If you’re a dog owner, there probably aren’t that many things that make you question your pooch more than seeing him eat another animal’s feces! So, why does a dog eat poop,?
Dogs are known to be one of the cleanest animals. They groom themselves regularly and have a very keen sense of smell. Still, you might have noticed that when you’re out with them, sometimes dogs eat poop. Why would your little angel do this? More importantly, is it bad for your dog’s health?
They don’t even seem to be that selective at times.For example, why do dogs eat cat poop? Why do dogs eat chicken poop… and why do dogs eat rabbit poop? There are a few reasons that could explain this behavior
The following are ten reasons why your dog may be eating feces, so let’s get going… why does a dog eat poop, and how can you stop it?
1. To get attention
Dogs are very intelligent creatures and know that certain behaviors will result in a reaction from their owners. If your dog has started eating poop and you make a big fuss about it, they may think this is the attention they are looking for and continue the behavior. If you’ve ever shouted at your dog for eating rabbit droppings in the park then asked yourself why dogs eat rabbit poop, this could be the answer you’ve been looking for!
2. Boredom
If dogs are left alone for long periods, they may become bored or anxious. This can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or eating poop. If you have an indoor cat and have been wondering why do dogs eat cat poop, this could be one of the reasons. You’ve left them alone long enough to get bored and they’ve decided to investigate.
3. Poor nutrition
If a dog is not getting the proper nutrition from their diet, they may be seeking out other food sources. This could explain why some puppies may eat feces, as they are still growing and need all the nutrients they can get. Kitten or cat poop in particular can contain a lot of nutrients and dogs can love the taste.
4. Curiosity
Dogs are curious by nature and may be drawn to eating poop out of curiosity. This is especially true for puppies exploring the world and their bodies for the first time. As above, your dog might get curious about what the cat has left for him in the litter box, so never leave it unattended for long!!
5. Aversion to food
Some dogs may eat poop as an aversion to their regular food. This could be due to a change in diet or an intolerance to certain ingredients. If you notice that their own number twos are soft, this could be the issue. Have you changed their food recently? Have they broken into the treat cupboard in the last while? They may be trying to make up for something!
6. Medical reasons
Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat poop. These include pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, and intestinal parasites. If you suspect that your dog may have a medical condition, consult your veterinarian and let them know that the dog has been eating feces.
7. Stress
Dogs can experience stress for various reasons, such as changes in the home, being left alone, or loud noises. This can lead to changes in appetite, and, as a result, some dogs may start eating feces. Try to comfort them with a familiar toy or blanket in stressful times.
8. Anxiety
Dogs may also eat poop out of anxiety or fear. This is often seen in puppies who are still getting used to their surroundings and may be afraid of being scolded or punished. Obviously, scolding or punishing them for eating the feces is not the way to go, so try to avoid losing your cool! Instead, try to understand why. Does a dog eat poop every time you go out? Probably anxiety!
9. Reinforcement
Dogs may learn that eating poop is reinforcing, bringing them pleasure or satisfaction. This could be due to the feces’ taste, texture, or smell. If you’ve ever owned an indoor cat and a dog at the same time, you might have seem the dog showing interest in the litter box just after the cat has left a present for you! Why do dogs eat cat poop? Probably because it tastes good!
10. Pica
Pica is a condition where an animal compulsively eats non-food items. This could explain why some dogs eat feces, as they seek out the nutrients missing from their diet. If you live on a farm, you might even have noticed that, sometimes, dogs eat chicken poop. As disgusting as it is to us, it could indicate that your dog is lacking in something and is trying to get it from the chicken droppings.
While the reasons listed above are some of the most common, there are several other reasons why dogs eat poop, why they are sniffing other animals feces and why they actually might be doing a good thing for everyone in the home, including other animals. Other factors include:
11. Biological urges
Dogs are descended from wolves, who would eat the feces of their prey as a way to eliminate any trace of their scent. In the wild these prey might include small animals and larger birds. This might be why dogs eat chicken poop or why dogs eat rabbit poop.
12. Maternal instinct
Some mother dogs may eat their own puppies’ feces to keep the area clean and free of disease. In doing so they protect their babies (as well as your floor!) from getting all that nasty poop all over them.
See, not all reasons for eating poop are so bad after all!
Final remarks on why dogs eat poop
Dogs may eat poop for various reasons, including poor nutrition, boredom, stress, anxiety, or curiosity. Sometimes the behavior is completely harmless, and other times it’s not. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, please consult your veterinarian. They will be able to rule out any medical causes and guide you on how to stop the behavior.
