Understanding Coprophagia: Why Does my Doodle Puppy Eat Poop?
There’s no doubt that parenting a Doodle puppy is full of joy—those wagging tails and playful antics can brighten anyone’s day. However, what should you do when your beloved puppy exhibits behavior that leaves you puzzled and, frankly, a bit grossed out? If you've caught your puppy munching on...well, poop, you’re not alone. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is more common among dogs than many pet parents realize.
Before you panic, rest assured that there are reasons behind this behavior—and solutions to address it. This blog will explore what coprophagia is, why it occurs, the associated health risks, and how you can prevent or manage it in your Doodle puppy.
What Is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia (pronounced koh-proh-fey-zhuh) is the scientific term for the act of eating feces. While it might seem bizarre from a human perspective, it’s a natural behavior in the canine kingdom. Dogs may eat their own feces, the feces of other dogs, or even the droppings of other animals, such as cats, rabbits, or horses.
This behavior can be particularly bewildering—and distressing—for Stokeshire parents. But understanding why this happens is the first step toward addressing it.
Why Do Puppies Eat Poop?
There’s no single reason why coprophagia occurs, but several factors could be at play. Puppies, like human babies, explore their world by putting things (yes, even poop) in their mouths. Beyond simple curiosity, coprophagia may be linked to biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Interesting Facts About Coprophagia
Researcher Benjamin Hart’s study on coprophagia revealed some fascinating patterns:
Dogs are rarely attracted to soft or poorly formed feces. Instead, they prefer hard stools, and frozen poop is an especially exciting treat for them (often called "poopsicles").
Multi-dog households are more prone to the behavior. About 33% of dogs in homes with three or more dogs engage in coprophagia, compared to 20% in single-dog homes.
Female dogs are more likely to eat poop, while intact males are the least likely.
92% of poop-eating dogs prefer fresh feces, only one to two days old.
85% of poop eaters won’t eat their own feces but prefer poop from other dogs.
Dogs that are "greedy eaters" and prone to stealing food off tables are more likely to exhibit this behavior.
How to Manage and Prevent Coprophagia
Dietary Adjustments:
Ensure your dog’s diet is well-balanced and meets all nutritional needs.
Consider adding enzyme supplements or probiotics to improve digestion.
Add small amounts of pineapple to their diet. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can alter the taste of feces, making it less appealing to dogs. Be sure to use fresh or canned pineapple in its natural juice, avoiding any added sugars or syrups.
Environmental Management:
Clean up feces immediately to remove temptation.
Prevent access to other animals’ feces during walks or outdoor play.
Training and Behavioral Strategies:
Use commands like “leave it” or “no” consistently.
Redirect their attention with toys or treats.
Veterinary Products:
Products like For-Bid can make feces taste unpleasant to discourage the behavior.
1. Instinctual Behavior
Mother dogs instinctively lick their newborn puppies clean, consuming feces to keep the nest area tidy. This behavior, rooted in survival, prevents scents from attracting predators. It’s possible some puppies mimic this behavior, especially if they’ve picked it up during their early days.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Some experts believe a lack of key nutrients in a puppy’s diet might lead to coprophagia. If your Doodle pup isn’t getting adequate B vitamins, digestive enzymes, or fiber, they might eat feces seeking what’s missing. A low-quality diet could contribute to this behavior.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Stressful situations can trigger strange behaviors in puppies, including eating poop. Changes in routine, a new environment, scolding, or loneliness might cause your pup to turn to coprophagia as a coping mechanism.
4. Learned Behavior
Puppies are incredibly observant. If they’ve seen another dog do this, they might copy the act. Curiosity paired with imitation could be a strong motivation.
5. Attention-Seeking
Believe it or not, a puppy might eat poop to get your attention. While the behavior isn’t ideal, your heightened reaction may serve as a reward for an attention-hungry pup.
Health Risks Associated with Coprophagia
While coprophagia isn’t uncommon, it’s not without risks. Eating feces can expose your pup to harmful bacteria, viruses, or internal parasites like roundworms or giardia. Beyond physical risks, this behavior can be unappealing to owners, especially when those puppy kisses follow close behind!
If you’ve observed this behavior in your pup, regular vet check-ups are essential. A veterinarian can rule out underlying health conditions and advise on the safety of your Doodle puppy.
How to Prevent and Manage Coprophagia in Your Doodle Puppy
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stop your Doodle puppy from eating poop. It may take some patience and experimentation to identify what works for your pup, but don’t lose heart—this issue is solvable.
Focus on Nutrition
Ensure your Doodle puppy is eating a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their breed and age. Consult your veterinarian to rule out nutritional deficiencies. Adding digestive enzymes or food supplements, like pumpkin or probiotics, could address deficiencies naturally.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Stay on top of cleaning up after your puppy. Make it a habit to remove feces from your backyard immediately after your pup does their business. A clean environment reduces temptation and prevents coprophagia behavior from reinforcing itself.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Distract your pup with treats or verbal praise whenever they successfully avoid poop. Teaching the “leave it” command or redirecting their attention to a toy can also be very effective.
Prevent Access
If your puppy frequents areas where animal feces might be present (like parks or trails), keep them leashed and supervise their movements. A deterrent product, such as a bitter-tasting spray on their feces, can discourage your puppy from snacking where they shouldn’t.
Rule Out Medical Issues
If the behavior continues despite your best efforts, consult a veterinarian. They can check for gastrointestinal or malabsorption issues that might be causing your Doodle puppy to eat poop.
Enrich Their Routine
Mental stimulation can go a long way in curtailing undesirable habits. Puzzle toys, regular exercise, and interaction with family members help keep your puppy engaged, leaving little room for anxious or attention-seeking behaviors.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your dog’s coprophagia persists despite these efforts, consult your veterinarian. It could indicate an underlying medical issue, such as parasites or malabsorption disorders, that needs attention.
Nurturing Your Doodle Puppy Towards Healthier Habits
Every Stokeshire Doodle comes with its unique quirks, and coprophagia, though unpleasant, can be managed with proper care and attention. By addressing potential causes, providing a positive and enriching environment, and seeking advice when needed, you can help your puppy develop healthier habits.
While coprophagia can be confusing and frustrating, it is typically manageable with patience, training, and sometimes the assistance of veterinary products. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we are committed to supporting you with tips and resources to keep your pup happy and healthy.
We strive to assist you at every step of your dog-parenting journey. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help—whether from fellow Stokeshire families or trusted experts.
Do you have a tip or a success story regarding coprophagia? We’d love to hear from you! Share it with us in the comments below or join our Stokeshire Parent Community. Together, we can ensure happy, healthy lives for our Doodles.
REFERENCE
Staff, A. (2022, June 29). Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop It. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/