To stop a dog from eating poop, immediately pick up feces, use a leash for supervision, and train a strict "leave it" command. Other common, highly-rated strategies include adding deterrents like pineapple or canned pumpkin to their food, using enzyme supplements, and ensuring they receive high-value treats to distract them immediately after pooping.

How to permanently stop a dog from eating poop?

Keep your dog's living area clean, including the yard, so there will be no piles of poop for them to be tempted to eat. Supervise your dog on walks, and pick up their poop immediately. Work hard on the training cues “leave it” and “come.”

How do you break the habit of dogs eating poop?

To stop a dog from eating poop (coprophagia), immediately clean up feces, redirect them with treats and play, ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, and try taste-aversion products or dietary supplements, while never punishing them, as this usually stems from boredom, anxiety, or a dietary need. 

What nutrients are dogs lacking when they eat poop?

If your dog eats poop (coprophagia), they might be missing essential nutrients like Vitamin B (thiamine), protein, or minerals, often because their diet lacks quality, is insufficient in calories, or they have poor nutrient absorption due to malabsorption or an underlying medical issue (like pancreatic insufficiency). While some think it's just a bad habit, it's often a sign of dietary gaps or health problems, so a vet visit is crucial to rule out deficiencies and medical conditions. 

What is the best dog poop eating deterrent?

The best poop-eating deterrents involve a mix of management, taste aversions, and addressing root causes, with immediate cleanup being key, plus dietary changes like adding pumpkin/pineapple or using commercial deterrents (e.g., Zesty Paws, NaturVet) for a less appealing taste, while ensuring good nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation to reduce boredom-driven behaviors. Hot spices like cayenne can be applied directly to feces, but consistent supervision and training (like "leave it") are crucial. 

Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop (Coprophagia) : New Remedies

What do vets recommend for dogs that eat poop?

Tip: Speak with your vet to ensure there's no underlying illness causing your dog's hunger, then discuss options for switching dog foods that provide highly concentrated nutrition in a form that's easy for your dog to digest or adding a digestive supplement with enzymes to their diet.

At what age does coprophagia start?

Coprophagia is most common in puppies up to a year old, but can occur at any age. Fortunately, there are many techniques and training methods you can use to correct this habit.

Do dogs eat poop because they're bored?

For some dogs, eating poop can be a response to stress, boredom, or anxiety. Puppies, in particular, may exhibit this behavior as part of their exploratory learning. They often test their environment with their mouths, and poop can sometimes be part of that exploration.

How much pineapple to give a dog to stop eating poop?

Add 2-3 chunks of pineapple to your dog's food once a day, and the enzymes will make your dog's poop smell bad and undesirable. When you take your dog out, keep them away from any areas with dog poop and monitor what your dog gets into.

Is coprophagia in dogs a behavioral issue?

While most cases of coprophagia appear to be purely behavioral, there are indeed numerous medical problems that can cause or contribute to coprophagia. These problems must first be ruled out before a purely behavioral diagnosis can be made.

Is it a behavioral problem if a dog eats poop?

Yes, a dog eating poop (coprophagia) is often a behavioral issue, stemming from stress, boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, or learned habits, but it can also signal underlying medical problems like nutritional deficiencies, parasites, or malabsorption disorders, so a vet visit is crucial to rule out health issues first. Common behavioral causes include punishment-induced fear (hiding evidence), lack of stimulation, or mimicking mother dogs, while medical causes can involve issues like diabetes, Cushing's disease, or pancreatitis.

How do I fix my dog from eating poop?

To stop a dog from eating poop (coprophagia), immediately clean up feces, redirect them with treats and play, ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, and try taste-aversion products or dietary supplements, while never punishing them, as this usually stems from boredom, anxiety, or a dietary need. 

What percentage of dogs eat their poop?

Yes, according to a study presented at the annual ACVB/AVSAB Behavior Symposium in San Diego last month, 16% of dogs are serious stool eaters. That means they have been seen doing it 5 times and 24% have been caught in the act at least once.

Do dogs outgrow coprophagia?

Puppies watch their mother groom her litter and clean up the den to protect against predators. This usually involves eating any feces excreted by nursing pups. Typically, a young dog will outgrow this behavior after being weaned, potty trained, and becoming more reliant on a household structure.

What is the best poop eating deterrent for dogs?

The best poop-eating deterrents involve a mix of management, taste aversions, and addressing root causes, with immediate cleanup being key, plus dietary changes like adding pumpkin/pineapple or using commercial deterrents (e.g., Zesty Paws, NaturVet) for a less appealing taste, while ensuring good nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation to reduce boredom-driven behaviors. Hot spices like cayenne can be applied directly to feces, but consistent supervision and training (like "leave it") are crucial. 

What dog breeds are prone to coprophagia?

In the survey, dogs described as “greedy” and those in households with two or more dogs were more likely to be coprophagic. Terriers and hounds were also more likely to be coprophagic, as were Shetland sheepdogs, with 41% of those in the study recorded as eating poo.

Why should canned pineapple be avoided for dogs?

Canned pineapple, on the other hand, should be avoided. The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs' digestive tracts to handle. A few chunks of raw pineapple are usually enough for most dogs, provided they're peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces.

What is my dog lacking if she eats poop?

Some studies suggest that a vitamin B deficiency might lead some dogs to eat poop. So this could be a dog's way of getting the enzymes and nutrients they're missing. Tips to help get them to stop: Try adding a digestive supplement with enzymes to their diet, along with a multivitamin that contains essential B vitamins.

Should I punish my dog for eating poop?

Don't Punish Your Dog

If a dog has developed a habit of eating poop do not punish them, because this can lead to fear and distrust. It's possible the dog was punished by previous pet parents; in this case, keep your focus on positive reinforcement (though you'll still need to restrict access to the poop!).

How to clean dog mouth after eating poop?

To clean your dog's mouth after they eat poop, calmly wipe their teeth, gums, and tongue with a damp cloth or gauze, offer plenty of water to rinse, use dog-specific toothpaste/toothbrush/mouthwash if they're used to it, and provide a dental chew or fresh food to help freshen breath and remove residue. Remember to stay calm, use praise, and avoid human toothpaste, which is toxic. 

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