My friend recently got a small terrier breed puppy. It is four months old. She says that ever since she got him from the pet store, he has been trying to eat his own poop right as he is going to the bathroom. My friend said she usually just tells him 'no' in a stern tone and pushes his head away from his butt. However, he keeps doing it. She and her boyfriend take the puppy for walks everyday and have a spot for him to got to the bathroom.
Does anyone have any idea why the puppy might be doing this and ways to help make it stop? I suggested to her that the only time I have heard of house pets, especially dogs and cats, eating their own poop regularly is because of a lack of a steady and nutritious diet. She says that she has been feeding him clean and fresh water and puppy grade dog food everyday though.
2007-12-21 06:12:16 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just to clarify, my friend says the puppy is eating his own poop right as he is going to the bathroom. Meaning the puppy is trying to eat it right as it is coming out of him bottom. My friend says that he does not do this on walks and only at home.
2007-12-21 06:46:34 · update #1
If she got him from a pet store he is more than likely a puppy mill dog that hasn't has the proper nutrition or been allowed out of the cage to go potty. Feeding a high quality food, and proper training-both puppy and owner-will reduce or eliminate the feces eating. There are also pills she can get at the pet store that will help curb the eating. Picking up the poo immediately will eliminate the problem since out of sight out of mind works wonders.
2007-12-21 06:23:53 · answer #1 · answered by sun_and_moon_1973 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only reason that I can give on why a puppy would do this is because they don't know any better, however there are remedies that can be purchased from your vet or large pet store that you feed to the dog and in turn it makes the waste unappetizing (like it isn't anyway) But because this additive will not make him/her any less interested in other dogs waste these three tips can break the habit 1) Always clean up after her;get to the poop before she does 2) Keep her on a leash during the training period and if she makes a beeline for a pile, say "Leave It" in a stern voice and move her along and reward her with a small treat whenever she listens to you 3) Be patient and maybe this is just a phase and will pass but use the tips so the phase doesn't become habit. Good-Luck
2016-04-10 11:45:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be the brand of food if animals are eating there own stool I was always under the impresion that they are not digesting the food well enough and that they should be switched over to something else, I may be wrong though
2007-12-21 06:17:18 · answer #3 · answered by Lab Runner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of dogs do this. my dog is almost 4 1/2 and just until recently she has been doing the same thing. it might take a while. consider the other answers too. Hope this helps!!
2007-12-21 06:25:08 · answer #4 · answered by Girl 4 God 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog isnt eating enough nutrients in its food. Feed it better quality food. They eat it because it doubles the nutrients.
2007-12-21 06:15:36 · answer #5 · answered by Inseynium 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋