Dogs who eat feces

It's probably the most unpleasant behavior a dog can adopt. No, not howling, or inappropriate chewing, or even house-soiling. It's called coprophagia, and it is the technical term for the act of eating feces. No matter how many times you remind yourself that many dogs suffer from this problem at some point in their lives, nothing prepares you for discovering your dog in the midst of this nauseating behavior. Rest assured, though, there is hope for dogs who succumb to this age-old habit. The key is determining why your dog is doing it.

Eating feces isn't out of the ordinary

First, though, it is important to understand that to a dog eating excrement is somewhat a natural behavior. When a female dog gives birth to a litter of pups, part of her job in caring for her new family is eating the puppies' stools as a means of keeping the den clean and free of parasites. Wild dogs not only do this to keep their dens clean but also to keep the area from emitting strong odors. Smells, after all, attract predators.

As difficult as it is for humans to imagine, a puppy may develop a liking for the taste of excrement by imitating his mother during the clean-up process - and he may continue the behavior after he is weaned. This rarely lasts beyond a dog's first birthday, as most dogs simply grow out of the habit. If your adult dog has never eaten feces before, it is extremely unlikely that he will succumb to this particular behavior - unless, that is, he witnesses another dog doing it. Dogs learn many things by merely watching other dogs. Although cats take care of their young kittens in a similar way to canine dams, it is interesting to note that cats seldom suffer from coprophagia later in life.

Curing coprophagia

If your dog is eating feces, make sure you are feeding him sufficiently. Is he getting enough to eat, and is his food the right one for him? If your dog is particularly active, for instance, you may want to place him on a high-energy formula kibble. Another common cause of coprophagia is boredom. Is your dog primarily doing this when left alone? If so, consider taking him to doggy daycare or having a neighbor stop by to play with him when you must be away from home for long hours. Confining a dog to a crate for long periods of time can also be the trigger, since keeping his rest area clean is usually at the top of a dog's priority list.

The best way to curb the problem is removing the temptation entirely. Clean up after your dog whenever he defecates in the yard. In addition to eliminating your dog's access to the fecal matter, you will also help reduce the amount of bacteria and the potential for parasites in this commonly used area. If your dog has set his sights on your cat's litter box, consider moving it to an area that is still accessible to your cat but not your dog - such as up off the floor.

Some vets suggest adding more fiber to the diets of dogs who eat feces, since fiber changes the consistency of stools and may make them less appealing due to this change. There are also digestive enzymes available that when served with food help avert dogs from indulging in this habit. One common deterrent used for generations is meat tenderizer, but do be careful if trying this option, as most are extremely high in sodium. A better choice is acidophilus, a probiotic that helps maintain intestinal balance. Consult your veterinarian for the recommended dosage for your dog.