Dog eats faeces

An unthinkable thing for us humans, but not at all unusual in the animal world: coprophagy. This is the eating of one’s own or other people’s faeces. Have you ever wondered why some dogs do this? What could be the reasons for this behaviour and is it actually harmful to the health of our beloved dogs?

Why do dogs eat faeces?

For sure, as a dog owner it is not an appetising thing to see your dog gleefully eating faeces. Intuitively, we would like to stop this behaviour, especially as it seems incomprehensible to us humans and also causes great disgust. Nevertheless, for some dogs it is a real treat and in some cases quite normal behaviour. But why, what could be the reasons for this behaviour?

• Cleanliness: It is quite common to see this behaviour in female dogs that have had offspring. The mother eats the puppies’ excrement to keep the whelping box clean, for example. In general, dogs tend to behave this way when the hygienic conditions are very poor. 
• To build up the intestinal flora: Puppies are also sometimes seen eating faeces. On the one hand, out of curiosity, because young animals first have to explore the world and pretty much everything is taken into their mouths and swallowed. On the other hand, it is believed that eating faeces helps to build up the intestinal flora. 
• Learned behaviour: The behaviour can also be merely learned, for example through increased attention on the part of the owner.
• Frustration, underchallenge: Some dogs that are mentally or physically underchallenged, or have to be alone for a long time, acquire this behaviour to draw attention to themselves.  The dog learns that this is how it gets the attention it wants.
• Stress, overstrain: Dogs that are under chronic stress or are severely overstrained (by their environment, training…) can also show this type of behaviour.
• Nutritional deficiencies: On the one hand, there may be a possible nutrient deficiency in the dog, which it tries to compensate for by eating feces. On the other hand, poorly digested food can be the cause. In particular, poorly digested food often smells like fresh food.
• Aroma: Attractants or aromas in the droppings can also encourage the dog to eat them. 
• Disease: Eating faeces can also be an indication of a possible disease (problems with the pancreas, …). A severe worm infestation can also be a trigger. If your pet often has this problem, a visit to a veterinary clinic is recommended. 
• Hungry: Last but not least, your furry friend may simply be very hungry or not get enough food. They will eat just about anything that seems to be edible in any way.

Which droppings are eaten?

Mainly the droppings of herbivores, horses, sheeps, rabbits, etc., but also carnivores (cats, conspecifics, their own droppings) and even human droppings are eaten, depending on their “preference”. 

Dangers of coprophagy

Apart from the fact that the dog has strong bad breath after eating faeces, coprophagy can cause serious physical problems. Especially if other people’s or animals feces are also eaten.

• Your darling can get infected with various viruses, bacteria and parasites.
• As a result, various diseases could also be transmitted to humans (zoonosis).
• Dogs with an MDR1 gene defect can react to the feces of dewormed horses with severe health disorders (active substances ivermectin and moxidectin are toxic to them).
• Poisoning by drugs that are excreted through the intestine, but also degradation products of drugs, such as those of drug addicts.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea or cramps can occur.  

Important: If your dog reacts in any way after eating its own faeces and especially those of others, you should immediately consult a veterinary clinic.

What can be done?

First and foremost, be aware that coprophagy is not uncommon in the animal world. So if your beloved friend eats faeces once out of pure curiosity or very rarely, then you have no reason for concern at first. 

However, because of the many health hazards that could be lurking in the faeces, a visit to your vet is definitely advisable, especially if your dog is showing symptoms. 

You should intervene if your faithful friend starts to show this behaviour more often. The first step should be to go to a veterinary clinic to rule out possible health reasons. 

If medical causes are ruled out, you should check the diet and adjust it if necessary. A nutritionist can help you to check the ration. Giving healing clay, healing peat or stinky cheese will also reduce the appetite for eating faeces. 

Then it is time for training. A trainer will be happy to help you with behavioural therapy at any time. 

Basically, weaning involves three steps:

1. Divert the dog’s attention to something else: When you go for a walk with your pet, keep your dog on a leash and put a muzzle on him if necessary. If you see a mess, try to distract your dog with snacks or his favourite toy. If he keeps his eyes on you, it’s time to reward him.

 2. Catch the exact moment: Here it is important to intercept the unwanted behaviour at the right time, before he defecates. A clear “NO” at that exact moment should remind your dog that this behaviour is not desired. Reward him again when he stops.

3. Ignore: If you are too late and your dog has already swallowed the faeces, then you should not pay any attention to him. This way your dog learns that he has to get your attention in another way. Ideally, however, your dog is sufficiently entertained so that he does not need to draw attention to himself in any way. Of course, this is only true if there is no other underlying cause.

Management:  

1. Keep surroundings clean and remove droppings from the garden.
2. The litter box of animal roommates (cat litter box, rodent pen, etc.) should also be inaccessible to the dog or always clean.
3. Avoid places where he has always eaten faeces.