Help with poo-eating (coprophagia)

Hi everyone, I’ve heard that there are natural pineapple-based products that can change the smell of their poo.

Hi, To add to Manon’s already very thorough post, there is a spray you can add to their food (such as Copronat) which changes the scent of their stools. For some dogs—though not all of them—it acts as an excellent deterrent and helps stop the poo-eating. Keep in mind this only works to change the smell of the treated dog's own stools, not the poo of other dogs. Of course, as Manon explained, you should look for any underlying cause behind this coprophagia (if there is one) so you can treat the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. This spray is therefore intended for purely behavioural issues, once any medical concerns have been ruled out by a vet. There are also dietary supplements available (such as Ascopet) which are also known to reduce the frequency of poo-eating. Best regards, Camille

We need more information, such as the pup's exact age.

If it's a dietary issue, you could supplement their dry food with small pieces of very ripe banana (organic, of course, as all bananas should be); it's rich in potassium.

If it's behavioural, you actually need to give them a bit of a telling off.

Thank you so much for your help,

 

I’ve been advised to use a specialised anti-coprophagia supplement, but I’m worried it might actually make the situation worse. On top of that, I’m not sure how to balance their nutrients. In any case, I’ll be going to see a vet.

 

Hi there, 

 

There are several different reasons why your dog might be eating their own poo (coprophagia). Firstly, it could be down to their diet. If a dog's nutritional needs aren't being met by their food, they sometimes turn to faeces to look for extra nutrients. In some cases, it can stem from poor nutrition when they were puppies; even if they are on a balanced diet now, the behaviour can become an ingrained habit that is quite hard to break. Because of this, it is worth double-checking that the food you are giving them is well-balanced and provides all the nutrients they need. If you're unsure, you could always have a chat with your vet or a specialist vet nutritionist to find the best diet for your dog’s specific needs. 

 

Coprophagia can also be a sign of underlying medical issues, such as digestive upset or parasites (worms). If this behaviour is happening frequently or has started out of the blue, definitely book an appointment with your vet to rule out any health problems.

 

To discourage the habit, try to pick up after them as quickly as possible, while distracting them so they don't dive straight for it. To do this, you can offer them something they love, like some high-value treats or a favourite ball. Getting rid of the habit can be difficult, but with plenty of patience and persistence, it is usually possible to reduce or even prevent it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Manon