How to Discourage Poo Eating In Dogs

Poo eating in dogs, medically known as Coprophagia, is not only disgusting to humans, but it can be a health hazard to everyone who comes in contact with the offending dog(s). Discouraging it can be difficult, but if you're vigilant and committed, it can be stopped.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pooper scooper
• Four Paws Potty Mouth Tabs
• A high quality diet
• Pineapple

1. First, rule out any medical problems that your dog may have by taking him to the vet. Have the whole works done if you have to. If your vet can't find anything wrong with them that may be contributing to the Coprophagia and can be treated with medicine, proceed to step #2.

2. Try a supplement, such as Four Paws Potty Mouth tablets, which are added to his food daily. It is designed to make his poo less palatable, but if your dog likes eating other dogs' poo, you will have to add it to their food as well. Make sure to follow the instructions on the box closely.

3. Add fresh pineapple (not canned) to their daily food. Fresh pineapple is very acidic and will break down the proteins in the dog's feces, which makes it less palatable to the dog.

4. Watch your dog at all times when they're in the yard. If they're fast, you may have to walk them around on a leash in order to pull them away quickly if they go for their poo.
   
   If they do, pull them gently away on the leash and say firmly, "No, leave it." Make sure not to yell. You don't want to scare your dog, just remind it that poo eating is NEVER allowed. Praise them if they leave it alone!
   
   Keeping them on leash will also help keep the poo in a certain area so that you know where to find it for scooping.

5. Always clean up after your dog. Keep a pooper scooper on hand and scoop your yard as much as possible. If they have diarrhea (god forbid), spray it down with a water hose. But never leave any poo behind that they may find later.

6. Feed a high quality diet that will make the poo smaller and less smelly, and therefor less palatable to the dog. Some high quality diets I would recommend are Blue Buffalo, Innova, Solid Gold, Natural Choice, Wellness and so on. (See attached link at the bottom of the article.)

7. Brush their teeth with specially designed dog toothpaste after each offense. Not only does this help with the smell, but it's also more sanitary. Some dogs may also make the connection that poo eating = teeth brushing! (Most dogs dislike teeth brushing.)

Tips & Warnings

• Some reasons some dogs enjoy eating poo: poor diet, boredom, poor health, it smells like their food, they saw their mother doing it when they were younger, they are trying to hide an accident, etc.
• Remember to keep them on a leash during potty times if they're "snatchers" -- some dogs will snatch the poo and run before you can catch them! Until the problem is resolved, 100% surveillance outdoors is required.
• If they are not housebroken, keep them in a suitably sized crate while you are gone or not able to keep an eye on them.
• Never yell at them when they do it. This may cause them to get sneaky around you and try to do it behind your back. It could also cause unnecessary fear of you.

Resources

• How to Crate Train
• How to Choose A High Quality Dog Food
• www.canine-einstein.org

[jeni10]

on 9/27/2009 Well written and thorough article on discouraging poo eating in dogs. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 5* and I recommend.

[zoegus]

on 9/5/2009 Great article, my shepherd does this once in while and my kids get grossed out, Great tips, I am going to try the mouth tablets. 5* and Recommend.

[mvalora]

on 9/4/2009 Good article with helpful info. 5*