Coprophagia or coprophagy is the comsumption of feces. Coprophagy refers to many kinds of feces eating including eating feces of other species (heterospecifics), or other individuals (allocoprophagy), or its own (autocoprophagy).
For as long as huMom can remember dog lovers have been asking this question. Years ago when she worked in a clinical environment she asked the Veterinarians that she worked with what their take was on this subject. There were many theories but no one answer.
Reasons why your dog may be snacking on feces.
Some believe that all canines, wild or domestic will eat feces when food if experiencing a food shortage.
Why do some only eat frozen poop while others only eat poop at a certain time of year & some just have a taste & move on while others become obsessed with eating poop or certain poop.
Medical reasons range from intestinal malabsorption, GI parasites, enzyme deficiency / pancreatic insufficiency.
Many dogs do not secrete enough enzymes to help them process their food which in turn creates a dog with deficiency . Since the feces of other animals are a source of digestive enzymes, dogs with a deficiency will eat enzyme rich poop.
Dogs on processed dry food diets & have no source of living foods at all will seek out the feces of others to make up for their chronic enzyme deficiency.
Most commercial dry cat foods contain ingredients that are not bioavailable, so they are passed out in the cat’s feces undigested. What could be more tempting to an enzyme deficient dog.
Behavioral problems might also play a big part in why your dog is eating feces.
Dogs who are punished for pooping because of location etc. may believe that it is bad to poop & will try to get rid of it by eating it.
A stressed or anxious dog may start to eat feces.
Older dogs who practice poop eating may teach younger dogs & the cycle goes on.
Puppies weaned too young, or go hungry, have to fight for their spot at the feeding bowl or are forced to sit in crates for long periods (weeks or more) with nothing to do may also develop a behavior of feces eating.
It should be noted that us Canine Epilepsy Warriors who redly on anti seizure medications to manage our seizures are often coprophagist. Our seizure medications increase our appetite & we are always looking for a good snack. Even when huMom refers to them as ‘Yuck’. Thats why my huMom offers me low cal snacks such as blueberries, english cucumbers, carrots, & apple sauce etc. My favorite is coconut oil in my Kong.
You are probably asking how do I stop my dog from being a coprophagist.
Number one way, clean up your dog’s poop immediately. If there is none available none can be eatened.
If you have cats keep their litter box clean, in a location the dog does not have access to or purchase a self-cleaning litter box.
Improve your good dog’s diet. Feed whole live foods, add digestive enzymes & probiotics in their meals. We use Omega Alpha‘s Probiotic Plus 8 to support our needs.
Keep your good dog’s mind stimulated with sufficient exercise & play. A bored dog will create it’s own stimulation which is not always healthy. One of our Knotty Toys For Good Dogs is a wagnificent way to stimulate your good dog. Our Knotty Chaw Chaw or Mighty Knotty Chaw Chaw are pawtastic toys for both you & your good dog amusement. It is a pawsome way to bond with us good dogs. We love to play with you.
If considering one of the many copropphagia deterrent products please remember many of these products contain MSG. Look for a non-toxic deterrent that does not contain MSG.
Although this is a common behavior problem, it is always important to discuss your good dog’s behavior even this ‘distasteful’ (no pun intended) one with your Veterinarian to rule out any possible underlying health concerns.
Have a pawsome week, CEO Olivia, Dot, Jerry Underfoot & Eddy💜
PS 🐾 Looking for wagnifient healthy & furbulously fun toys or pawsibly a supplement for the well being of your pawtacular good dog or cat? Shop Naturally
Join my pack at knottytoysforgooddogs.com
Knotty Toys for Good Dogs 