Have you ever caught your dog eating something you really wish they hadn't?
Whether it's poop, dirt, grass, sand, paper or something completely inedible, dogs can sometimes develop a habit of eating unusual things.
Eating non-food items is known as pica, while eating faeces is called coprophagia. Although these behaviours can sometimes be harmless habits, they may also be linked to digestive, nutritional, environmental or behavioural factors.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Coprophagia is surprisingly common in dogs and can have a number of possible causes.
Some dogs simply seem to enjoy the taste or smell, while others may develop the habit as puppies and grow out of it as they mature.
Possible contributing factors include:
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Dietary or nutritional imbalances
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Digestive difficulties or poor absorption of nutrients
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Parasites
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Boredom or lack of stimulation
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Stress or anxiety
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Attention-seeking behaviour
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Habit or curiosity
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Access to faeces from other animals
Female dogs will also naturally clean up after their puppies by eating their faeces.
Some dogs are particularly attracted to the droppings of other animals. Cow manure, rabbit droppings and cat faeces can all be tempting to dogs, partly because they contain undigested food material.
Why Do Dogs Eat Other Strange Things?
Pica describes the repeated consumption of non-food items such as:
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Dirt
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Sand
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Grass
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Paper
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Plastic
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Fabric
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Clay
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Chalk
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Rocks or stones
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Other indigestible objects
There can be many reasons for this behaviour. Some animals may be seeking particular textures or sensations, while others may be responding to boredom, stress or frustration.
In some cases, persistent pica can occur alongside an underlying health or nutritional problem.
Could Diet or Digestive Health Be Involved?
A balanced diet is important for maintaining good digestive and nutritional health.
Digestive problems, poor absorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiencies may contribute to unusual eating behaviours in some animals. Parasites can also affect digestive health and nutrient absorption.
If your pet regularly eats unusual things, it is worth looking at their diet as part of the bigger picture.
A wholesome, balanced diet based on your pet's individual nutritional requirements is a good place to start. You can learn more about feeding dogs naturally or feeding cats naturally.
Could Stress or Boredom Be the Reason?
Behaviour can be an important part of the picture too.
Dogs that are bored, frustrated, stressed or lacking mental stimulation may develop unusual habits, including eating things they shouldn't.
Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities for exercise, play, exploration and interaction. Puzzle feeders, treat toys and appropriate chew toys can also provide useful mental stimulation.
If the behaviour occurs mainly when your pet is left alone or during stressful situations, anxiety may also be worth considering.
Is Eating Poop Dangerous?
An occasional taste of faeces does not necessarily mean your dog will become ill, but there are some situations where extra care is needed.
Dogs that regularly eat the faeces of other animals may be exposed to parasites or other organisms. There is also a particular concern when manure comes from livestock that have recently received certain medications.
For example, manure from horses or livestock recently treated with ivermectin or similar medications may contain residues that can be harmful if consumed.
If your dog regularly eats faeces, particularly from unknown or wild animals, discuss appropriate parasite monitoring with your veterinarian.
What About Eating Indigestible Objects?
Pica can be more concerning when your dog is swallowing objects such as plastic, fabric, rocks, metal or other indigestible materials.
These objects can cause gastrointestinal irritation or, in some cases, an intestinal obstruction.
Seek veterinary advice promptly if your pet has swallowed a potentially dangerous object, particularly if they develop vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite or difficulty passing faeces.
How Can You Help Stop the Behaviour?
The best approach depends on why your pet is doing it.
Some simple steps include:
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Remove faeces from the yard and litter areas regularly.
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Keep potentially dangerous objects out of reach.
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Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
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Use positive training rather than punishment.
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Review your pet's diet and overall nutritional intake.
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Consider digestive support where appropriate.
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Monitor for signs of parasites or digestive problems.
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Pay attention to when and where the behaviour occurs.
Punishing your dog for eating poop can sometimes make the problem worse, particularly if the behaviour has become associated with fear or attention.
Natural Support for Digestive Health
If digestive health or nutritional intake may be contributing to unusual eating behaviour, additional nutritional or digestive support may be worth considering.
Greenpet offers products including:
Supplements should be selected according to your pet's individual needs rather than assuming a deficiency is responsible for the behaviour.
When Should You Investigate Further?
If your pet suddenly starts eating unusual things, the behaviour becomes frequent or obsessive, or they are showing other changes such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in appetite or reduced energy, it is worth investigating further.
A veterinary examination and appropriate testing can help rule out underlying health problems, including digestive disorders and parasites.
We're Here to Help
Poop eating and pica can be unpleasant habits, but they are often a sign that there is something worth paying attention to.
Looking at your pet's diet, digestive health, environment, exercise and emotional wellbeing can help build a clearer picture of what may be driving the behaviour.
If you're unsure where to start, ask our animal naturopath for guidance tailored to your pet.