Few dog habits make owners recoil like this one. You turn around on a walk or in the garden and your dog is eating poop, its own or another animal’s. It is gross, but it is also surprisingly common, and research has a few useful things to say about why dogs do it and what actually helps.
What the research found
| Linked with poop eating | No link found |
|---|---|
| Dogs described as “greedy eaters” | Age |
| Homes with more than one dog | Diet |
| A slight breed group link (terriers and hounds most likely) | Sex or neutering |
| Ease of house training |
Why dogs do it
An old den-cleaning instinct
The researchers’ theory, as reported by AAHA, comes from wolves. Parasite eggs in faeces usually take a couple of days to hatch into infectious larvae, so eating fresh faeces near the den is relatively safe and removes the risk before it develops. That may explain why dogs prefer stool less than two days old.
A greedy appetite
Owners of poop-eating dogs were much more likely to describe them as greedy eaters. If your dog also steals food, see our guide to a dog that steals things and runs away.
Other theories
Popular ideas such as enzyme deficiency or pancreatic problems have been suggested, but AAHA notes there has not been much convincing evidence for any of them.
What works, and what does not
- Pick up immediately. Since most dogs only want fresh stool, clearing it straight away removes the temptation. This matters most in multi-dog homes.
- Use a lead in risky places. Fields with other animals’ droppings, or the garden before you have cleaned it.
- Call your dog away and reward. Teach a “come away” or “leave it” cue with good treats. If your dog only listens when you have food, see our guide to that problem.
- Stay calm. AAHA notes the behaviour is not necessarily harmful, and the biggest problem is often the owner’s distress. A big reaction can turn it into a game of chase.
When to see the vet
If your dog’s appetite has changed in other ways, our guide on a dog that will not eat breakfast covers what is normal and what is not.
FAQ
Why does my dog eat poop?
Research suggests it may be an old den-cleaning instinct. Dogs that eat poop are more often greedy eaters and live in multi-dog homes, and most prefer stool less than two days old.
How common is it?
A UC Davis survey found about 16% of dogs regularly eat faeces.
Do poop-eating deterrent products work?
Rarely. Owners in the survey rated 11 commercial products, with reported success between zero and 2%.
Is it dangerous?
It is not necessarily harmful, but other animals’ faeces can carry parasites. Ask your vet about worming.
Will my dog grow out of it?
The survey found no link with age, so do not count on it. Picking up straight away is the most reliable fix.
Sources
- American Animal Hospital Association, NEWStat. Wipe that coprophagic grin off your face! (on the UC Davis study by Benjamin Hart and colleagues), January 2018. Read
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
