How can you stop your dog from eating his poo, when you feel like you've tried it all??? Desperate!?

Question

I've tried pills, punishment, changing dogs diet, etc. It all fails! This has been taking place the past 7 months in my home. The dog is 9 months old now also. It seems like this is his favorite thing in the world. He will even go to the bathroom in his cage, just so he can eat it. He'd take poo over a can of food any day! Not to mention who wants to keep an animal in their house who has poo breath! I feel like this dog is bringing unwanted germs into my home, as well as his whole habbit is just plain sick! Is there any answer for this? Quickly running out of patience! Am I going to have to give him away?...

Answer 1

Uh, wait, why is your dog in a cage? I had a suggestion for you, but if you are keeping your dog in a cage, the problem is mainly you, my dear. God yes, give him to someone who will actually care for him.

Answer 2

If it has you this paraniod and bent out of shape find it a new home and don't get another dog because your will have a 30% chance of ending up with another poop eater, it is a normal instinctual behaviour
-----------------
One researcher suggests that dogs who have been punished by their owners for defecating inappropriately start to think any defecation is wrong, so they try to eliminate the evidence.

Another theory is that coprophagy is a trait passed down through the ages. Dogs' cousins, the wolves and coyotes, may often eat feces if food is in short supply. Feces from herbivores (animals that eat plants for food) contain many of the B vitamins. Some researchers suggest that wolves (and some dogs) may eat feces to replenish their vitamin supply.

In some instances, coprophagy may be a behavior learned from watching other animals. It may also become a habit in the course of play and puppies having to try out the taste of everything.

There is a stage of life in which coprophagy is common and expected. Can you think of what it is? Bitches and queens normally eat the feces of their offspring. This is presumed to occur in an attempt to hide the presence of the litter from predators.

Finally, some dogs may eat feces just because it tastes good (to them).
--------------------------

in my home 3 out of 4 are, their favorite form is poopsicles and get what they all live in the home, the oldest is 10, heck a few germs is actually good for you, help to build up you immune resistance, the only time I have been sick in the last 10 years is once with the flu, I just make sure they are protected from developing intestinal worms and giardia, coccidia, and clean up the yard often so less temptation aroud from them

Many will say it is related to diet, my own gang eats a low carb grain free diet, that is highly digestible

http://www.moordair.com/jnckc/stool_eating.html

Answer 3

This is a very difficult behavior to change. Experts don't even know exactly why dogs do this. It appears to be something some dogs enjoy. Most advice is to leash walk the dog and pick up poop immediately. There is a powder called For-Bid that can be mixed in the food to make the poop taste bad. It doesn't always work but is worth a try. You might want to contact a veterinary behaviorist to help with other options. Ask your vet for a referral. He is just being a dog, please don't be angry with him!

Answer 4

Some behavioral problems can take months to correct. You may need to seek the help of a professional. You mentioned pills-what kind of pill? I assume you got these pills from your vet, although you did not mention vet advise. Talk to your vet, consider seeing a behaviorist. This particular behavior problem is usually related to stress and/or anxiety, but these are not the only causes. They often eat their feces because they do not want it in their "den". He does not consider only his kennel as his den, but your entire house.
It could be a consistency issue on your part. Be very consistent with his feedings and outside time. This could be a huge help. This is very important.
This may seem like a simple problem to you, but the resolution may be very complex-canine behavior is complex. This last thing you should do is "humanize" your dog's behavior. This is why it is very important to get the help from a professional and do not expect this problem to go away over night, so please be patient.
Start with your vet.

Answer 5

I've heard some dogs do this because their digestive systems don't break down the food well enough the first time. Eating his own poo could be his way of getting the necessary nutrients.

Answer 6

okay I have one that does the same thing and someone told me cayene pepper does the trick I will be trying this tommorow so we shall see . try that . this is a rescue dog who was kept in a cage basically for the first 2 yrs of her life and she did it to keep her cage clean . well now we are going to try this and see if it works so good luck .

Answer 7

Ask the veterinarian about it......my friends' dog only tries to eat his poo but never actually does.

Answer 8

Try meat tenderizer and deter or talk to the vet. they can give you something stronger or find out what the issue is.

Answer 9

pick up the poo before your dog can get to it. get it trained.

Answer 10

You could try picking up the poop.