Why Is My Dog Eating Poop? Causes, Risks and How to Stop It

By Dr Duncan Houston

Quick Answer

Dogs eat poop due to behavioural reasons such as boredom, habit, or anxiety, or medical causes like parasites, poor digestion, or underlying disease. While eating their own stool is often not harmful, it should still be addressed and investigated if persistent.

As a veterinarian, I treat coprophagia as a behaviour with a cause, not just a bad habit, because it can sometimes signal underlying health or dietary issues.

It is one of the least appealing behaviours dogs can have.

If your dog is eating poop, you are not alone. It is surprisingly common and, while unpleasant, it is usually fixable once you understand why it is happening.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

There is rarely just one reason. In many cases, it is a mix of behaviour, environment, and sometimes medical factors.

Nutritional Issues or Poor Digestion

Some dogs may eat stool if their diet is not being fully digested or absorbed.

Possible reasons include:

• Low-quality or poorly digestible food

• Malabsorption conditions

• Enzyme deficiencies

• Increased appetite from underlying disease

The idea is that the stool may still contain nutrients, making it appealing to the dog.

Boredom or Under-Stimulation

Dogs left alone or lacking mental stimulation may develop unusual habits.

This can include:

• Exploring and eating stool out of boredom

• Turning it into a repetitive behaviour

• Using it as a way to engage with their environment

Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Some dogs learn that eating poop gets a reaction.

Even a negative reaction, like yelling or chasing, can reinforce the behaviour if the dog sees it as attention.

Stress or Anxiety

Dogs experiencing stress may develop coping behaviours.

This is especially common in:

• Rescue dogs

• Dogs punished for toileting indoors

• Dogs with separation anxiety

In some cases, dogs eat stool to “hide evidence,” particularly if they have been punished previously.

Learned Behaviour in Puppies

Puppies are more likely to explore with their mouths and may copy behaviour they observe.

Mother dogs naturally clean up after their puppies, and some young dogs imitate this behaviour.

Medical Conditions

Certain conditions can increase appetite or alter behaviour.

These include:

• Parasites

• Diabetes

• Cushing’s disease

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

• Chronic gastrointestinal disease

If the behaviour is new or excessive, medical causes should always be considered.

Is Eating Poop Dangerous?

It depends on what type of stool your dog is eating.

Eating Their Own Stool

Usually not harmful, but still not ideal and should be addressed.

Eating Other Animals’ Stool

This carries higher risk.

Potential issues include:

• Parasites such as worms or Giardia

• Bacterial infections

• Digestive upset

Cat feces are particularly attractive to dogs due to their higher fat content, but can commonly lead to stomach upset.

First Step: Rule Out Medical Causes

If your dog suddenly starts eating poop, or the behaviour is frequent, a medical check is important.

Your vet may recommend:

• Fecal testing for parasites

• Blood tests

• Diet review

• Assessment of weight and body condition

Do not assume it is purely behavioural without checking first.

How to Stop Your Dog Eating Poop

Addressing the behaviour requires consistency and management.

Immediate Cleanup

The simplest and most effective step.

• Remove stool as soon as possible

• Prevent access before the behaviour happens

If the opportunity is gone, the behaviour cannot occur.

Teach a Strong “Leave It”

Training is key.

• Reward your dog for ignoring stool

• Reinforce the behaviour consistently

• Practice in controlled situations first

Redirect Immediately

After your dog finishes toileting:

• Call them away

• Reward with treats, toys, or praise

• Create a new habit that replaces the behaviour

Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

A tired, engaged dog is far less likely to develop repetitive habits.

• Regular walks

• Sniffing and exploration

• Training games

• Interactive toys

Manage the Environment

Set your dog up to succeed.

• Supervise outdoor time

• Use leads if needed

• Limit access to litter boxes or other animals’ waste

Do Supplements Help?

Some products aim to make stool less appealing.

These may help in certain situations, particularly in multi-dog households, but they are rarely a complete solution on their own.

They work best when combined with:

• Training

• Environmental control

• Consistent cleanup

What Not to Do

• Do not punish your dog

• Do not chase or react dramatically

• Do not ignore sudden changes in behaviour

Punishment often increases anxiety and can make the behaviour worse or more secretive.

When to See a Vet

You should seek veterinary advice if:

• The behaviour starts suddenly

• It is frequent or compulsive

• Your dog is losing weight or always hungry

• There are signs of digestive upset

• You suspect parasites

• The behaviour does not improve with training

Final Thoughts

Eating poop is unpleasant, but it is usually not random.

Whether it is boredom, habit, stress, or an underlying health issue, there is always a reason behind it. Once you identify the cause, the behaviour becomes much easier to manage and correct.

FAQs

Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?
It is common, but not ideal. It usually reflects behaviour, environment, or an underlying issue.

Can eating poop make my dog sick?
Yes, especially if it is from another animal. There is a risk of parasites and bacteria.

Do supplements stop poop eating?
They can help in some cases, but they are most effective when combined with training and proper management.

If your dog has developed this habit, tracking when it happens and what triggers it can help identify patterns quickly. The ASK A VET™ app can help you monitor behaviour and decide when further investigation is needed.