2007-07-23 14:27:00 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is called coprophagia and is considered a "normal" dog behavior. It is gross to us, though. Best thing to do is pick up her stool right away. Even the experts don't exactly know why dogs do this, but many do. They also like to eat cat, horse and rabbit poop, too!
2007-07-23 14:31:51 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Coprophagia may be a behavioural problem or secondary to a medical problem.
Coprophagia may be a type of behavioural coping mechanism for an animal that is caught in a stressful situation, such as a sudden environmental change. It can be a tactic to avoid punishment for having a bowel movement in an inappropriate area. Coprophagia can be taught to a puppy during housetraining; if the puppy is scolded or he sees the owner 'cleaning up' the bowel movement in the house, the puppy may learn to 'hide' the bowel movement by eating it. Some dogs may simply just enjoy it!
Coprophagia may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Internal parasites or diseases that affect major organ systems (such as the pancreas or thyroid gland) may cause an animal to exhibit coprophagia. Internal parasites and some diseases can prevent the absorption of dietary nutrients; therefore, the animal may remain hungry even after consuming a meal and it may turn to eating bowel movement. Also, when undigested food is excreted it includes undigested carbohydrates, protein and fat, which may still seem palatable to eat.
Dogs who eat their faeces usually do not have a dietary deficiency. "Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency," says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.
The best way to prevent the problem is to keep yards and kennels free of faeces. The most successful treatment appears to be a combination of eliminating access to faeces and using behavioural modification techniques to reward the dog for desired behaviour (positive reinforcement).
My vet recommends feeding your dog pumpkin - apparently after being passed it tastes awful and they avoid it!
2007-07-23 15:16:11 · answer #2 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs sometimes do this. You, as the trainer, need to stop it. When you are out on a walk with her, and she eats it, calmly but firmly say "NO!" and call her back to you. Tug at the leash a little bit. She needs to understand this is wrong, so try doing that.
Good luck, hope this helped!!
2007-07-23 14:32:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
because to dogs it taste good. Go to your vet and get some (forbid), it is stuff you sprinkle on their food and it makes the poop taste really bad to them. With my dogs it took a few weeks of off and on treatment of the food. Good luck.
2007-07-23 14:33:20 · answer #4 · answered by flwr5233 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
bad nutrition, cheap food, is not behavior u dog need supplement vitamins and a big bowl of eukanuva and i promise she wont do that again..
2007-07-23 15:11:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
most dogs do that. its just like an instinct. just put hot sauce or bitter apple spary on it and thei'll stop. it is TOTALLY normal. espically for the breed
2007-07-23 14:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i read that it can be because of a nutritional deficiency or just plain boredom. Good luck!
2007-07-23 14:36:16 · answer #7 · answered by satchelcat 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
can't tell you why but if you go to your vet they have a chemical that you sprinkle on it and taste terrible this is what i did with my dog and he stopped hope this helps you.
2007-07-23 14:33:52 · answer #8 · answered by RUSS H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I guess she has fond memories of her meals.
2007-07-23 14:57:13 · answer #9 · answered by puerile 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋