Why does a dog eat feces? Causes of coprophagia

Every dog owner has experienced this situation during a walk: a moment of inattention, and our pet eagerly munches on something that definitely should not be on its menu. A dog eating feces – its own, another dog's, or sometimes even cat's – this behavior, which causes disgust and concern, has a professional name: coprophagia. To understand and solve the problem, it's important to know its causes. Why do dogs eat feces, and most importantly, how can we teach them to stop?

What is coprophagia?

Coprophagia in dogs refers to the consumption of feces. While this behavior is unacceptable to humans, in the animal world it is not always a sign of pathology. A female dog naturally eats the feces of her puppies to maintain cleanliness in the nest. However, when eating feces becomes a habit for an adult dog or persists in a growing puppy, it should be treated as a signal that something is wrong. The problem may lie in both the health and behavioral aspects.

Read on the blog: Why does a dog eat grass?

Why does a dog eat feces?

The answer to the question "why does a dog eat its feces" is complex. The causes can be very diverse, and often several of them overlap. Therefore, it's worth first understanding the underlying problem before effectively addressing it.

Dietary deficiencies and coprophagia

What vitamins is the dog lacking when it eats feces? The most commonly cited deficiencies are vitamins from the B group, as well as minerals and digestive enzymes. When food is not fully digested, its remnants in the feces may be "attractive" to the dog. To provide a complete diet for your dog, it's worth investing in high-quality food and considering targeted supplementation. A comprehensive supplement like MultivitControl from Petipharm provides the essential vitamins and minerals that support the proper functioning of the body and can help eliminate deficiencies that contribute to coprophagia.

Parasites, gastrointestinal flora disorders

A dog may eat feces when its digestive system is not functioning properly. Internal parasite infestations (worms, tapeworms) lead to nutrient absorption disorders. Even though the dog eats, it may be malnourished, which drives it to search for additional "sources" of food. The balance of gastrointestinal flora is also important, as beneficial bacteria are responsible for digestion and immunity. Their deficiency can lead to digestive problems and cause the feces to contain undigested food remnants. To support gut health, consider using ImmuneControl, an innovative probiotic supplement in sachets, designed for dogs dealing with gastrointestinal flora disorders.

Behavioral background of eating feces

If medical causes for this behavior have been ruled out, the problem is most likely behavioral:

• Boredom and stress – a dog that does not get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation may eat feces out of boredom or to relieve stress.
• Desire for attention – the dog quickly learns that eating feces causes an immediate reaction from its owner.
• Learned associations – punishing a dog for defecating indoors can lead it to eat feces to "hide the evidence" and avoid punishment.

Why does a puppy eat its feces?

It is quite common among puppies, as they explore the world through their mouths and also imitate their mother's behavior. It's important not to punish the puppy but instead immediately clean up the mess and redirect its attention to a toy or chew.

Check out the post: Diarrhea in dogs – symptoms and treatment

How to teach a dog not to eat feces?

The absolute foundation when dealing with coprophagia is a visit to the veterinarian to rule out parasites and other health issues. Next, make sure the dog's food is of high quality and, if necessary, introduce vitamin and probiotic supplementation from Petipharm to support the body from the inside. At the same time, work on training – teaching the "leave it" command and walking the dog on a leash during walks will help you control the situation and reward desired behaviors.