Coprophagia, or the act of eating poop, is one of the most common and frustrating problems that dog...
How to Stop Your Puppy from Eating Poop: A Guide to Keep Them Healthy
No one wants to see their puppy eating their own poop. It is unpleasant and can make your puppy sick. To prevent your puppy from eating their own poop, you need to understand why they do it, identify any underlying medical issues, and take steps to discourage the behaviour. With patience and consistency, you can help your puppy to stop eating poop and keep them healthy.
Understand Why Puppies Eat Poop
Eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is a common behaviour in puppies and can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is important to understand why your puppy is eating poop so that you can address the underlying issue.
Medical Issues: One of the main causes of coprophagia is a medical issue. If your puppy is not getting enough of the nutrients they need from their food, they may start to eat their own poop. It is important to have your puppy checked by a vet to make sure there is no underlying medical issue causing the behaviour.
Stress: Stress can also cause puppies to eat their own poop. If your puppy is feeling stressed or anxious, they may start to eat their own poop as a way to self-sooth. It is important to identify the source of the stress and take steps to reduce it.
Identify any Underlying Medical Issues
If your puppy is eating their own poop, it is important to take them to the vet to make sure there are no underlying medical issues causing the behaviour. Your vet will be able to do a physical exam and diagnostic tests to check for any health issues that may be causing your puppy to eat their own poop.
Common health issues that can cause coprophagia include:
- Malabsorption: A disorder in which your puppy’s body is not able to absorb all the nutrients from their food.
- Intestinal parasites: Parasites that live in your puppy’s intestines and can cause them to have an increased appetite for their own poop.
- Food allergies: Allergies to certain ingredients in your puppy’s food can cause them to eat their own poop in an attempt to get the nutrients they need.
Take Steps to Discourage the Behaviour
Once you have identified the cause of your puppy’s coprophagia and ruled out any medical issues, it is time to take steps to discourage the behaviour. There are a few different things you can do to help your puppy stop eating their own poop.
Increase Exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and provide your puppy with an outlet for their energy. Taking your puppy for regular walks or playing with them in the yard can help to reduce their stress levels and discourage them from eating their own poop.
Add Supplements to Their Food: If your puppy is not getting enough of the nutrients they need from their food, adding supplements to their diet can help to reduce their desire to eat their own poop. Your vet can recommend the right supplements for your puppy.
Discourage the Behaviour: Whenever you see your puppy eating their own poop, it is important to discourage the behaviour. Make sure to use a firm, but not angry, tone of voice and remove the poop right away. This will help your puppy to learn that eating their own poop is not acceptable behaviour.
Conclusion
Eating their own poop is a common behaviour in puppies, but it can make them sick. To stop your puppy from eating their own poop, it is important to understand why they do it, identify any underlying medical issues, and take steps to discourage the behaviour. With patience and consistency, you can help your puppy to stop eating their own poop and keep them healthy.
