This episode explores why some dogs eat poo — a behaviour known as coprophagia. It explains the medical and behavioural reasons behind it, when it may signal an underlying health problem, and what owners can realistically do to manage or reduce the habit.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Coprophagia (Why Dogs Eat Poo)
- Coprophagia is the technical term for dogs eating faeces — their own or that of other animals.
- While unpleasant for owners, it is considered normal scavenging behaviour in many dogs.
- Dogs may eat dog, cat, horse, cow, chicken or other animal faeces — any source can be appealing.
- Some puppies learn the behaviour early by mimicking their mother, who naturally cleans and consumes puppy waste.
- Dogs raised in kennel environments may be more likely to develop the habit due to increased exposure.
- Medical causes include increased appetite from conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid issues, or pancreatic enzyme deficiencies.
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can make stools less digested and more appealing to the dog.
- If coprophagia suddenly develops in an adult dog, veterinary assessment is recommended to rule out underlying health issues.
- Behavioural triggers include boredom, lack of stimulation, anxiety, stress, confinement, and attention-seeking.
- Dogs may also eat faeces to “remove evidence” if they have been punished for toileting indoors.
- There is no reliably proven supplement or product that consistently stops poo eating.
- Feeding pineapple is a commonly suggested remedy, but results are inconsistent.
- The most effective management strategy is prompt and frequent removal of faeces from the yard.
- Providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation and environmental enrichment may reduce opportunistic eating.
- Maintaining appropriate parasite control is essential, as dogs can re-infect themselves with intestinal worms or bacteria.
- Risks include exposure to parasites (worms, coccidia, giardia) and certain bacteria such as Campylobacter or Clostridium.
- While unpleasant, coprophagia is not usually dangerous if regular parasite prevention is maintained.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:02 – 02:20 | What coprophagia is and how common it is in dogs. |
| 02:20 – 04:50 | Medical causes — hunger, enzyme deficiencies, diabetes, Cushing’s and thyroid issues. |
| 04:50 – 06:40 | Learned behaviour, kennel exposure, maternal mimicry. |
| 06:40 – 09:10 | Behavioural triggers — boredom, anxiety, punishment, attention-seeking. |
| 09:10 – 12:10 | Prevention strategies — cleaning up promptly, enrichment, diet considerations. |
| 12:10 – End | Health risks, parasite control and when to seek veterinary advice. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly or you are concerned about underlying health issues.