One of the most unpleasant things a dog owner can witness is their puppy eating poop. If you’re asking yourself how to stop puppies from eating their poop, you’re not alone. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is surprisingly common—but also very manageable.
In this guide, we’ll explain the causes of poop eating in puppies and walk you through practical, veterinarian-approved steps to curb this behavior for good.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Puppies Eat Their Poop?
- Is It Normal for Puppies to Eat Poop?
- Is It Dangerous for Puppies to Eat Poop?
- How to Stop Puppies from Eating Their Poop: Step-by-Step
- Can Diet Affect Poop Eating?
- Training Techniques That Work
- When to See a Veterinarian
- FAQ: Puppy Poop Eating Behavior
Why Do Puppies Eat Their Poop?
There are several potential reasons your puppy may be eating their poop. Understanding the cause is the first step toward a solution.
- Natural instinct: In the wild, mothers eat their puppies’ feces to keep the den clean and safe.
- Exploration: Puppies use their mouths to explore the world, and feces may seem like an object of curiosity.
- Hunger or malnutrition: Poor-quality food or irregular feeding can lead to poop-eating behavior.
- Attention-seeking: If scolding follows the act, some puppies repeat it just to get noticed.
- Imitation: Some puppies mimic older dogs or littermates who display this behavior.
Is It Normal for Puppies to Eat Poop?
Yes—although it may be gross, poop eating is relatively common in puppies under 6 months old. Most grow out of it with time, training, and proper care.
Is It Dangerous for Puppies to Eat Poop?
While not usually life-threatening, coprophagia does come with risks:
- Parasites and worms
- Harmful bacteria or pathogens
- Potential for illness if eating feces from other animals
It’s important to break this habit early to protect your puppy’s health and your household hygiene.
How to Stop Puppies from Eating Their Poop: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clean Up Immediately
Supervise potty time and clean up right after your puppy goes. The faster you remove the temptation, the better.
Step 2: Keep Them on Leash for Potty Breaks
During training, take your puppy out on a leash so you can control where they go and quickly redirect them after they finish.
Step 3: Teach “Leave It” or “Come” Command
Use training to call your puppy away from the stool immediately after elimination. Reward them with a treat or praise for coming to you instead.
Step 4: Offer Alternative Enrichment
Sometimes boredom is the trigger. Provide chew toys, puzzle feeders, and playtime to keep them mentally stimulated.
Step 5: Add Poop-Deterring Products
There are taste deterrents available—both food additives and sprays—that make poop unappetizing. Look for products containing:
- Yucca
- Parsley
- MSG (in some vet-approved formulas)
Can Diet Affect Poop Eating?
Yes. Nutritional deficiencies are a common cause of coprophagia. To reduce the chances:
- Feed a balanced, high-quality puppy food
- Stick to a consistent feeding schedule
- Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to undigested food in stool
- Limit high-fat or heavily processed treats
If you’re unsure about your puppy’s food, consult a veterinarian for recommendations.
Training Techniques That Work
1. Reward-Based Training
Reward your puppy every time they ignore poop or walk away from it. Positive reinforcement builds lasting habits.
2. Crate Training
When you can’t supervise, crate training can help avoid unsupervised messes and reduce the chances of poop access.
3. Consistent Routine
Feed, walk, and train your puppy on a regular schedule. Predictability helps prevent accidents and odd behaviors like coprophagia.
4. Don’t Punish
Scolding often backfires. It may lead your puppy to eat poop faster or do it secretly out of anxiety. Stay calm and redirect instead.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your puppy continues eating poop despite training or shows other symptoms like:
- Sudden weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Worms in stool
—it’s time to see a vet. Persistent coprophagia can signal underlying medical conditions like:
- Parasites
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Malabsorption syndromes
FAQ: Puppy Poop Eating Behavior
How long does it take to stop a puppy from eating poop?
With consistent training and supervision, many puppies stop within a few weeks. Others may take longer depending on age, environment, and triggers.
Can adult dogs develop poop-eating habits?
Yes, especially if not corrected during puppyhood. Older dogs may also eat poop due to boredom or diet issues.
Will feeding pineapple or pumpkin help?
Some pet owners report success with these foods. They may alter stool taste and discourage eating, but results vary. Try under vet guidance.
Is it okay to use bitter sprays?
Yes, but always choose dog-safe products and use them consistently. Sprays should supplement—not replace—behavior training.
Should I muzzle my puppy to stop poop eating?
Not as a primary solution. Muzzles can be useful short-term tools, but they don’t fix the root cause. Focus on training and prevention.
Conclusion
Poop eating is one of the less glamorous parts of puppy parenting—but with patience and the right strategy, it’s entirely fixable. Understanding how to stop puppies from eating their poop means combining clean-up diligence, behavior training, dietary support, and vet care when necessary.
In time, your puppy will grow out of this phase—and you’ll enjoy cleaner playtimes, happier walks, and a healthier home.