Canine, including young dogs, consume feces, which is referred to as coprophagia, due to a range of factors such as behavioral, medical, and environmental reasons.
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“Coprophagy in dogs is not affected by demographic or lifestyle factors and may have evolved as an adaptive parasite defense strategy,” according to the 2018 study by Villarreal-Ramos, B., & Berg, S.
What is Canine Coprophagia?
Canine coprophagia is the behavior of dogs eating feces. This involves a dog eating its own feces, the feces of other dogs, or even feces from other animals.
While it is generally considered a disgusting habit by dogs observed by pet owners, coprophagia is relatively common in dogs, especially puppies.
What Are The Potential Causes of Coprophagia?
There are various potential causes of coprophagia in dogs, including medical conditions such as malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies, as well as behavioral issues like anxiety and changes in appetite.
“The actual etiology of coprophagy in dogs is unknown, but theories include gastrointestinal issues, environmental factors, and genetic factors,” according to the 2003 study by Aitken, M.
Medical conditions, like parasitism, disrupt the gastrointestinal system and result in nutritional imbalances, leading to coprophagia in dogs. For example, if a dog is unable to absorb essential nutrients properly due to a parasite infestation, it eats feces to make up for the lack of nutrients.
Regarding behavioral issues, dogs experiencing separation anxiety or stress engage in coprophagia as a coping mechanism, according to ASPCA. This behavior develops due to sudden changes in diet or environment, which cause increased anxiety levels and lead to unusual eating habits.
How to Stop Dogs From Eating Poop?
Stopping a dog from eating poop often involves a combination of solutions, including training strategies, environmental management, dietary changes, and consulting with a veterinarian. Experts emphasize the importance of a multifaceted approach.
Maintain Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness in the area where the dog wanders is essential in preventing them from consuming poop, as it eliminates the opportunity for such behavior and supports better health.
“Coprophagia in dogs is not abnormal behavior, as it serves a survival benefit by keeping the nest clean and preventing unhygienic conditions that could lead to disease,” according to the 1991 study by Dodman, N.
Regular cleaning not only removes the temptation but also decreases the health hazards linked to ingesting feces. Using cleaning products safe for pets is worth considering to keep the area safe for them. Keeping sanitary in the dog's living area also stops the transmission of parasites and bacteria, which leads to a healthier environment for the entire household.
Give Different Foods
To address the dog's coprophagia, introduce a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and vitamins.
Incorporating probiotics into the pup's diet helps. These beneficial bacteria aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut flora, potentially reducing the urge to consume feces.
To regulate the dog's digestive system and make their stools less appetizing, consider adding fiber-rich foods. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements are known to improve coat health and reduce behavior issues.
Train the Dog to Leave It
Training dogs to understand the "Leave It" command is an effective way to prevent them from eating poop, especially in puppies who are still learning acceptable behavior. Consistency is crucial in reinforcing this command.
Use Obstacles or Deterrents
To deter dogs from eating poop, use physical barriers like fences or enclosures to prevent access to areas where they are tempted to eat feces.
Another effective method is using deterrents that emit ultrasonic sounds or vibrations when dogs approach certain areas.
There are also specially formulated sprays or additives in their food to make the feces taste bad. Combining these deterrent methods with positive reinforcement training is important to stop the behavior.
What Other Methods to Address Coprophagia in Dogs?
Other than training and dietary adjustments, additional methods to tackle coprophagia in dogs involve consulting a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and ruling out other medical issues, dealing with any underlying health problems, and introducing behavioral therapy.
Consult a Veterinarian
Consult a veterinarian to identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to the dog's coprophagia.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important for a dog’s overall health and well-being. During these visits, the veterinarian conducts thorough examinations to check for a range of potential health issues.
Veterinarians also screen for common medical conditions such as pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), intestinal malabsorption, or other underlying reasons for coprophagia.
Address Underlying Health Issues
Managing coprophagia in dogs involves addressing important underlying health issues such as parasites, malabsorption, or nutrient deficiencies.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy effectively addresses the underlying causes of coprophagia, particularly when anxiety or other psychological factors are involved.
Counterconditioning: a method that involves changing a dog’s emotional response to a particular stimulus or behavior. When the dog approaches feces but does not eat it, the owner immediately provides a high-value reward, such as a favorite treat or praise.
Positive reinforcement: involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. When a dog is in a situation where they might engage in coprophagy but chooses not to, the owner should immediately reward them. For instance, if the dog looks away from the feces or walks away from it, they receive a treat or praise.
Dietary Changes
As omnivores, dogs must be given a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to ensure they receive adequate nutrients and vitamins and help reduce the behavior of eating feces.
What Food Helps Reduce Coprophagy in Dogs?
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is high in fiber, which improves stool consistency and aids in digestion. The increased fiber content helps to make the stool less appealing to dogs.
Carrots: Carrots are rich in fiber and vitamins, and they help keep dogs feeling full. Chewing on carrots also reduces the urge to eat feces by satisfying their need to chew.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a fiber-rich vegetable that supports healthy digestion. It’s also a source of antioxidants and vitamins.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes feces less palatable to dogs. The fruit is also high in fiber and vitamins.
Papaya: Papaya contains digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food, reducing the likelihood of undigested food in the feces.
Apple: Apples (without seeds) are a good source of fiber and vitamins, which support digestion and overall health.
What are Supplements to Counter Coprophagy in Dogs?
Probiotics: Probiotics support healthy gut flora, which improves digestion and reduces the appeal of feces. They also help with any underlying digestive issues that contribute to coprophagy.
Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzyme supplements help break down food more efficiently, reducing the amount of undigested material in the feces, and making it less attractive to dogs.
B-Complex Vitamins: A deficiency in B vitamins has been linked to coprophagy in some dogs. Supplementing with a B-complex vitamin helps address this issue.
Yucca Schidigera Extract: Yucca Schidigera is a natural extract that helps reduce the odor of feces, making it less appealing to dogs.
Chlorophyll Supplements: Chlorophyll helps neutralize odors in the digestive tract, reducing the attractiveness of feces to dogs.
Incorporating these vegetables, fruits, and supplements into the dog’s diet helps reduce coprophagy by improving digestion, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and making feces less appealing.
“Dietary supplementation of fiber and prebiotic blend in dogs' diets was well-tolerated, did not negatively impact fecal quality, and resulted in beneficial shifts in fecal metabolites supporting gut health,” according to the 2019 study by Nogueira, J., He, F., Mangian, H., Oba, P., & Godoy, M.
It’s important to introduce any new foods or supplements gradually and consult with a veterinarian to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the dog’s specific needs.
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