Why Do Puppies Eat Poop?

By K9Reproduction.com Editorial Published Mar. 16, 2023

Watching your puppy eat poop is one of those moments that makes you reconsider those affectionate puppy kisses. Unfortunately, eating stool (a behavior called coprophagy or coprophagia) is actually quite normal in puppies, though it’s not a behavior we want to encourage.

Understanding why your puppy eats stool and learning how to address this behavior appropriately will help prevent it from becoming a lifelong habit. So, why do puppies eat poop?

Why Is My Puppy Eating Poop?

If your puppy consistently ingests stool, it’s important to talk with your veterinarian. There are many possible reasons for a puppy to eat poop, and knowing if the cause is medical, behavioral, or a combination of both can help you eradicate the behavior successfully.

Puppies Eat Poop to Mimic Their Mothers

Before puppies are weaned, it’s common for the mother dog to eat the stool her young produce. This is a primitive, evolutionary behavior developed to keep the den clean and protect the puppies from disease, parasites, and predators. Puppies learn from their mothers by mimicking her behaviors, so they might also try eating their own—or their littermates’—stool. This behavior can sometimes be thwarted by picking up any stool the puppies produce before they have the chance to snack on it.

Puppies Eat Poop Because of Poor Digestion

Another theory behind coprophagia is that some puppies develop the habit due to poor digestion. If food is not digested well, parts of the stool might have the same smell and taste as their puppy food, which might inspire some puppies to eat it. Causes of poor digestion can include diet formulation, parasites, or abnormalities in the digestive tract. If your puppy shows signs like inadequate weight gain or gastrointestinal issues, it may warrant further investigation into their intestinal health and diet.

Boredom and Stress Can Cause Puppies to Eat Poop

Puppies with inconsistent socialization and activity can develop many bad habits in an effort to entertain themselves or feel more in control of their environment. Consistent, frequent playtime and interaction are important to help prevent this unwanted behavior. If your schedule requires your puppy to be alone for extended periods, talk to your veterinarian about age-safe dog toys that will keep them entertained and stress-free.

Puppies Eat Poop Because They’re Not Getting Enough Food

Though rare, coprophagia can develop because your puppy isn’t getting enough nutrition. Growing puppies require many more calories than adult dogs and should be fed a diet specifically designed for their needs. If you have questions about how much or how often you should feed your puppy, consult your veterinarian. Intestinal parasites can also leech nutrients from your puppy, leading to clinical signs similar to malnutrition.

Puppies Eat Poop to Get Your Attention

Getting upset and yelling at your puppy is a common reaction when you see them eating poop. Unfortunately, most puppies can’t distinguish negative interactions from positive ones, so pet parents might unintentionally reinforce this behavior. Some puppies quickly learn that they get attention from their humans if they eat poop and will start doing so just to get a reaction.

Puppies Eat Poop to Avoid Punishment

On the other hand, puppies who recognize yelling and punishment as something to avoid may eat poop to hide the fact that they have defecated where they aren’t supposed to. Therefore, punishment tactics should never be used with puppies to help with house-training or stool-eating. Instead, focus on praising good behaviors, like when your puppy poops outside.

How to Stop a Puppy from Eating Poop

If your puppy has already developed a poop-snacking habit and they have no physical abnormalities or illness, the following tips may help stop the behavior.

Always Feed Your Puppy High-Quality Food

Make sure you’re feeding your puppy a diet formulated for their growing needs. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure the amount and frequency are appropriate for your puppy’s age and size. Watch for signs of digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or passing undigested food, as these may indicate poor digestion.

Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Exercise and Attention

Exercise and play are essential for a happy puppy. Providing consistent opportunities to engage their mind and muscles will make them less likely to develop undesirable habits. When you have to leave your puppy alone, consider age-appropriate and non-destructible chew toys or puzzle toys to entertain them.

Always Clean Up After Your Puppy

If your puppy doesn’t have access to poop, it’s unlikely they’ll eat it. Cleaning up stool promptly can help them avoid temptation. After your puppy poops, distract them by calling them to you and rewarding them when they come. Bring your puppy inside before removing the stool to avoid drawing attention back to the location.

Keep Your Puppy on a Leash

For puppies that cannot be easily distracted from their stool, leashes can be an effective tool to keep them walking away after they have defecated. It can also keep them away from the stool of other dogs. While verbal commands and recall are always preferred, a gentle tug on the leash can help distract them initially.

FAQs

Q: Is it normal for puppies to eat poop? A: Yes, it’s a common behavior in puppies, but it’s not desirable and should be addressed.

Q: Can poor digestion cause my puppy to eat poop? A: Yes, if food is not digested properly, parts of the stool may have the same smell and taste as their food, which might cause them to eat it.

Q: How can I stop my puppy from eating poop? A: Ensure they have a high-quality diet, enough exercise and attention, and always clean up after them promptly. Using a leash and providing distractions can also help.

Q: Should I punish my puppy for eating poop? A: No, punishment can make the problem worse. Focus on positive reinforcement and praise for good behaviors instead.

By understanding why your puppy eats poop and addressing the underlying causes, you can help prevent this behavior from becoming a lifelong habit. For more information and resources, visit K9Reproduction.com.

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