Dogs love to eat poop. Why do they do this? Some people say that it is because the dog’s digestive system isn’t evolved enough to properly break down certain foods, so they’ll seek out other forms of nutrition in order to get the nutrients their body needs.
Others say that dogs eat poop because they’re lacking certain essential minerals and vitamins in their diet, so they turn to feces as a way to make up for what their bodies are missing. And still, others believe that eating poop is a natural instinctual behavior that dogs engage in as a way to keep their territory clean and free of parasites. Whatever the reason may be, read on to find out: how to stop a dog from eating poop – home remedies.
Why Do Dogs Like to Eat Stools? Coprophagia in Dogs
How to stop a dog from eating poop: home remedies to use. There are a few different theories as to why dogs like to eat poop. Here are the most popular theories:
- Dogs are attracted to the taste of feces because they contain high levels of protein and fat.
- Dogs eat poop because they’re lacking certain essential nutrients in their diet, and they turn to feces as a way to make up for what their bodies are missing.
- Eating feces is a natural instinctual behavior that dogs engage in as a way to keep their territory clean and free of parasites.
It’s natural for mother dogs to eat their puppies’ feces in order to keep the nest clean. However, if your dog is not a mother and is eating feces on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. Eating feces can be a sign of an underlying health condition, so it’s best to have your dog checked out by a professional to rule out any potential problems.
How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop: Home Remedies, Deterrents
There are a few different things you can do to stop a dog from eating poop: home remedies are the most popular:
- Add pineapple or papaya to your dog’s food. Both of these fruits contain enzymes that help break down proteins, and this may make feces less attractive to your dog.
- Feed your dog probiotics. Probiotics improve gut health and may make feces less appetizing to your dog.
- Try a commercial deterrent. Products like Forbid and Deter can be added to your dog’s food and make the poop taste bad to your dog.
- Feed your dog more frequently. Dogs who eat two or more small meals per day are less likely to eat poop than dogs who only eat one large meal per day.
- Exercise your dog more. A tired dog is less likely to want to eat poop.
- You can try adding meat tenderizer to your dog’s food. This will make the stool taste bad to your dog.
- Canned pumpkin can also make poop taste bad to your dog. Add a spoonful or two to your dog’s food each day.
- Clean up immediately after your dog goes to the bathroom. The quicker you clean up, the less likely your dog will be to eat the stool.
Dog Eating Poop – Can It Be Dangerous?
While eating poop is generally not harmful, there are a few potential dangers to be aware of:
- your dog could contract an infection from eating the stool of another animal;
- your dog could get worms from eating poop of another animal;
- if your dog eats the feces of a cow, he could get sick and have diarrhea (and other intestinal problems) from eating the bacteria E. coli;
- if your dog eats the feces of a cat that has been infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, he could get sick and have diarrhea.
When Should I Talk to the Veterinarian?
If your dog is eating poop on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to the veterinarian. They can rule out any possible medical conditions that may be causing your dog to eat stools and can give you advice on how to stop a dog from eating poop: home remedies and professional products to use.
Having a Puppy Poop Eater – Things to Remember
There are a few things to keep in mind if you have a dog who likes to eat poop:
- always walk your dog on a leash, so you can prevent him from eating stools of other animals;
- always clean up after your dog immediately;
- avoid punishing your dog if he does eat stools – this could make the behavior worse;
- be sure to choose a good quality dog food that contains all the nutrients your dog needs;
- talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your canine friend’s behavior.
How to stop a dog from eating poop – home remedies are the best way to stop your pooch from this habit. Thanks for reading!
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