Your dog eating poop may seem like a disgusting thing. Sure, that’s true, but it can also be a cause for concern. The phenomenon we’re talking about is coprophagia. It’s a behavior that is common in dogs, but owners like yourself might be figuring out how it should not be a regular habit.
There may be ways to stop your dog from eating poop at home. This guide will show you how to stop your dog from eating poop, home remedies, and the necessary actions that you can take as soon as possible. While the poop-eating habit may not stop immediately, just know it takes time and patience. Before you know it, your dog may not engage in such gross behavior in the long term.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Before we discuss the home remedies, it may be a good idea to discuss why your dog is eating poop in the first place. There may be a wide range of reasons. This could be behavioral, environmental, or nutritional, depending on the situation. Here are some of the possible issues that may cause your dog to eat poop:
- Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of B vitamins or digestive enzymes
- Poor digestion, such as undigested food found in the stool
- Anxiety, boredom, or stress
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Instinctual behavior (common in mother dogs)
- Imitation behavior in puppies
- Possible health issues
It’s always a good idea to know the root cause of this behavior, which may seem strange at first. Yet, you’ll know it comes with an appropriate remedy for your dog.
What Are the Home Remedies for Dogs Eating Poop?
Now, we’ll be taking a look at some of the specific home remedies that can get your dog to stop eating poop. You must read through these carefully so you can follow these steps as outlined. Here’s a look at the following:
Feed a Nutrient-Dense, High-Quality Diet
If there is one thing that might fix the issue, it’s observing what’s in your dog’s bowl. A poor diet may be to blame for the nutritional deficiencies your dog might have. As a result, they seek essential nutrients elsewhere, even in the most unconventional ways. The best way to approach dietary adjustments is as follows:
- Consider a high-quality, whole-ingredient dog food that has no fillers or artificial additives.
- Avoid things like “animal byproducts” or “meat meal” (as well as any other vague labels).
- Prioritize natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
A balanced, nutritious diet may be something that can eliminate the trigger of eating poop. The more nutrients they get, the better. If your dog has sensitive stomach or digestion issues, Under the Weather’s bland food lineup can be a good option as it contains natural ingredients that will provide your dog with those all-important nutrients.
Include Natural Digestive Aids
In situations where leftover undigested nutrients are found in the stool, you may want to look into using natural digestive aids such as enzymes and probiotics. There are plenty of home remedies for digestive health that you can try, including the following:
- Unspiced Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s plain and unsweetened. A tablespoon can help a dog’s digestion while also making their stools more solid.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This can be added to their water or food to balance the pH in their gut. Add a small amount, depending on your dog’s size. For small dogs, half teaspoon is sufficient, while one teaspoon is great for large dogs.
- Plain Yogurt or Kefir: Both of these contain natural probiotics that are great for gut health.
- Unsweetened Fresh Pineapple Chunks: These contain bromelain, an ingredient that may make your dog’s stool taste unpleasant.
Natural ingredients linked to gut health and digestion support are key, especially when it can make poop less appealing to eat. Not to mention, one taste, and they’ll not want to try it a second time.
Consider Taste Deterrents from Your Pantry
If you’re learning how to stop your dog from eating poop with home remedies, this is a tried and true approach. Using taste deterrents that are bitter and distasteful can be a good idea. It will need to be added to their dog’s food for it to be effective. As such, here are some natural options to consider:
- Pumpkin Seeds: These are rich in fiber and may also change the taste of your dog’s poop.
- Spinach or Kale: Rich in nutrients and can change the odor, even the taste.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: If your dog tolerates citrus, add a few drops to their food. As a result, the bitterness may be mixed in the taste. One attempt at eating their poop and dogs will hate the taste and not want to try it again.
Keep in mind that when introducing new ingredients, do it gradually and in small amounts. If you notice any signs of digestive upset, you’ll want to discontinue use.
Increase Fiber Intake Naturally
A fiber deficiency may also be a problem when it comes to your dog eating poop. With the addition of safe, natural sources such as fiber, it can help with digestion and make their stools less appealing to eat. Include things like canned pumpkin, mashed sweet potato, steamed green beans, and ground flaxseed (but in small quantities). The result is healthier, firmer bowel movements, less interest in eating feces, and peace of mind knowing they are getting a good amount of fiber content regularly.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation Regularly
One of the issues linked to dogs eating poop is boredom. In other words, there may seem to be a lack of mental or physical stimulation. It’s typical for dogs who are left alone for long periods or lack stimulation. They’ll find a way to keep themselves occupied by doing things that may seem uncharacteristic, and eating poop might be one of them. Here are some home-based solutions to consider to alleviate this issue in particular:
- Daily walks and off-leash playtime
- Rotating toys every few days to keep them guessing
- Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing feeders
- Basic obedience sessions to ensure their minds stay active
With consistent mental and physical activity, it can lead to a reduction of anxiety and redirect their dog’s energy. Giving them things to do is a lot better than them doing nothing but eat dog poop. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Practice Regular Positive Reinforcement Training
Training can play a major role in addressing the poop-eating issue. You’ll want to redirect your dog’s behavior without punishing them. You might end up increasing their anxiety. As it turns out, it can also be a counterintuitive thing to do. Instead, try the following commands such as “leave it” when they approach poop or “come” (and reward them with a treat when they obey). With consistent practice, they can be able to follow those commands while also not eating poop.
Remove the Temptations
While cleaning up isn’t a remedy, removing it at the best opportunity is always a good idea. This means picking up poop immediately after your dog goes, even if it’s done outdoors. If you have cats, make sure you make litter boxes as less accessible as possible to your dog. Finally, supervise your dog during bathroom breaks so they don’t eat poop (again, use commands like “leave it”).
Keep Stress Levels Low
Anxiety or stress are both legitimate triggers for a dog that eats poop. When this happens, it’s important to keep it as low as possible. Your dog may feel nervous or insecure regularly. As a result, they may be susceptible to unhealthy habits, including eating dog poop. It’s important to consider creating a calm, structured routine every day while offering them a quiet, safe space.
Finally, there are calming aids that you can consider. This is the perfect time for us to mention Under the Weather’s Calming Chews. Made from natural ingredients such as chamomile and L-tryptophan, your dog will be able to relax and feel less anxious or stressed. They are safe for dogs and can be great for those moments when you know they might get anxious, such as car rides or before you leave for work.
When Should a Vet be Consulted?
Keep in mind that when a dog eats poop, it could indicate a serious medical issue, especially when it’s uncharacteristic of them to do. If it’s also associated with signs like vomiting, weight loss, and appetite changes, you’ll want to notify your vet immediately, as this can be due to issues such as parasites, malabsorption deficiencies, or diabetes. Your vet will perform tests to pinpoint the exact medical conditions
See What Under the Weather Has Available for Your Dog
At Under the Weather, we are proud to offer products that can address dietary needs and even some of the issues your dogs deal with regularly, such as stress and anxiety. Could our products help with making sure your dog stops eating poop? It’s possible. However, if you notice this behavior with other concerning symptoms, never hesitate to notify your vet immediately. To see what we’ve got in stock for your dog, check out Under the Weather now!
