Coprophagia

Coprophagia

(stool eating)

This is a common problem with dogs and the first step in correcting this behavior is understanding why it occurs. Here are some of the reasons for Coprophagia.

– Being Underfed

– Fed a poor quality food therefore suffering from malnutrition and or vitamin     deficiencies.

– Medical problem that causes a decrease in the absorption of nutrients or  causes gastrointestinal upset.

– Large amounts of undigested food material in stool

– Medication that increases the dogs appetite

–  The dog is kept in too small of an area.  Feces gather up and become stressful  to the dog.  This can happen even in a large area.

– If the dog is bored and has nothing else to stimulate him.

To correct this problem start by creating a stool schedule. Most dogs defecate the same amount of times that they are fed. Feed your dog the same amount of food at the same time each day.  Find a consistent elimination spot then walk your dog to it every 15 minutes until he eliminates. If he has not eliminated after 5 min. take him back inside and crate or tether him under a close watch.  After 15 min. repeat until he eliminates. If he begins to smell his stool interrupt him but do not scare him.

Remember to leave your dog with interactive toys such as Kongs stuffed with treats or peanut butter when you leave.

As always sufficient exercise before placing him in his area will be extremely helpful in treating this unwanted behavior.

There are a wide variety of products available through your vet that can be added to your dogs food to make the stool unpalatable.  But use this only as a last resort.