Coprophagia (Faeces Eating) in Dogs
Young and growing dogs have a high requirement for energy, and it has been shown that they can obtain useful additional nutrition from eating their own or other dogs faeces during this phase. However, after growth has been completed and with more attractive alternative food sources, faeces eating usually stops. However, a few individuals - especially of ‘greedy’ breeds such as Labradors, may continue with this unpleasant habit.
Coprophagia (the technical term for faeces eating) does not necessarily occur because the dog is ill or fed on an inappropriate or imbalanced diet. However, such conditions can, in a few individuals, be the reason that dogs eat their own faeces, and when corrected (i.e. the dog is wormed and put on a …show more content…
Accordingly, ensure there is plenty of action in your dogs life, with access to toys, frequent walks etc.
Repulsion
A number of preparations are available for incorporation into the diet that makes the faeces taste repulsive. Some are based on amino acids such as methionine and others are iron tablets of the sort taken by women during pregnancy. For reasons not yet understood, courgettes can also stop dogs eating their own and other dogs’ faeces.
Punishment
No amount of scolding seems to break the habit, the dog only waiting until the owner is absent before eating faeces. Punishment must be remote and seemingly related to the faeces rather than the owner (e.g. a rattle can) which can be an effective discouragement for sensitive dogs. For the more determined dog, a conditioned - aversion technique is to make the dog ill after consuming faeces.
Problem Avoidance
Coprophagia is usually a passing phase in puppies, but is made more likely if puppies are denied sufficient and easy access to food. Thus an ad lib. or generous feeding regime of an appropriate diet should prevent the problem
Young and growing dogs have a high requirement for energy, and it has been shown that they can obtain useful additional nutrition from eating their own or other dogs faeces during this phase. However, after growth has been completed and with more attractive alternative food sources, faeces eating usually stops. However, a few individuals - especially of ‘greedy’ breeds such as Labradors, may continue with this unpleasant habit.
Coprophagia (the technical term for faeces eating) does not necessarily occur because the dog is ill or fed on an inappropriate or imbalanced diet. However, such conditions can, in a few individuals, be the reason that dogs eat their own faeces, and when corrected (i.e. the dog is wormed and put on a …show more content…
Accordingly, ensure there is plenty of action in your dogs life, with access to toys, frequent walks etc.
Repulsion
A number of preparations are available for incorporation into the diet that makes the faeces taste repulsive. Some are based on amino acids such as methionine and others are iron tablets of the sort taken by women during pregnancy. For reasons not yet understood, courgettes can also stop dogs eating their own and other dogs’ faeces.
Punishment
No amount of scolding seems to break the habit, the dog only waiting until the owner is absent before eating faeces. Punishment must be remote and seemingly related to the faeces rather than the owner (e.g. a rattle can) which can be an effective discouragement for sensitive dogs. For the more determined dog, a conditioned - aversion technique is to make the dog ill after consuming faeces.
Problem Avoidance
Coprophagia is usually a passing phase in puppies, but is made more likely if puppies are denied sufficient and easy access to food. Thus an ad lib. or generous feeding regime of an appropriate diet should prevent the problem