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Poop Stays Put - Keeping Your Pup From Eating It

As much as we adore our furry friends, a few dog habits can leave even the most devoted pet parent cringing — and poop-eating, known as coprophagia, tops the list. You're not alone if you’ve caught your pup indulging in this less-than-appetizing behavior.

Whether it’s on walks or just a yard-based scavenger hunt, your dog will find a way to eat their gross treat unless you intervene. Especially in the springtime, as more and more critters are out and about, this habit may get worse or even change—so now is an excellent time to teach your pup to avoid it.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Poo Is Not Foo-d

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? 

Before tackling the problem, it helps to understand the "why." Dogs may eat poop for several reasons:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of proper nutrients can lead dogs to seek them elsewhere — sometimes in their own waste.

• Curiosity and Instinct: Puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Some may try poop out of simple curiosity.

• Cleanliness: In multi-dog households or with mother dogs, poop-eating can be an instinctive behavior to keep their environment clean.

• Attention-Seeking: Dogs are smart — if eating poop gets a reaction from you, they may do it again to grab your attention.

How to Break the Habit

Boost Nutrition

Ensure your dog’s diet is well-balanced and meets all their nutritional needs. Consult your vet to rule out any deficiencies and consider high-quality food or supplements.

Clean Up Promptly

The simplest solution is often the most effective — remove the temptation. Clean up poop right away, whether in the yard or on walks, to prevent your dog from having the chance to snack. We will admit this is a challenge if the habit is eating something like bunny poop which is hard to see in the grass. That’s where the next tip comes in handy.

Teach the "Leave It" Command

Training your dog to "leave it" can be a game-changer. Practice at home with treats and gradually work up to using the command around more tempting distractions.

Use Taste Deterrents

Commercial products are available that make poop taste unpleasant (as if it needed any help). Adding these to your dog’s food can deter future snacking.

Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Boredom can lead to undesirable behaviors. Ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to keep their mind occupied. If your dog likes snuffling grass for wild animal poops, for example, a snuffle mat for feeding time or treats might be a worthwhile idea!

Patience and Positivity 

Breaking a habit takes time. Avoid punishment — scolding may only make the behavior worse or lead to sneaky poop-eating. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and creating a clean, enriched environment.

A Tastier Future

Every dog is unique, and solving coprophagia is often a matter of trial and error. Stay patient, stay positive, and celebrate every little victory. With consistency and love, you’ll help your pup leave this habit behind — and reclaim some much-needed fresh air in the process!

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

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Vet Recommendation — Eating Wildlife Waste Can Cause Illness

Wild animal poop can carry a host of parasites, bacteria, and viruses that pose serious health risks to your dog. Consuming feces from wildlife may expose your pup to dangerous pathogens like Giardia, E. coli, or even parvovirus. Some wild animals may also harbor worms or other internal parasites that can easily transfer to dogs through ingestion. Preventing your dog from eating wild animal poop is crucial to protecting their health and avoiding costly vet bills.

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