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If your dog is eating feces, it is a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will help determine if there are any medical conditions causing the dog to be excessively hungry. If coprophagia is a behavioral issue, the veterinarian may also make recommendations which may help stop your dog from eating feces.
Coprophagia is the scientific term for eating feces. Although coprophagia is upsetting and revolting to us; it is a common problem in dogs and puppies. There are physical, medical and behavioral reasons why dogs eat feces.
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Medical and physical reasons for coprophagia in dogs:
Intestinal parasites - The parasites are feeding on the dog’s nutrients
Underfed - Not feeding the dog the right amount of food
Taste - Cat feces may taste good to a dog
Behavioral reasons for coprophagia in dogs:
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The veterinarian will go over the patient’s medical history with you. Let him know your concerns regarding your dog eating feces. The veterinarian may want to discuss what your dog’s current diet is and how often is he fed. He may also want to know the dog’s daily activities and his regular schedule (playtime, walks, whether he is crated, socialized.).
The doctor will then perform a physical examination, which may include taking the patient’s weight, temperature, pulse and blood pressure. The veterinarian may want to run blood work such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum chemistry panel. The complete blood count can help evaluate platelets, red and white cell count. The CBC can also help determine if the dog is anemic or has a bacterial infection. A serum chemistry panel aids in determining organ function; how well the body’s organs are working. The veterinarian may also recommend a urinalysis, fecal fat test (measures fat in the stool sample), and a fecal exam (checks for parasites). These diagnostic tests can help narrow down the cause and may reveal underlying health issues.
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Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency is usually treated by replacing digestive enzymes using freeze dried pancreas extracts from pig and cattle. The extracts are sprinkled on the dog’s food usually 30 minutes before feeding. The patient will also be placed on dietary supplements and vitamins.
Parasites are treated with a de-wormer and your dog’s bedding, toys, and bowls will need to be washed in hot water. Flooring should be cleaned and disinfected to help eliminate any remaining eggs.
Dogs diagnosed with deficient diets will need to be fed a better quality commercial food. It is recommended that you read the ingredient label; the first ingredient should be a protein not a “by-product”. Dietary supplements and vitamins may also be prescribed. Patients that are anemic may need B-12 injections.
Dogs with no medical conditions may be eating feces due to behavioral reasons. The veterinarian may suggest more playtime and walks, and less alone time. Dogs that are exercised and played with tend to be more content. If your dog persists in eating feces the veterinarian may recommend a dog behaviorist.
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Patients that were diagnosed with a medical condition will need follow-up visits to monitor their progress. Dogs that were diagnosed with a behavior problem will need their owner to have patience and breaking the habit will require consistency. Dogs are pack animals and do not do well being isolated or confined. They require love, activities and attention. In addition, picking up feces from the yard, regularly cleaning the litter box, providing toys and teaching him the command “leave it” may also help him to stop eating feces. There are also deterrent soft chews made of natural ingredients which may help the dog not to eat his own feces.
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Ask a Vet
Nina
pitbull
24 Months
Serious severity
1 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have recently adopted a dog from another owner. I discovered that she eats her poop. She is in good health and I know her previous circumstance included long hours of being crated and little outside activity. Her potty area was a back deck. She now has a companion and access to outside and inside areas. She potties inside (a basement area, she doesn't potty in the living areas, so technically she is 'house trained')and eats her poop. She doesn't eat the other dogs poop so this appears to be a habit from her two years of isolation. Will the additive deterrents be effective in this situation. Unfortunately, it happens while I am at work and I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to address it behaviorally.
June 2, 2018
Nina's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
The additives that you can buy, both OTC and prescription, are certainly worth a try for Nina. It may be difficult to stop this behavior, since it is such a long-standing habit, but it you add the medication to her food consistently, she may learn to leave her feces. It may also take time, as she is in a new environment.
June 2, 2018
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Clara
Mixed
12 Years
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
If I cannot afford to have extensive testing done by veterinarian, is the better initial approach to treating coprophagia to administer something that will balance nutrients or Would the preferred method be a giving a deterrent that makes the stool taste bad?
March 7, 2018
Clara's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. The answer to your question depends on how long the problem has been going on, and Clara's general health status. An examination by a veterinarian should not constitute extensive testing, and they will be able to give you better advice if they have seen her and talked to you about her. Typically, taste deterrents are quite effective, but, again, it does depend on the situation. I hope that she does well.
March 7, 2018
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Addie
Chiweenie
6 Years
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My little dog seems obsessed with my big dog. Both female, she always grooms her, pees where she pees and sometimes eats her poop. I try to separate as much as possible. Is it possible for a female dog to behave like a male and be territorial? Any suggestions on what to do?
Feb. 17, 2018
Addie's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Female dogs can be the dominant dog, and can be territorial, yes. If they aren't spayed, that may help. If they are spayed, it might help to get a trainer to work with both of them, if it is actually causing a problem. If the concern that you have is that she is eating the other dogs' feces, there are medications that your veterinarian can prescribe to try and decrease that behavior. I hope that all goes well for both of them.
Feb. 17, 2018
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Cooper
Labrador Retriever
10 Weeks
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Since we've gotten our new puppy Cooper hes been caught eating his poop a handful of times. Today he had diarrhea whilenmy husband and I were at work and when we got home it was tracked all over his crate and he had eaten a lot of it too. When we brought him out, we bathed him. Right after he was bathed he began having diarrhea very bad, about 5 or 6 different times, and also throwing up diarrhea too. What can we do for him? He's finally now just eating and and drink a very little bit of water. Please help!!! Thank you, Katie, Coop's mom!
Fiona
Border Collie
2 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I caught my dog outside eating rabbit droppings and heard that it might be coprophagia. she's only 2 years old and she's a border collie. She just started today vomiting 3 - 4 times and now she's having diarrhea. I washed her bum and found no eggs or worms I think. I'm not sure how to take care of her. She won't eat and all she does is drink water and lay about. I need some advice.
Casper
Shih Tzu
11 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My 11 month old Shih Tzu started eating his own poop and my other dogs poop about 2 months ago. I have no idea why. He gets regular vet visits and is healthy. He has a back yard to play in and goes on walks. I feed him the 'Fromm' puppy food and he is normal weight. He never did this before. Why would this just all of a sudden start? How do I stop him?
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