How to Stop Dog From Eating Poop

Do you want to stop your dog from eating poop? Although it is a really disgusting habit that we humans cannot stand, dogs like the way poop tastes. It is called Dog Coprophagia, but whether they give it a fancy name or not, we just want the dogs to stop doing it!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Bored? Some experts think that sometimes dogs eat poop simply because they are bored. I can think of much better things to do when I am bored, but you should make sure "Rover" has plenty of toys and interaction to keep him occupied.

2. Food Too Good? It could be that "Rover" is eating his poop because his food is too rich in nutrients. Dogs that are over fed or fed very rich foods often cannot completely digest it before they need to "let it go". Sometimes, they will then eat it to get the extra nutrients that got through. Try switching brands or types of food to something less rich.

3. 
    
   Photo credit: Joseph Mankin

   Is there a sick dog in the house? Sometimes, dogs will eat the feces of another dog who is ill. It is speculated that they do this to build up their own immunities to whatever ails the other animal. If another dog in the house is sick, try to isolate it and always be sure to pick up anything it leaves behind.

4. Negative reactions? With puppies especially, if they have received a very negative reaction to messing in the house, they will sometimes start eating their poop. A bit like "hiding the evidence". Making sure that training and discipline are done in a positive way and hopefully puppy won't pick up this nasty habit.

5. Just pick it up. One approach to getting your dog to stop eating poop is to make sure all piles are picked up from the areas your dog is in; yard, kennel, etc... Very time consuming, but if it isn't there, "Rover" can't eat it.

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   Photo credit: Sebastian Danon

   Food additives. It is thought that certain additives in your dog's food will make the poop less attractive to your dog. Your vet can offer additives. It has also been reported that pineapple, pumpkin, garlic or spinach added to the dog's food may curb the habit.

7. Spray it down. You could spray each instance you find with bitter apple or an extremely hot sauce to make the poop distasteful to your dog. But honestly, if you're going to do that, you may as well pick it up while you're there.

8. There has not been a great of study in to the exact reasons dog eat poop, and these ideas may help curb or cure the problem. The good news is that dogs do tend to out grow the habit. So, as nasty as it is, "Rover" probably won't be doing it forever!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep vaccinations current. Feces is full of bacteria and vaccinations need to be up to date especially if your dog has this habit.
• Keep cat boxes out of reach. Cat poop is like candy to dogs and should be kept inaccessible to them.
• Clumping cat litter poses a health risk to your dog. Do not let him eat it!

Resources

• Professional Dog Training Advice
• Help! Stop Dog From Eating Poop
• Solid Gold S.E.P. (Stop Eating Poop)

[juliemcmurchie]

on 4/10/2009 My black lab has been eating poop for years, and I don't think she's going to give it up. Yes, picking it up is a good thing, but you can't always be out there with her.

[crazycatlady]

on 4/8/2009 Hopefully this works with dogs that eat cat poop too. One would think the litter sticking to it would be an aversion.

[blingaling]

on 4/7/2009 I like dogs, but this is one disgusting habit! You've given us excellent suggestions on how to stop a dog from eating poop.

[tachic]

on 4/7/2009 Great tips to get dogs to stop eating their poop. Luckily mine never wanted to do this.

[unclet53]

on 4/7/2009 I started reading this article ROFL, but then realized it was a real problem. I have never witnessed my dogs doing this, but now I'm convinced they're sneaking around doing it. Great article and thanks for writitng it. I always appreciate dog info.