Dogs eating poop is a disgusting habit, but unfortunately, it is quite common. If you’ve seen your dog exhibits this disgusting behavior, you may have wondered how to stop dogs from eating poop ever again. After all, it’s not only gross, but it can also be dangerous if your dog is eating feces from other animals. In this blog, we discuss how to stop dogs from eating poop, and the exact steps you should follow for dogs not to repeat this behavior.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons. Some dogs may do it out of boredom, while others may do it because they are stressed or anxious. Puppies may also eat poop simply because they don’t know any better. However, the most common reason why dogs eat poop is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. If your dog is eating poop, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems.
Once your vet has ruled out any health problems, there are a few home remedies you can try to stop your dog from eating poop. You can also try to change their diet to include more of the nutrients they need.
So, How to Stop Dog From Eating Poop?
There are a few home remedies you can try to stop your dog from eating poop. Here are examples:
Add more fiber to their diet
Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet may make them less likely to eat poop. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it less appealing to dogs. Good sources of fiber for dogs include:
- pumpkin
- sweet potatoes
- oats
- barley
- brown rice
Of course, you have to be careful when you’re giving your dog human food. Make sure that what you’re giving them is safe for dogs and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
Add more protein to their diet
If your dog isn’t getting enough protein, it may be more likely to eat poop. Adding more protein to their diet can help stop this behavior. Good sources of protein for dogs include:
- chicken
- turkey
- beef
- fish
- eggs
You should always talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. They can help you figure out how much of each nutrient your dog needs and make sure that you’re not overfeeding them.
Make sure they’re getting enough exercise
Dogs who are bored or don’t get enough exercise are more likely to eat poop. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise can help prevent this behavior. Try to take them on a walk or run at least once a day, and play with them for at least 30 minutes each day.
If your dog is eating its own poop, you may be able to stop the behavior by giving it more attention. Dogs who feel neglected are more likely to eat poop as a way to get attention from their owners. Try spending more time playing with your dog and giving it lots of love and affection.
You should also bring your dog to the vet for a check-up to rule out any medical causes for the behavior. Eating poop can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition, so it’s important to have your dog checked if it keeps eating poop.
Add probiotics to their diet
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for gut health. Adding them to your dog’s diet may help stop them from eating poop. Good sources of probiotics for dogs include:
- yogurt
- kefir
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
Feed your dog more often
Feeding your dog smaller meals more often may also help stop them from eating poop. This is because they will be less likely to feel the need to eat stool when they’re not as hungry. Try feeding your dog two or three meals per day instead of one large meal.
Use a deterrent spray
There are commercial sprays available that you can use to deter your dog from eating poop. These sprays usually contain bitter ingredients that will make your dog not want to eat stool. You can also make your own deterrent spray by mixing water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Spray this mixture on your dog’s food or on areas where they tend to eat poop.
Train your dog not to eat poop
One of the most effective ways to stop dogs from eating poop is to train them not to do it. You can find tutorials online that will show you how to train your dog not to eat poop. Be consistent with training and be patient, as it may take some time for your dog to learn.
Provide a healthy diet
A poor diet can also lead dogs to eat their own feces. Make sure your dog is eating a nutritious diet that consists of high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid feeding them processed foods or foods that are high in fat.
When To Take Your Dog To The Vet?
There may be a medical reason why your dog is eating their own feces. If you have tried home remedies and providing a healthy diet and your dog is still eating poop, take them to the vet for an evaluation. There may be something wrong with their digestive system that requires treatment.
Examples of digestive system problems that might prompt dogs to eat their poop include:
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites can be a reason why dogs eat their own feces. These parasites attach to the intestinal wall and feed on the blood and tissue of the dog. Some parasites can also release toxins that damage the intestinal wall and make the dog sick.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas caused by a variety of things, including infection, trauma, tumors, and certain medications. Dogs with pancreatitis may eat their feces because of the pain caused by the inflammation.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a condition in which the pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. This can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and other problems. Dogs with this condition may eat their poop because they’re trying to get more nutrients from their food.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can also cause dogs to eat their feces. Some of the most common bacteria that cause this include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium. These infections can cause diarrhea and vomiting, which may lead dogs to eat their poop to relieve those symptoms.
Viral infections
Viral infections are different from bacterial infections because they can’t be treated with antibiotics. Some of the most common viral infections that may cause dogs to eat their poop include parvovirus, distemper, and coronavirus. These viruses can cause severe diarrhea, which may lead dogs to eat their feces in an attempt to relieve the symptoms.
Malabsorption disorders
Malabsorption disorders are conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients from food. When nutrients aren’t absorbed, they can pass through the digestive system and be eliminated in the stool. Dogs with malabsorption disorders may eat their feces because they’re trying to get the nutrients their bodies are lacking.
Pancreatic insufficiency
Pancreatic insufficiency is a condition that prevents the pancreas from producing enough enzymes to break down food. When food isn’t broken down properly, it can lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Dogs with pancreatic insufficiency may eat their poop in an attempt to get the nutrients they need.
If your dog is eating poop because it is not getting enough nutrients from its food, the vet may recommend a change in diet. They might also prescribe supplements to help improve your dog’s nutrient absorption. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to correct a digestive system problem.
Eating feces can also be a sign of psychological problems in dogs. If your dog is anxious or stressed, it may turn to coprophagia as a way to soothe itself. Dogs that were neglected or abused may also be more likely to eat feces as a way to cope with their feelings of insecurity.
Risks Brought By Eating Poop to Dogs
Of course, eating poop comes with a few risks of its own. Dogs can contracts parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, from eating fecal matter. These parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in extreme cases.
Dogs that eat poop may also be more likely to contract bacterial infections, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause serious health problems in dogs, including fever, bloody diarrhea, and even sepsis.
If you think your dog is eating poop out of boredom or anxiety, try to provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. If you think your dog’s feces-eating habit may be due to a medical problem, take them to the vet for a check-up.
FAQs About Dogs Eating Poop
How do I stop my dog from eating dog poop naturally?
You can stop your dog from eating dog poop naturally by adding a few tablespoons of pineapple, pumpkin, or papaya to their food. These fruits contain enzymes that break down the proteins in poop, making it less appetizing to dogs.
Does vinegar stop dogs from eating poop?
Yes, vinegar stops dogs from eating poop. You can add a bit of vinegar to your dog’s water bowl. The acidic taste of vinegar will make his poop taste bad and deter him from eating it.
How do you punish a dog for eating poop?
You can punish a dog for eating poop by scolding him and spraying him with water. This will startle him and make him associate eating poop with getting sprayed.
How does pineapple stop dogs from eating poop?
Pineapple stops dogs from eating poop because it contains an enzyme that breaks down the proteins in poop. This makes it less appetizing to dogs.
Why is my dog obsessed with eating poop?
Your dog is obsessed with eating poop because he is lacking certain nutrients in his diet. Make sure you are feeding him high-quality food that is rich in protein and vitamins. There may also be a medical reason why your dog is eating poop. If you are concerned, take him to the vet.
Do bananas stop dogs from eating poop?
Yes, bananas stop dogs from eating poop because they are high in potassium and Vitamin C. This makes them less appealing to dogs. If you want to try this home remedy, cut a banana into small pieces and give it to your dog as a snack.
Final Thoughts
How to stop dogs from eating poop is a question that many dog owners face. There are several home remedies that you can try, including feeding your dog bananas. If the problem persists, take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
Dogs eat poop for a number of reasons including boredom, hunger, or curiosity. If you think your dog is eating poop because he is bored, try feeding him more often or giving him more toys to play with. If you think your dog is eating poop because he is hungry, increase his food intake. Lastly, if you think your dog is eating poop out of curiosity, provide him with more opportunities to explore his surroundings.
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Author
Nicole Barnett
