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My dog eats poop. Why? And how can I stop this behavior?

My dog eats poop. Why? And how can I stop this behavior?

Updated On January 25th, 2018

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

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Thank you for using Petcoach (now Boop)! Stool eating, also known as coprophagy, is actually quite common in puppies and in many adult dogs too. In fact, if not addressed in a timely manner, there's a risk that this unwanted behavior may end up becoming a recurring habit. There are many theories and potential reasons why dogs decide to eat their feces. These include poor digestion, boredom, stress, attention seeking, and a lack of vitamins/minerals in the diet. The latter is highly unlikely if you're feeding your dog a high quality commercial food, since these generally provide all the nutrients your dog needs. The effective way to deal with this behavior depends on the exact cause. So, it's always recommended to consult with your veterinarian.

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