Why do dogs eat poo? Is it safe and how to make them break the habit

Dogs always have the ability to cheer us up, but they’ve got some quirky habits that can be rather repulsive. Eating poo is one common habit that many of us canine friends like to indulge in – here’s why and how to stop them

Dogs are cute, but we’d be lying to ourselves if we didn’t admit that have some repulsive habits.

From drinking from the toilet to licking their own butts, a dog does some things that absolutely gross us humans out. Eating poo is probably at the peak of gross things that your dog gets up to.

If you’ve ever wondered why your canine buddy is always drawn to eating poo – their own or any just they happen to find on the road – while on your daily walk, here’s what veterinary experts have got to say about it.

Veterinary expert for natural dog food brand Barking Heads, Dr Scott Miller, and PDSA Vet Lynne James weigh in on whether you need to worry about your dog’s quirky eating habits.

Why do dogs eat poo?

According to Barking Heads veterinary expert Dr Scott Miller, the medical term for eating poo is called coprophagia, which can be a practice of dietary recycling, due to poor diet which lacks nutrients or calories.

Dr Miller explained that more often than not, eating poo is a fairly common canine habit, especially in puppies, who do it out of curiosity.

PDSA Vet Lynne James added that some dogs engage in the habit because they enjoy the taste of poo, others may be doing it for attention.

She explained: “Some dogs may have learnt that eating poo attracts your attention – and for some even negative attention is better than none!”

Is eating poo harmful for dogs?

Eating poo is relatively harmless to your dog, though there is a risk of them picking up parasites, viruses or bacteria.

Sometimes this habit may also develop into a behavioural response to boredom, stress, or anxiety, however, according veterinary expert Lynne James, this is very rare.

She said: “The habit is very rarely caused by an underlying medical issue, or something lacking from their diet, though it can be a response to boredom, stress or anxiety.”

However, she warns that if your dog has suddenly started eating poo or if this behaviour is particularly out of character for them, it’s always best to contact your vet.

How can you prevent your dog from eating poo?

Dr Scott Miller, veterinary expert for natural dog food brand Barking Heads says there are a few ways to discourage your dog from eating poo.

Behavioural Training

Supervise, distract and remove the temptation dogs might have to run for the poo. Call them back enthusiastically whenever they approach poo and try rewarding them for leaving poo alone.

Whichever behavioural training you choose to take with your dog, it’s important to repeat it until they quit the habit, even if it takes a while for them to break it.

Reduce their stress

Make sure that your dog is exercising plenty, eating an appropriate and nutritional diet and give them loads of positive attention and reinforcement to reduce their stress.

Manage separation anxiety

Sometimes, the habit of eating poo may be linked to separation anxiety in your dogs. Contacting a local dog behaviourist could help to relieve this.