How to Stop a Dog From Eating Feces

As disgusting and as embarrassing as it is, dogs often eat feces. This condition, when dogs eat their own or other dogs’ waste, is called Coprophagia. There are many explanations for Coprophagia, but this act is never appropriate. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure, though there are several ways you can deter the behavior.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pooper scooper
• Grannicks Bitter Apple
• Tabasco sauce
• Lawry’s Adolph’s Original Meat Tenderizer
• Blow horn
• Water mister

1. Keep your dog on a schedule so you can determine when it is time for him to relieve himself, and always be around to immediately pick up the waste. If there are other dogs in the household, do the same for them. Make sure your yard is always free from feces. On walks, don’t let your dog stay in one place to sniff. Keep her moving so she can’t find any other dog piles. Discard the feces in an air-tight container out of reach from your dog.
2. Be aware that pet stores carry products made for Coprophagia. The most common products are powder-like substances that are sprinkled on the dog’s food. The powders are tasteless when eaten, but tastes very unsavory when they leave a dog’s body. The product should be sprinkled on the food of all dogs in a household, so as not to encourage any additional consumption.
3. Remember that Grannicks Bitter Apple is a taste deterrent for dogs most often associated with stopping dogs (usually puppies) from chewing. Most dogs will take one taste of Bitter Apple and never go near the scent again. It comes in a small spray bottle and should be sprayed on and around any thing you don’t want your dog to put in his mouth. It can be found in pet stores, some grocery stores and on the Internet.
4. Keep in mind that Tabasco can be a very effective home remedy deterrent, but it should be used very sparingly. As with human consumption, too much Tabasco can damage taste buds and sinus cavities, so it may be worth consulting you vet if you think your dog might have a negative reaction. One generous dash on your pets’ food or directly on feces should be enough. Never force your dog to eat food with Tabasco, but chances are good if she won’t eat it on food, she won’t eat it anywhere else, either.
5. Know that dogs usually like the taste of Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer if it is sprinkled on their food. Like the pre-packaged powders in Step 2, however, this particular brand of meat tenderizer develops a foul taste in a dog’s digestive system.
6. Take a horn or water mister when you take your dog out to eliminate. Watch him closely and follow close behind. Blow the horn or spritz her with a mist of cold water to deter her when she approaches her own or other dogs’ feces. Do what you think is necessary for him to have a negative response to putting feces in his mouth.
7. Consult your vet. Whether you are unsure of any of the deterrents mentioned in steps 1-6 or if you’ve tried all of them and failed, your vet should be able to guide you in the right direction. He may have his own suggestions or will suggest testing to determine there is no problem with your dog’s system.

Tips & Warnings

• Please be patient; you think this is disgusting, but your dog probably sees the feces as a special treat.
• All kinds of parasites can be passed through fecal matter. Monitor your dogs health and consult a vet if there are any changes in appetite and/or behavior.