Why Your Dog Eats Feces
If your dog eats feces, you might be wondering why he does it. The fact is, it is perfectly natural for dogs to do so. Several reasons are responsible for the behavior. Dogs may be hungry, bored or stressed. Other reasons include parasites and medical conditions. However, if you’re concerned about your pet’s health, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.
While eating poop is generally considered normal, there are some cases when it can be a sign of illness. Infections or parasites can cause dogs to eat their own or others’ feces. For example, if you suspect your dog has a parasite, you should treat it right away. Your vet can run tests and prescribe drugs to treat the problem. Ultimately, it’s best to take care of the illness so your dog doesn’t start eating his own waste again.
Some researchers have theorized that it’s because dogs don’t have enough digestive enzymes. They might be compensating for this by eating their own or other’s poop. Alternatively, they might be able to detect the nutritional value in feces.
Although poop may not be healthy for your dog, it’s not a bad idea to keep your yard free of poop. Some dogs will happily eat dung from cows, horses and rabbits. It’s also a good idea to train your dog to “leave it.” This command will prevent your dog from picking up other objects or going near dung.
Unlike humans, dogs have a very strong sense of smell. If a dung pile is nearby, they’ll sniff it out and eat it. They can be especially attracted to a poop with a scent that is unfamiliar. Another reason that dogs might eat their own or other’s feces is because they feel the need to hide evidence of their behavior.
Many dogs will eat poop when they are bored or stressed. Often, this happens when they’re confined to a small area. Keeping your dog out of a cage or a fenced yard can help curb this type of behavior. When a dog is overfed, it will likely eat a lot of poop to increase its calorie count. Moreover, if a dog isn’t getting enough exercise, he or she will be more likely to eat feces.
There is a specific condition called coprophagia, which refers to dogs eating their own or others’ poop. Coprophagia is relatively common among dogs, but it should be monitored carefully. Symptoms of coprophagia include weight loss, vomiting, and changes in behavior.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from coprophagia, consult with a veterinarian. Veterinary experts can recommend drugs and supplements that can cure the problem. Alternatively, you can try positive reinforcement training to discourage your dog from consuming poop.
One of the main causes of poop eating is the presence of intestinal parasites. A dog’s gut is a breeding ground for a variety of intestinal parasites, and if your dog eats poop from a parasite-infested area, he or she will be exposed to the disease.
