compulsive behavior triggered by stress, frustration, or anxiety. Dogs left tied up in the backyard for extended periods may experience loneliness and frustration, leading to displacement behaviors like barking, digging, and coprophagy.
Furthermore, coprophagy can be an attention-seeking behavior. If a dog learns that their owner responds promptly when they engage in coprophagy, even if it's negative attention, they may continue the behavior to gain attention.
It's also possible that dogs learn coprophagy from their mother, as mother dogs often consume the feces of their puppies. Puppies might pick up this behavior by observing their mother or associating feces smell with food, especially if they were raised in unsanitary conditions where feces and food were frequently close together.
How to Address Coprophagy:
Switch to a high-quality dog food to ensure your dog receives proper nutrition.
Consult your veterinarian to test for nutritional deficiencies.
Work on reducing stress, frustration, or anxiety in your dog's life.
Withdraw your attention when your dog exhibits coprophagy.
Consider adding meat tenderizer to your dog's meals to make feces unappetizing.
Promptly clean up feces from your yard after your dog defecates.
Walk your dog on a leash to have better control over their movements.
It's important to note that coprophagy can be a challenging behavior to eliminate completely. You might need to manage your dog's environment to prevent the behavior for their entire life.
