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💩 Why Does My Dog Eat Its Own Poop? Causes, Fixes & When to Speak to a Vet
If you’ve caught your dog eating its own poop (or another animal’s), you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not the only one grossed out. This behaviour, called coprophagia, is surprisingly common among dogs. While it may seem disgusting, it can be a sign of behavioural issues, nutritional deficiencies, or even medical problems.
In this guide, we’ll break down why dogs eat poop, what you can do to stop it, and when to speak to a vet — including via a $49 online consult through Dial A Vet, with no clinic visit needed.
🐶 Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
1. Instinctual Behaviour
- Mother dogs often lick and eat their puppies’ poop to keep the den clean.
- Puppies may mimic this, especially when young, but usually grow out of it.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
- Dogs lacking certain nutrients (like vitamin B, fibre, or enzymes) may try to “recycle” waste to absorb more nutrients.
- This can happen with poor-quality dog food or absorption issues.
3. Boredom or Anxiety
- Dogs left alone or under-stimulated may engage in odd behaviours like poop-eating.
- It's common in dogs with separation anxiety or lack of enrichment.
4. Medical Conditions
- Coprophagia can be linked to:
- Parasites
- Diabetes
- Cushing’s disease
- Malabsorption disorders
- These issues increase appetite or change digestion, leading to unusual eating behaviour.
5. Attention-Seeking
- Some dogs learn that eating poop gets a big reaction from their humans — and they repeat it for attention.
6. Poor House Training or Punishment
- Dogs who were scolded for accidents may eat their stool to “hide the evidence.”
❌ Is It Dangerous?
Eating poop can expose dogs to parasites, bacteria, and viruses, especially if it’s not their own (e.g. cat litter, wildlife droppings).
Watch for signs like:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Worms in stool
- Lethargy
If any of these occur, book a vet consult immediately.
✅ How to Stop Poop-Eating
- Clean up immediately: Don’t give your dog the chance.
- Enrich their environment: Boredom is a major trigger.
- Add fibre or enzyme supplements: Helps dogs feel full and improves digestion.
- Try deterrent products: Some make stool taste unpleasant (e.g. For-Bid, CoproBan).
- Feed high-quality food: Ensure nutritional needs are being met.
- Train with positive reinforcement: Teach “leave it” and reward good behaviour.
👩⚕️ When to Speak to a Vet
Book a consult with Dial A Vet if your dog:
- Is eating poop regularly or obsessively
- Shows signs of worms or illness
- Is a senior or has known health conditions
- Has a sudden change in appetite or behaviour
💡 Our vets can assess your dog via video and recommend over-the-counter products or dietary adjustments — no in-person exam needed in most cases.
💬 Final Thoughts
As gross as it is, poop-eating is often fixable with the right support. Whether it’s behavioural, nutritional, or medical, understanding the cause is the first step. You don’t have to figure it out alone — a vet can help get your dog (and your sanity) back on track.
🐾 Speak to an Australian Vet From Home
Tired of the poop problem? Book a $49 online consultation with Dial A Vet. Our licensed Australian vets will help you understand the cause and recommend safe, effective solutions — without the clinic trip.
👉 Book Now
🧠 FAQs
Q1: Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?
It’s common, but not ideal. Most cases are behavioural or diet-related and can be corrected.
Q2: Can my dog get sick from eating poop?
Yes — especially if it contains parasites or bacteria from other animals.
Q3: Do dogs grow out of it?
Puppies sometimes do, but adult dogs often need help breaking the habit.
Q4: Will changing food help?
Possibly — better nutrition and added fibre can reduce the urge.
Q5: Can I treat this at home?
Yes — but it's best to get vet advice to rule out medical issues first.
📚 Citations
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2023). Canine Coprophagia and Behavioural Health. Retrieved from https://www.ava.com.au
- RSPCA Australia. (2022). Common Dog Behaviour Issues. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.au
- MSD Veterinary Manual. (2023). Coprophagia in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.msdvetmanual.com
