Dogs eating their own feces, also known as coprophagia, is a nasty habit that owners find disgusting at best, especially when the mess ends up on the living room carpet or kitchen floor. Fortunately, few dogs make this a regular habit. There are many possible causes but little scientific backing for most of them.
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Dog scavaging in field
History
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Ever since man began domesticating dogs he has noticed that some of them eat their own feces, or that of other animals.
Considerations
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One thing to consider if your dog eats his feces regularly is his diet. Is he getting enough to eat? Is he getting fed often enough? These are easy to check on and may solve the problem with a growing pup. Another possibility is boredom. More playtime with a favorite toy may make a difference.
Benefits
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There is actually one time when feces eating is beneficial. When a bitch has new pups she will stimulate their systems by licking and then swallow the urine and eat the feces. This will continue until the pups are old enough to leave the bedding area. By doing this she keeps the bedding area clean and there is no scent to attract predators. This behavior will end when the pups are old enough to leave the bedding area.
Prevention/Solution
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This behavior is easier to prevent than cure. Keep the pets yard cleaned up and keep him on a leash when you are out as new smells may be all the incentive he needs to try a bite. In a young dog, punishment may help early on. This is less likely to work with an older dog.
Warning
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If you catch your dog eating feces regularly please contact your veterinarian. Your dog is at risk for a variety of health problems, including parasites and worms. These can cause serious problems if left untreated.
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