Pooch and Mutt's expert trainer, Jon, is here to explore why your puppy has the urge to eat poop, and what you can do to stop it.
Dogs and puppies alike can suffer with this habit and some point in their life, and many dog owners will agree that is one of the less glamorous parts of being a dog parent. That said, if it's a habit your puppy has recently picked up, it's important to deter them and break it as soon as possible.
Stopping a puppy from eating poop
- The act of puppies and dogs eating poop is officially called Coprophagia.
- Coprophagia can be instinctive behaviour. Puppies eat their own poo to hide their scent from potential predators or they may be copying their mother who does it to clean the den or pen.
In more serious cases, puppy might not be getting enough food, has a vitamin deficiency or their food isn’t fulfilling their dietary needs. Other reasons can include stress, anxiety, boredom and lack of mental stimulation.
- When it comes to training puppies not to eat poop, you should never discipline them for it.
- Picking it up is the best start, prevention being easier than the cure. Make sure you clean up after your puppy and any other household pets straight away.
- Keep a close eye on your puppy in the garden and you can also put them on a training leash to help you supervise them.
- You don’t need to see a vet the instant you see your puppy chow down on poop but if it continues for a few days then it is worth checking there isn’t an underlying medical reason.
- Also consider consulting with a puppy food specialist and make sure that what you are feeding your puppy is appropriate for its breed, age and lifestyle.
- If your puppy is eating poo because it is hungry, consider a slow feeder bowl to slow them down and help them feel full.
- Also consider your puppy’s daily routine and making sure they're are full enriched and mentally stimulated to avoid unwanted behaviour stemming from boredom.
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