If there is one habit owners all agree is unpalatable, it is coprophagy. Coprophagy is the eating of stools. Dogs will happily devour the feces of rabbits, deer, geese, horses, cats and other (or their own) species. While there is no real danger from eating the stools of many animals, danger does lie in sampling from the kitty litter box and dining on doggy doo doo. Dog and cat feces are homes to possibly dangerous parasites.
Dogs eat stools for a variety of reasons. At one point, veterinarians believed eating poop was the result of a vitamin deficiency. This is rarely the case today. In the past, however, the ancestors of dogs ate the feces of other species to replenish vitamins. It does not apply to devouring cat or dog doo doo. It is applicable to the eating of rabbit or deer excrement.
There are other more probable reasons. Dogs eat poop because they are bored. They may be anxious or stressed. Your dog may be following a pattern of another dog. Mothers do eat the feces of their puppies to keep the litter whelping box clean. Another dog may eat poop. In this case, eating excrement is an acquired and learned behaviour.
There is also one other possible explanation. It is all a matter of taste. Your dog, for some reason or other simply likes the taste. He or she may be specific in their preference. Some like cat poop while others prefer dog. In some instances, they eat it fresh. Others wait a day or two. In any instance, this behaviour is unhealthy. There are possible serious health issues for both you and your pet.
There is no doubt about two facts concerning this nasty habit. It is unhealthy. It is also difficult to break. The longer the pattern of eating continues, the harder it is to stop. This is doubly or triply so if there are more than one dog participating. Have no illusions. Preventing your pup from eating feces is no simple task.
The most basic of courses to take is a direct approach. You take poop off the list of readily available snacks. You do this by cleaning up immediately after your dog. If he or she defecates in your back yard, you have two choices. You can clean up immediately. You can also bring the dog in immediately and clean up afterwards. In either scenario, you have to be there to make sure the dog is not enjoying a quick snack. You must not give the dog time to eat any of it.
Another option is to sprinkle something your dog hates on the poop. This may or may not always get the right results. Some dogs quickly become adapted to the taste. A variation is to give the dog something that makes all his feces unpalatable. Again, this is not always successful. You are better off to step up the poop control and never leave your dog alone with any feces.
Some trainers recommend aversion therapy using a combination of positive reinforcement and alternative behaviour. In some models, the dog associates the poop with a negative and the action of abstinence with a positive. Of course, all some dogs require is more attention, more toys and supervision.
If it is cat poop your dog fancies, a remedy is easier. You block off access to the kitty litter box. While keeping it cleaner, you also make sure dog does not have it as an alternative snack bar. You make it off-limits by raising it or placing it in a place where the dog does not or cannot go.
Whatever methods you choose, you do need to address the issue. Poop eating dogs are at risk for parasites. You, also, are susceptible to health issues. Just think how often the dog licks your face. This is a serious problem. If need be, consult an expert and follow his or her advice.
Content provided by Gary Hamilton of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for new specials on discount dog clothing online.
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