Why is My Dog Eating Poop All of a Sudden?

Why is my dog eating poop all of a sudden? I found this question on Quora and wanted to give an answer. The answer is related to Border Collies but applies to any dog breed.

But before we start, I hope no one is eating while reading this article since it may become a little grossed out. Dog poop eating is not a common challenge. However, some Collie owners struggle with their dogs that are trying to eat poop. Besides the habit being gross, it can also be very dangerous to your Border Collie.

Why is My Dog Eating Poop All of a Sudden?

The diseases and bacteria in feces can really be harmful to your Collie puppy. If your Border Collie is also eating poop from other animals such as cats, other dogs and birds, then you have a  big problem.

There are a number of reasons why your dog my be eating poop. These include:

1. Natural Dog Behavior

One possible reason why dogs may eat poop is because it is a natural behavior that they exhibit in the wild. Dogs are scavengers by nature, and in the wild, they would often eat the feces of other animals in order to obtain nutrients that they may not have been able to find elsewhere. This behavior may also be seen in domestic dogs, especially those that have access to outdoor spaces where they can come into contact with animal feces.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Another possible reason why dogs may eat poop is because they are experiencing nutritional deficiencies. This can occur if a dog is not getting all of the necessary nutrients from their diet, and they may try to seek out those missing nutrients by eating feces. In such cases, it is important for dog owners to ensure that their dog is getting a well-balanced diet that provides all of the necessary nutrients.

3. Behavioral Issues

Dogs may also eat poop due to behavioral issues such as anxiety or boredom. If a dog is feeling anxious or stressed, they may turn to coprophagia as a way to cope with their emotions. Similarly, if a dog is bored, they may resort to eating poop as a form of entertainment. In such cases, it is important to address the underlying behavioral issue in order to prevent the dog from continuing this behavior.

4. Medical Conditions

In some cases, dogs may start eating poop due to underlying medical conditions. For example, dogs with pancreatic insufficiency or malabsorption disorders may not be able to digest their food properly, which could lead them to seek out other sources of nutrition, such as feces. Additionally, certain medications can also cause changes in a dog’s digestive system that may lead to coprophagia.

5. Training and Management

If a dog is exhibiting coprophagia, it is important for dog owners to take steps to address the behavior. This may include training the dog to stop eating poop, as well as managing their environment to prevent access to feces. Positive reinforcement training can be particularly effective in changing this behavior, as dogs respond well to rewards and praise.

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

If your Border Collie is a mother that eats her puppies’ poop, you have no cause to worry. This is completely normal behavior. Mother dogs will often eat their little ones feces to get rid of the smell which can attract predators. However, if this is not the case, you should then try to resolve your Collie’s poop eating problem before it is too late.

Make sure that whenever you catch your Collie eating poop, say “drop it” or “no” in a commanding voice, and then stop him from continuing. Make it clear to your Collie that eating feces is not a good act. Instead, give it a treat to eat or a chew toy to play with. Also, don’t forget to praise him for eating his treat.

You should also try to figure out the reason behind your Collie’s poop eating habit. Is your dog’s diet nutritious enough? Is your Collie getting all the vitamins he needs? If you are cooking your dog’s food at home, ensure that you have added some good multivitamin to the meal.

If you are fond of leaving your Border Collie unsupervised when he’s in the backyard, it would be best that you check for feces before allowing him to go outside. You wouldn’t like to let your Collie get into a messy situation while you are not there to stop him.

Conclusion

There are several possible reasons why dogs may start eating poop all of a sudden. Whether it is due to natural behavior, nutritional deficiencies, behavioral issues, or medical conditions, it is important for dog owners to identify the underlying cause of this behavior and take steps to address it. With proper training and management, most dogs can be trained to stop eating poop and lead happy, healthy lives.

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