• Learned response taught by older dogs to younger puppies • Rare and/or critical diseases or health issues like severe intestinal malabsorption, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and the compulsive behavior disorder, Pica (ingestion of non-food items other than feces) The latter possibilities are rare, so pet owners should understand poop-eating is seldom the mark of a significant, health issue. On the human front, a poop-eating dog does present a threat to a human household since dogs can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and infectious parasites in their stomachs without signs of illness. It is possible these threats can be passed on to family members via a dog’s tongue when it licks its humans. Better Safe Than Sorry If a poop-eating dog worries its owner, it is best to get it checked out by your veterinarian. Typically, a vet will discover no abnormal findings in a physical exam, but it will give a chance for the dog owner to discuss the animal’s behavior. Feces-eating may be infrequent or constant with a long-standing history since puppyhood or a more recent development. Dogs may eat their own feces, other dogs’, or other species’ poop, especially cat poop. Poop-eating can even increase in the winter when feces are frozen and they become more obvious in a cold, snowy environment. Of course, owners should be sure to share any other symptoms like weight loss, ravenous appetite, diarrhea, intestinal rumbling, and flatulence with their vet. Acute onset in an older dog may indicate an abnormality in endocrine function or a cognitive dysfunction. Generally, regular wellness screenings will help a vet determine if a real problem exists. If they suspect feces- eating is being caused by an abnormality, the veterinarian may call
for basic lab diagnostics; a CBC, serum chemistry, urinalysis and fecal analysis for parasites, and perhaps even a thyroid profile. Since a dog can pick up parasites and worms from eating poop, a stool analysis twice a year is a good idea. Common and normal behavior in many dogs, coprophagia does not arouse suspicion of a dietary, physical, or behavioral abnormality in most cases. Its onset may be associated with a change in diet or environment, but the behavior will often persist even after the situation goes back to normal. Treatment Presents Challenges Whether it stems from some ancestral trait or new adventures in dining, breaking a canine from eating poop can be a tough road. Quite simply, dogs like this behavior and it offers immediate rewards. Behavior modification is difficult and may not be successful for the long term. A wealth of ideas and plans exist to nip poop-eating in the bud, but many are hard for most people to follow for a lengthy period. The Clinical Veterinary Advisor cites seven effective methods for curbing coprophagia. 1. Attention to yard hygiene - If there is no poop, there is nothing to eat. 2. Removing access to cat litter boxes - Being able to elevate or place cat boxes in areas a dog cannot access helps eliminate the desire. 3. Train the dog to defecate on command and return immediately - This will require some consistent, well-managed training with a positive reward system. 4. Use a remote-activated spray collar to interrupt behavior - In this situation, an owner must always be on the watch when a dog is outside. 5. Use a head restraint/muzzle on walks to redirect the behavior - Effective, but often messy if the dog manages to find some feces before being redirected. 6. Address any issues related to
separation anxiety and poor environment - This may involve a lot of trial and error to find the most workable solution. 7. Client education of normal dog behavior and avoiding abandonment issues - Dog parents need reassurance poop-eating is not grounds for giving up an animal. Other methods to stop coprophagia include improving a dog’s diet with digestive enzyme and probiotic/ prebiotic supplements. Probiotic product choice recommendations would be Puppy Booster, Probiocin® Oral Pet Gel, NaturVet® Digestive Enzymes powder, and Proviable®- DC. A prebiotic recommendation is Synacore® Digestive Support for dogs. Another recommendation is to engage the dog’s brain and ease boredom through exercise and play. A busy pet is less likely to seek out yard snacks. The Nina Ottoson line of dog toys are designed to stimulate dogs and decrease boredom. Several choices would be DogFinder, DogSpinny, DogTwister, and DogTornado. An additional product designed to deter dogs from eating their poop is NaturVet® Coprophagia Stool Eating Deterrent, Plus Breath Aid. In It For The Long Term Treatment for dogs with coprophagia is guarded for complete cessation of this behavior. However, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the poop eating through behavior modification and environmental management and potentially eliminate it with the right approach. Starting young, along with offering a dog (of any age) plenty of the right stuff helps limit their desire to eat feces. Dog owners can reduce access to poop and prevent the initial ingestion of feces as part of its exploratory behavior. Providing dogs with adequate diet, exercise, and socialization should help reduce the likelihood of coprophagia due to boredom, acting out, or neglect. Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 24
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog