Watching your dog eat their own poop, or worse, the poop of others is disgusting to see. Coprophagia, also known as poop eating, is natural for dogs that just gave birth to a litter of puppies. However, eating poop is usually the result of digestive issues such as pancreatitis, intestinal infection or malabsorption of nutrients.
Why do dogs eat their poop?
If your dog is eating their poop due to digestive issues it’s because they feel chronically hungry. Dogs have a natural instinct to eat their feces so they feel full and also to consume vitamins and minerals found in the poop. While it’s natural and common for dogs to eat their feces in the wild, it’s not normal for domestic dogs to continue this behavior. If your dog has Coprophagia, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the cause and treatment.
Diagnosis of coprophagia
Veterinarians often recommend improving your dog’s diet to help with their digestive system. Another helpful digestive tip is to include a fiber supplement such as Bernie’s Perfect Poop. This all-natural supplement helps eliminate diarrhea and constipation as well as enhances the immune system and digestive system. The ingredients include prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes and fiber which are essential ingredients for gut health and can help stop your dog from eating poop.
While fixing your dog’s digestive issues is an extremely important step to stopping your dog from eating their feces, some dogs might have another reason for viewing it as a delicacy. In 2012, a study presented at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference revealed that:
- One in four dogs were observed eating their feces at least once
- One in six dogs were classified as serious feces eaters because they were caught eating feces five or more times
This study involved dogs that didn’t have digestive issues but still participated in the gross act of eating poop. It’s important to find the reason why your little poop eater is making a meal out of their poop. Coprophagia affects their overall digestive health and eating habits. The first step to good digestive health is a healthy diet that includes a fiber supplement for optimal gut health.
