What’s with dogs and poop? If they’re not rolling in it or stepping in it, they’re eating it. It can be a smelly nightmare—and it’ll take your dog’s breath to a whole new (and terrible) level. So why is it happening and what can you do to get your dog to stop?
Get help from the experts at Germantown Vet! Give us a call at 240-252-7467.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
When does eat their own or other animals’ feces, it’s known as “coprophagia.” Unfortunately, this is an incredibly common trait in many animals, including dogs. It’s most common in puppies, and usually they grow out of it. However, sometimes they’ll continue into adulthood.
So why are is your dog eating poop?
Normal Behavior
Okay, maybe “normal behavior” doesn’t really sound all that great to you, but in fact, eating feces is not a very uncommon behavior for dogs. It’s particularly common for dogs to eat the poop of herbivores. And most puppies will eat their own poop no matter what.
Medical Issues
Another cause could be malnutrition or malabsorption because if your dog isn’t getting the nutrients he or she requires from the food you’re providing, they’ll seek it out any way they can get it—including poop! However, your dog could also be having issues with absorbing nutrients, and it’s important to talk to a vet to rule out any medical issues.
Compulsion & Unknown Reasons
Eating poop can also become a compulsion for many dogs, meaning it’s something you’ll have to work to train out of them. It’s not fully understood why dogs who maintain a nutrient-rich and balanced diet would eat their own feces or the feces of other carnivores, but it’s believed to be a mostly natural behavior—no matter how gross it is.
Put a Stop to Stinky Breath
Whether or not the behavior is “normal,” you most likely want the poop-eating to stop. The best thing you can do is be vigilant. If your dog normally roams freely in the backyard, keep an eye on him or her instead so that you can stop poop-eating before it happens. Like any type of training for your pet, consistency is key, and you’ll have to work with him or her until they understand that eating poop isn’t allowed.
Rule Out a Medical Issue
If you’re worried that your dog is eating poop because of a medical issue, please contact Germantown Vet today to schedule an appointment. Conveniently located in Germantown, MD, our animal hospital is equipped to handle all your veterinary needs.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-252-7467 to schedule your appointment.
