Care & how-to
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? And How to Stop It
Dogs eat poop, a habit vets call coprophagia, mostly because of instinct, curiosity, boredom, or because it gets a reaction. It is very common in puppies and often fades by about nine months of age. Some adult dogs keep doing it. It is rarely a sign of illness, but parasites and some medical problems can drive it, so a vet check is a sensible first step.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 9, 20264 min read2 sources
Why dogs eat poop
Dogs are natural scavengers, and to a dog, stool is just another strongly scented item worth investigating. Mother dogs clean up after their puppies by eating their waste, which keeps the den clean, and puppies may copy that behavior as they explore with their mouths. Cat litter boxes are a common target, because cat stool is rich in protein and fat.
In adult dogs, boredom, confinement, and spending long periods alone are linked with poop eating. So is anxiety, including dogs who were punished harshly during house training and learned to hide the evidence. Some dogs simply discover that eating poop makes their owner rush over, which makes it a reliable way to get attention.
Why do puppies eat their poop?
Puppies investigate everything by mouth, and many go through a stage of eating their own or other dogs' stool. In most puppies it is a phase that fades with age, consistent supervision, and good house training, often by around nine months old.
The best approach is to make it hard to practice. Take your puppy out on a leash for potty breaks, clean up straight away, and reward them warmly for coming to you after they go. Avoid scolding, which can make some puppies gulp the evidence faster.
Medical causes to rule out
Although most cases are behavioral, ask your vet to check for intestinal parasites, which are common, especially in puppies and newly adopted dogs. Conditions that cause poor digestion or absorption of food, a sudden increase in appetite from diabetes or other hormone problems, and some medicines, such as steroids, can all make dogs hungrier and more likely to scavenge.
A dog who starts eating stool suddenly in later life, or who is also losing weight, has diarrhea, or seems constantly hungry, should be checked promptly. An underfed dog, or one on a diet that does not meet their needs, may scavenge more too.
Is eating poop harmful?
Eating their own fresh stool is usually not dangerous for a healthy dog, but it is unpleasant and can cause bad breath and mild stomach upsets. Eating other animals' stool carries more risk, because it can pass on intestinal worms, giardia, and other infections, especially from wildlife or unknown dogs.
Stool from animals given certain medicines can also carry drug residues. Cat litter can cause a blockage if a lot is swallowed. If your dog regularly eats wildlife or other dogs' stool, ask your vet whether more frequent deworming is a good idea.
How to stop a dog eating poop
Step 1: Clean up immediately, every time, in the yard and on walks, so there is nothing to find. A long-handled pooper scooper, such as this dog toilet picker, makes quick pickup easier in the yard, and poop bags cover walks. Step 2: Keep your dog on a leash during potty breaks and walk them away as soon as they finish, then give a tasty treat. This builds a habit of turning to you rather than to the stool.
Step 3: Teach a strong leave-it and a reliable recall, practicing often with low-value items before using them near stool. Step 4: Put the litter box where your dog cannot reach it, such as behind a baby gate. Step 5: Give more exercise, puzzle feeders, and chew toys to reduce boredom. Ask your vet before trying deterrent products added to food.
When to call your vet
Book a vet visit if poop eating starts suddenly in an adult dog, if it comes with weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, or a big increase in appetite, or if your dog eats stool from other animals often. Bring a stool sample so your vet can check for parasites.
For ongoing behavioral cases, your vet can also refer you to a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist, who can help with anxiety or attention-seeking that may be driving the habit.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Why do dogs eat their own poop?
Usually instinct, boredom, curiosity, or attention-seeking, and sometimes anxiety. Puppies often grow out of it. Parasites, poor digestion, or a big appetite from illness or medicine can also contribute, so ask your vet.
Will my puppy grow out of eating poop?
Most puppies grow out of it, often by around nine months, especially with quick cleanup, leashed potty breaks, and rewards for coming to you. If it continues, talk to your vet or a trainer.
Does pineapple stop dogs eating poop?
There is little evidence that pineapple or other food additions work reliably. Cleaning up straight away, supervision, and training make the biggest difference. Check with your vet before adding anything to your dog's food.
Can my dog get sick from eating poop?
Yes, particularly from other animals' stool, which can carry worms, giardia, and other infections. Keep your dog's deworming current, and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea follows.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
