One of the more unpleasant surprises of raising a puppy is discovering they sometimes eat their own poop. This strange (and gross) behavior is surprisingly common and has left many new dog owners asking: Why do puppies eat their own poop? In this article, we’ll explain why this happens, whether it’s harmful, and—most importantly—how to get your puppy to stop.
Table of Contents
- Is It Normal for Puppies to Eat Poop?
- What Is Coprophagia?
- Reasons Why Puppies Eat Their Own Poop
- Are There Health Risks?
- How to Stop a Puppy from Eating Poop
- What NOT to Do
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Final Thoughts
Is It Normal for Puppies to Eat Poop?
Yes, as unpleasant as it sounds, it’s actually quite normal for puppies to occasionally eat poop. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can be instinctual or caused by environmental and health factors. Fortunately, most puppies grow out of it with time and guidance.
What Is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia is the scientific term for the act of eating feces. It’s not unique to dogs—some animals naturally do this as part of their survival or hygiene instincts. In puppies, it usually occurs between 8 and 16 weeks of age, during a period of exploration and development.
Reasons Why Puppies Eat Their Own Poop
1. Instinctual Behavior
Mother dogs often eat their puppies’ feces to keep the nest clean and protect them from predators. Puppies may imitate this behavior without understanding why.
2. Exploration
Puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Poop, unfortunately, becomes just another object of curiosity, especially when left unsupervised.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in nutrients, especially digestive enzymes or B vitamins, may lead puppies to eat feces in an attempt to “recycle” undigested nutrients.
4. Boredom or Anxiety
Lack of mental stimulation, long crate hours, or separation anxiety may trigger compulsive behaviors like poop eating.
5. Dirty Living Conditions
If a puppy’s environment isn’t cleaned frequently, they may eat their own waste simply to keep their space clean.
6. Attention-Seeking
If a puppy learns that eating poop triggers a big reaction from you, they may repeat it to get your attention—even if it’s negative.
7. Hunger or Underfeeding
Puppies who are not fed enough or are on low-quality food may be driven to eat anything available, including feces.
Are There Health Risks?
Yes, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Parasites: Intestinal worms and protozoa can be transmitted through feces.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may result from eating contaminated feces.
- Bacterial infection: Salmonella and E. coli can be present in fecal matter.
In most cases, a puppy eating their own feces doesn’t cause major harm, but repeated behavior should be addressed to avoid health issues.
How to Stop a Puppy from Eating Poop
Here are effective strategies to curb poop-eating in puppies:
- Pick up waste immediately: Supervise your puppy during bathroom breaks and clean up right away.
- Improve diet quality: Feed high-quality puppy food with balanced nutrients. Ask your vet about enzyme or vitamin supplements.
- Use deterrent products: Products like For-Bid or NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent can make feces taste unpleasant to dogs.
- Increase exercise and play: Mental and physical stimulation can reduce boredom-driven behavior.
- Reward clean behavior: Praise your puppy when they go potty and walk away without interacting with their poop.
- Teach the “Leave it” command: Training this early on can help with many unwanted behaviors, including poop eating.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t punish your puppy: Scolding may create fear and worsen the problem by encouraging secretive behavior.
- Don’t ignore it completely: Occasional poop eating might be harmless, but chronic behavior needs to be addressed.
- Don’t assume it’s always behavioral: Sometimes, there’s a medical reason. If the habit is sudden or persistent, consult a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it normal for puppies to eat poop?
Yes, it’s quite common in puppies under six months old. It often fades with maturity and training.
Will my puppy get sick from eating poop?
It’s possible, especially if the feces are from another animal or contaminated. Regular deworming and veterinary checkups are important.
Can I use pineapple to stop my puppy from eating poop?
Some owners report success adding pineapple to their dog’s food, as it may make the stool unpalatable. However, results vary and should be used under vet guidance.
Do adult dogs eat poop too?
Yes, though it’s less common. If an adult dog starts eating feces, it may point to a medical issue or unresolved behavior from puppyhood.
How long does it take to stop poop eating?
With consistency, many puppies stop within a few weeks. However, persistent habits may require ongoing management and training.
Final Thoughts
As unpleasant as it is, puppies eating their own poop is a fairly common and usually temporary issue. Most outgrow it, especially with guidance, a healthy diet, and a clean environment. By understanding the root causes and responding with patience—not punishment—you’ll be well on your way to helping your puppy kick this yucky habit for good.
If the behavior continues despite your best efforts, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes and explore additional treatment options.