We went to look at some Westie pups and they were so adorable but I noticed while I was talking with the breeder that 2 of them used the bathroom and then ate their poo. It was pretty disgusting! Is this something they grow out of? Is it a sign of a deficiency, etc? We are still going to get the puppy (I can't wait!) but I am just wondering if I am going to have a pooeater or not! FYI, the pups were about 5 wks old when I saw them last and will she will be 9 wks old when I bring her home.
2006-12-04 13:31:11 · 14 answers · asked by Jenn 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
some dogs just eat poop.
my shih tzu did it, but not anymore. only as a pup. some grow out of it, otehrs dont.
supposedly, you can get powder to "make the poop taste bad" from the vet, but im pretty sure if a dog eats poop not much will taste bad to it. lol
dont let her lik your face, but you can let her lick your enemies faces.
and hey, she cleans up after herself. you cant teach intelligence like that. lol
if you just yell at her when she does it she'll prolyl stop. little dogs dont lik conflict with us big guys. lol
have fun with the new pup!
2006-12-04 13:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that's what the mothers do when the pups are born to keep things clean. Since the litter is usually living in a small area, like a box, the mother eats the puppies droppings to keep the area clean. The pups see so they do. Most grow out of it.
2006-12-04 21:38:30 · answer #2 · answered by Hawkeye4077 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is actually very common. It's called "cophragia", and while it's disgusting, it's not normally harmful, unless they are eating another dog's stool... this can lead to all sorts of nasty things (worms, coccidia, etc.). Many doggies grow out of it, but many don't. The best bet is to keep the yard clean, so that they won't be tempted. You can also distract them (yell, pennies in a can, etc.) when the try to eat it. Finally, you can put "Accent" (monosodium glutamate) or (better option) a product called "S.E.P." (Stop Eating Poop) from Solid Gold into their food. These products give the stool a nasty taste (did it taste good originally???), that dogs don't like. Of course, if you don't like "puppy breath", you've got a built-in cure going here!
2006-12-04 21:38:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It is not unusual for a dog to eat their or another dogs feces. YUCK. It is not any type of a deficiency, they just do it. There is powder or capsules that you can give to your dog to prevent it from eating its poo. I think it either makes it taste bad or smell bad, but either way, it does help prevent them from doing it. I am sure you will be taking puppy for a well puppy check at your vet and when you do, ask your vet what he suggests to prevent the pup from doing this. Probably cleaning it up right away will be one thing, but ask about the food additive I mentioned above.
2006-12-04 21:37:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If the pups were still in the whelping box it's normal. House Keeping....the mom is probably cleaning up after her puppies the same way.
2006-12-04 21:44:20 · answer #5 · answered by lolasmom19 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is normal and she will not do it when you bring her home the breeder is feeding her a high protien meal which tastes good going in as well as going out. she will be fine enjoy your pup invest in vinegar and a crate for training vineager and water mix for her messes takes the smell up and she will not go there again
2006-12-04 21:38:58 · answer #6 · answered by singleandback 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Poor little puppies. This is sometimes done when they do not get enough to eat and are hungry. Adult dogs do this to hide it when they have been punished for pooping. When you buy your puppy just make sure to feed it regularly and do not leave the poop when it can eat it.
2006-12-04 21:35:47 · answer #7 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That sounds like the mother is either running out of milk, and they're eating that, i know its disgusting but they don't know any better, Or, She is weaning them and they are eating it instead. Either way, they don't know anybetter, you'll just have to break him/her out of it, feed thim/her canned food for a while. It should work.
2006-12-04 21:34:38 · answer #8 · answered by Alxias 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some puppies do eat poop for whatever reason is unclear. And yes, they grow out of it.
2006-12-04 21:34:56 · answer #9 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
don't worry ! It happened to some of my dogs at puppy age. They are just very young they will grow out of it very quik!!!
2006-12-04 21:35:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋