It’s one of the grossest things a dog can do — yet many pups happily munch on poop like it’s no big deal. As strange (and stomach-turning) as it seems, there are actually lots of reasons dogs do this.
Here’s why it happens — and how you can help your dog stop.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Believe it or not, there isn’t just one reason. Dogs eat poop (a behavior called coprophagia) for several medical, behavioral and instinctual reasons.
1. They Learn It From Their Moms
As gross as it sounds, mother dogs often lick the rear ends of their puppies to help them go to the bathroom and to keep the den clean. In the process, they sometimes ingest feces.
Puppies can pick up this behavior simply by watching and imitating their mothers — the same way we sometimes unconsciously copy our parents’ habits.
This is especially common in young puppies and kittens and is considered a normal early-life behavior.
2. It Can Help Build Gut Health in Puppies
Puppies aren’t born with the bacteria they need in their digestive systems. Eating feces can introduce beneficial bacteria and help kickstart a healthy gut.
In other words, for young puppies, it can actually serve a purpose — even if it makes us cringe.
3. Medical Conditions Can Trigger It
As dogs get older, persistent poop eating is more likely tied to medical issues or nutritional deficiencies.
Conditions that may drive a dog to eat poop include:
- Intestinal disease
- Chronic diarrhea
- Pancreatic disorders
- Cushing’s disease
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Pica (from anemia or liver disease)
- Senility or dementia
These issues can affect digestion, absorption of nutrients or hunger levels — all things that can lead a dog to look for extra calories anywhere he can get them.
Behavioral problems like separation anxiety, stress, boredom or trying to avoid punishment can also play a role.
And of course … some dogs simply like it.
Health Risks of Poop Eating
Feces are full of bacteria and parasites, so eating poop isn’t just gross — it can make your dog sick.
Potential problems include:
- Intestinal disease
- Parasite infestations
- Exposure to medications if he eats another animal’s poop
If your dog develops an intestinal issue from poop eating, you might see:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Blood in the stool
How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop
Breaking this habit can be challenging, especially if your dog does it because he enjoys it. But you can reduce or eliminate the behavior with consistency and the right strategy.
1. Pick Up Poop Immediately
The most effective solution is simple:
Don’t give your dog a chance to eat it.
Clean up the yard ASAP, or keep your dog on a leash outside so you can stop him from turning poop into a snack.
2. Use a Feeding Schedule
A consistent feeding routine makes bathroom times more predictable — meaning you can be ready to pick up stools before your dog gets to them.
3. Try a Puzzle Feeder
If your dog is a fast eater, slowing him down may reduce his urge to look for extra calories in other places.
Puzzle feeders can:
- Provide mental stimulation
- Burn extra energy
- Slow down eating
- Improve digestion
4. Contact Your Vet
With so many possible causes, your vet is your best guide. They can:
- Rule out medical conditions
- Recommend dietary changes
- Suggest supplements or medications
- Help you create a behavior plan
Because coprophagia has many possible triggers, the best treatment depends on your dog’s personal history and health.
The Bottom Line
Watching your dog snack on poop is undeniably gross — but now you know it’s a behavior with real causes behind it. Understanding why it’s happening is the first step toward stopping it.
With consistency, management and guidance from your vet, most dogs can overcome the habit (and your stomach can finally get a break).
We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission.
