The (Gross) Truth About Why Dogs Eat Their Own Poop

We all adore our dogs until they do that one thing that makes us question everything.

You know what I’m talking about. One minute they’re wagging their tail, looking all cute and innocent, and the next, they’re... eating their own poop.

Yup. It’s a thing. And it’s got a name: Coprophagia.

As disgusting as it seems to us, dogs don't see it the same way. For them, it's often just another part of life. But for you, the loving (and possibly horrified) pet parent, it’s something worth understanding and correcting.

Why Do Dogs Do This?

There isn’t one single reason dogs eat poop. In fact, there are several. Let’s break them down in a way that makes sense:

1. Puppy Curiosity

Just like human babies, puppies explore the world with their mouths. That includes shoes, sticks, and yes sometimes poop. They usually grow out of it.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

A diet lacking in essential nutrients may push your dog to “search” for missing elements. Sometimes, undigested food in the stool smells familiar enough to be appealing.

3. Boredom or Loneliness

Dogs left alone for long hours, especially in confined spaces like kennels, can develop strange habits to cope. Eating poop is, sadly, one of them.

4. Learned Behavior

If a dog has ever been punished for pooping in the wrong place, they may start eating their poop to hide the evidence.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Changes in routine, new environments, or the absence of a family member can trigger stress-eating behaviours including coprophagia.

6. Parasites or Digestive Disorders

Internal parasites or digestive imbalances can affect nutrient absorption, causing your dog to seek nutrients elsewhere even from feces.

 Is It Harmful?

Besides the obvious “ew” factor, coprophagia can sometimes lead to health issues. Dogs can ingest bacteria or parasites, which may lead to infections especially if they’re eating other animals’ poop.

If it’s an occasional behavior, it might not be a huge concern. But if it’s frequent, persistent, or new, it’s time to talk to your vet.

What Can You Do?

You don’t have to live with poop breath forever. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

1.Visit the vet: First, rule out any underlying health issues or parasites.

2.Improve the diet: Offer high-quality food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

3.Clean up immediately: Don’t give them the chance. Scoop the poop right away.

4.Give them more attention: Play, walk, and mentally stimulate your dog often. Boredom is a real trigger.

5.Positive training: Teach commands like “Leave it” and reward them when they obey.

There are also safe supplements designed to make poop taste unpleasant to dogs but consistency in training and care works best long-term.

Your dog isn’t trying to gross you out. They’re just responding to something their body or environment is telling them. The key is to listen, not punish.