Unraveling the Mystery: Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop?

Decoding Canine Behaviors: Why Our Furry Friends Have Such Odd Eating Habits

By Benjamin Smith

If you’re a fellow dog enthusiast, you’ve probably, at some point in your pet ownership journey, caught your dog indulging in the unappealing habit of eating their own feces. It's perplexing and even a bit gross, but the practice, known scientifically as coprophagy, is relatively common among canines. Why, though?

My First Experience with Coprophagy

Before diving deep into the world of canine behavior, let me share a personal story. On a breezy morning walk with my Frenchie, Max, I was jolted from my thoughts by an unexpected sight: Max, with keen interest, nosing toward a fresh pile of... his own waste. Within moments, he began eating it. I was dumbfounded. "Why on earth would he do that?" I wondered. This unsettling incident drove me to research the question, “Why do dogs eat their own poop?”

Historical Context: Dogs and Their Dietary Preferences

Interestingly, dogs’ ancestors, wild canines, practiced coprophagy for several reasons. Consuming feces could help eliminate evidence of their presence, keeping them safe from potential predators. This was also a way to glean any remaining nutrients from the waste of their pack members.

The Science Behind Coprophagy

Modern domestic dogs don’t need to hide from predators, so why the poop-eating habit? Scientific studies have highlighted a few reasons:

Nutritional Deficiency: Just like when I switched Max from cow ears with hair to a different treat, and he started showing new behaviors, eating feces might point to a lack of certain nutrients in a dog’s diet.
Digestive Enzymes: Some dogs might eat their poop if their body isn't producing enough digestive enzymes. Consuming feces can sometimes reintroduce these enzymes.
Taste: As unappetizing as it sounds, some dogs might just like the taste, especially if their diet is high in fat.
Curiosity: Puppies, in particular, are curious creatures. They might sample poop just out of pure investigative spirit.
Cleanliness: Dogs might eat feces to clean up their living space, a throwback to keeping a den tidy.
Medical Issues: Conditions like diabetes or parasites can lead to increased appetite and feces consumption.
Behavioral Issues: In some cases, stress, anxiety, or seeking attention can be underlying reasons.

Can It Be Harmful?

While it's generally not dangerous for dogs to consume their own feces occasionally, it can become a concern if they ingest the feces of other animals, which might carry diseases or parasites.

Steps to Discourage Coprophagy

If you’re like me, seeing Max indulge in this behavior was enough motivation to try and put a stop to it. Here are some strategies I found helpful:

Ensure a Balanced Diet: Make sure your dog's nutritional needs are fully met. Sometimes, just adjusting their diet can reduce their feces-eating tendencies.
Clean Up Promptly: Regularly clean up your yard or litter box, so there’s no poop for them to get to.
Distract and Redirect: Just like I did when I introduced Max to cow ears with hair, find other engaging treats or toys to divert their attention from feces.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for leaving feces alone, reinforcing good behavior.
Consult a Vet: If your dog frequently consumes their feces, a visit to the vet might be necessary to rule out any potential health concerns.
Behavioral Training: Sometimes, the help of a professional dog trainer can break the habit.
Taste-Aversive Products: There are products available that, when ingested, make the feces taste even worse to dogs, deterring them from eating it.

My Personal Journey and Conclusion

When Max decided cow ears with hair were his favorite treat, I learned the importance of understanding his dietary preferences and behaviors. The journey of discovering why he was attracted to his own waste reminded me, once again, of the complexity of these creatures we share our homes with. By seeking answers and understanding, we build stronger bonds with our pets. If you've ever been puzzled or concerned by your dog's poop-eating habits, remember: knowledge is power, and there's always a reason behind their actions.