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Why dogs eat poo

Why dogs eat poo

Why dogs eat poo

 

Coprophagia is a term which refers to consumption of faeces.

Poo may not be a menu item for us but dogs disagree…

Why dogs eat poo?

There doesn’t seem to be one clear reason for this unpleasant behaviour.

Nutritional deficiency is commonly believed to be a reason for poo eating. However, a dog fed on a good quality complete dog food should already be getting all the nutrients they require.

According to VetWest, Coprophagia is a common problem in some puppies, which usually clears up by adulthood. VetWest says any medical problem that leads to a decrease in absorption of nutrients, causes gastrointestinal upset or causes an increase in the appeal of the dog’s stool, could lead to coprophagia. In addition, any condition that might cause an increase in appetite or an unusual appetite in adult dogs, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid disease, or treatment with certain drugs such as steroids, may lead to an increase in stool eating. More information from VetWest.

Dogs with medical problems should be treated to try and correct the underlying cause.

Other reasons for eating poo are behavioural based. Your dog may simply eat poo because it is an instinct or he finds it a pleasurable activity.

Risk of dogs eating poo

Probably the biggest concern about your dog eating poo is the risk of getting roundworm. It is therefore important to worm your dog regularly.

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