It’s not a comfortable topic but since every-dog does it here goes….
Don’t be shy, we’ve all had one in the family…. that’s right…. a poo eater! I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you are not alone. ‘Why does my dog eat poo?’ is a very common query here at Kalmpets. In 2012, 3000 people participated in a study to understand more about the behaviour. The results of the ground-breaking research were:
1. 1 in 5 dogs eat poo;
2. Dogs in a multi dog household are more likely to be poo-eaters;
3. Greedy eaters are more likely to be poo-eaters;
4. Sterilised dogs are more likely to be poo-eaters;
5. 30% of poos eaten are their own and;
6. Fresh stools were more desirable than stale deposits;
Fascinating right? But why I hear you cry!??
There is no nutritional value in healthy poo (surprising?!). So why do our furry friends feel so inclined to engage in this unsavoury habit? It depends on the dog’s genetic makeup, where it finds itself and what it has learnt through its lifetime. Here’s some interesting facts that may shed light on your poo eater:
1. Home Hygiene: it’s a survival mechanism to protect the family from internal parasites. Poo dropped in the den, removed by mouth prevents nasty parasites hatching and spreading.
2. Ingesting non-food items is a common form of exploration in the young pup. This may include poo-eating and typically resolves within the first 9 months of life.
3. Gastrointestinal disease: some diseases result in food being poorly digested. Poo from these individuals can still contain valuable nutrition.
4. Behavioural problems: anxious dogs or dogs that are punished in the course of toilet training may remove poo to avoid punishment.
Who are your allies when it comes to your poo eater?
The first port-of-call should be your regular veterinarian. They can rule out disease that may contribute to the behaviour. Once good health is determined the approach turns to behavioural management. The key to management relies on:
1. Addressing underlying anxiety;
2. Providing busy things to do – Boredom busters;
3 Altering the palatability of poo;
4. Dietary changes and;
5. Minimising access to poo.