Bad Eating Habits of Dogs

Just as humans sometimes have bad eating habits, a dog can also develop bad habits when it comes to foods. There are a wide range of habits a dog might develop, depending on the dog and the environment in which the dog lives. Habits form for different reasons, but once it is a habit, the owner might have a challenge trying to break the habit.

  1. Dumpster Diving Habit

    • Some dogs form a habit of taking items out of a trash can and eating from the trash. This is not only a bad habit that the dog forms, it also can be life-threatening to the dog if he eats chocolate or something not healthy for a dog. To eliminate the habit sprinkle baking soda over the trash before bed or at the time when a dog has a habit of getting into the trash, according to a Good Morning America report. The taste will discourage eating from the trash later.

    Counter and Table Food Stealer

    • While smaller dogs are not large enough to steal from the counter or table, larger dogs can form a habit of stealing food. Eliminating the problem varies depending on the situation, but typically preparing food in an area where the dog is not, or putting the dog outside in a yard while preparing food will eliminate the problem.

    Refusing to Eat

    • There are numerous reasons a dog might refuse to eat. For example, getting a large number of treats during the day, sickness or changing to a new food can result in a dog not eating. If the food is changed to something the dog does not like, change back to the original food or use the original food and gradually change to the new food by adding small amounts of the new food to the older food until the dog does not refuse the new food. If the dog does not eat due to receiving treats, cut back on the treats throughout the day. When there is no logical reason for the appetite loss, take the dog to the veterinarian for a health check.

    Pica

    • Pica is the habit of dogs to eat objects or items that are not food, such as clothing. One type of pica that is relatively common in dogs and is called coprophagy, or the eating of stool. The reason for the bad habit is unknown, but there are some ways to prevent it. For example, clean the yard so the dog cannot eat stool often or sprinkle hot sauce over any stool in the yard. Make a noise when the dog starts to eat stool or other items and give a toy when she stops.

    Begging

    • Begging is a habit formed from attention seeking. The dog wants attention, but owners interpret the sign as wanting food. After awhile, the habit is formed and begging becomes associated with food for the dog. Owners should not give food or attention when the dog starts begging. When the dog is no longer eating by begging, the behavior should stop. Owners should only give attention when the dog is not begging to avoid reinforcing begging behavior.