Skip to main content

Experts explain how to stop a dog from eating stool

As much fun as our dogs can be, living with one can be, well, downright embarrassing sometimes. Greeting human guests with a cold nose to the crotch. Mounting other dogs at the dog park. Drinking from the toilet. Scooting across the carpet. And, of course, eating dog poop.

Dogs are animals, after all. And while we can’t expect our four-legged family members to abandon all their canine characteristics just to live harmoniously with their humans, there are definitely times when an intervention is in order. Eating stool just might be one of them.

Recommended Videos

Does your dog eat poop? Here’s what the experts say you should do.

fawn pug lying on floor
Image used with permission by copyright holder

First of all … is this normal?

The technical term for dogs’ eating their stool (or any dog’s stool) is called coprophagia. And, as gross as it sounds, it’s actually considered normal behavior in young puppies. It’s also quite common.

“Experts believe there may be some instinctual drive behind the habit,” says Dr. Laura Robinson, veterinary adviser for Pawp and a small-animal vet in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. “This is because when dogs eat feces, it may help some healthy bacteria get into their intestines and help ensure normal gastrointestinal tract development and start a healthy microbiome. Unfortunately, it can become a habit and sometimes can be difficult to treat.”

What causes this behavior?

Robinson says puppies often learn this behavior from their mothers, because dog moms lick their puppies’ genitals to stimulate their bowels and bladders. But if the activity continues as the puppy grows into an adult, there may be some medical and behavioral reasons behind the habit, making it difficult to treat.

Poor diet and issues such as diabetes, liver disease, and anemia are common medical reasons behind this habit; however, behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, stress, and boredom are more common. And, believe it or not, some dogs simply develop a taste for feces and enjoy eating it.

white dog black nose
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to break the habit

While eating their own poop is relatively harmless, the feces of other animals (wild rabbits, geese, feral cats) might contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Regardless of whose poop your pup is consuming, the very first thing to do is make an appointment with your veterinarian. She will examine him thoroughly to rule out any medical issues. If there are no medical reasons for your dog’s unsavory habit, the next thing to do is stop the behavior.

“Essentially, the best way to beat coprophagia depends on whose poop it is,” Ali Smith, CEO and founder at Rebarkable, says. “If it’s their own? The most efficient way to break the habit is to consistently pick up after them. Make the poop unavailable for a solid few weeks, and the habit will slowly die away.”

Conversely, if your dog is in the habit of raiding the family cat’s litter box, consider putting it in an area of the house that’s inaccessible to your dog. That might mean putting it behind a gated area or on an elevated platform that your dog can’t reach. And watch your dog when he’s outside, especially if he’s in the habit of eating other animals’ poop. Keep him on a leash whenever possible and redirect his attention with a toy or acceptable treat if he tries to eat something he shouldn’t.

Other suggestions for breaking the habit include:

  • Make his poop less desirable by sprinkling a product like FOR-BID or hot sauce on it.
  • Combat his boredom by providing some additional physical and mental stimulation.
  • Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Ask her if changing his food or adding supplements like probiotics to each meal would be worthwhile.

Above all, don’t punish your dog for this behavior. After all, his ancestors were scavengers, so foraging for food is in his DNA. And rest assured, you’re in good company. Although there aren’t many studies on this behavior, experts estimate as many as 23% of dogs have been caught eating poop at least once. Plus, most puppies grow out of this habit naturally.

Even so, be sure to practice really good hygiene while you’re breaking your dog of this habit. His slobbery kisses could be harboring bacteria and parasites that can make you sick, so wash your hands thoroughly anytime you come in contact with his mouth or saliva. Come to think of it, now might be an excellent time to teach him how to sit and shake hands.

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
7 dog training podcasts we’re obsessed with
Podcasts can help any pet parent with training their pooch
Australian cattle dog wearing a pink bandana stands on the grass

There are times every pet parent feels as though they’re out of depth or coming up short in regards to their pet. Whether it’s a behavioral problem, a health concern, or simply how to find the right doggie daycare, wouldn’t it be great to have an expert on speed dial to give you advice and reassure you that you're doing just fine?

Unless you happen to know an expert personally, podcasts are a great way to get this advice and reassurance. When it comes to dog training, podcasts feature a variety of experts who can help any pet parent, and there are enough to last a lifetime! Wondering which dog training podcasts to start with? Here are our favorite ones!
Animal Training Academy

Read more
How to treat a dog ear infection without a vet: Simple and effective solutions
Diagnosing, treating, and preventing ear infections in dogs
A person's hand scratches a golden retriever's ear

Most people have dealt with ear discomfort at some point in their lives, so it's easy to empathize when a furry friend starts scratching at their ears. Sometimes, the problem is rather obvious, but other ear maladies require a bit more exploration. Whether it's an annoying itch or a full-blown ear infection, you may be tempted to take your dog to the vet. Fortunately, many dog ear infections can be effectively treated at home, which saves you precious time and money. Not to mention, it's way less stressful for your dog, too.
Here's what to know about your dog's ears and how to treat a dog ear infection without a vet.

How common are dog ear infections?

Read more
Can dogs eat kale? What to know about feeding this ‘superfood’ for humans to pups
Why feeding dogs kale may not be the best idea
A couple in a whitewashed kitchen looking at a laptop as a husky jumps up

The wellness industry made kale happen in the 2010s, a seemingly impossible feat considering the leafy green vegetable leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. However, unlike some GOOP-driven wellness trends, kale has many health benefits for humans. Adding kale to smoothies, salads, and chip recipes nets people numerous nutrients, including folate, fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. The vegetable can boost bone and heart health and lower the risk of other diseases.

Kale has also become a part of homemade dog food diets. Naturally, you want your dog to have a long, happy life, and a nutritious diet is a pillar of canine health (humans, too!). Yet, "superfoods" for humans pose health risks for pets (nice to see you there, avocado). Can dogs eat kale? Should they? The answer might surprise you.
Can dogs eat kale?

Read more