Why Do Dogs Eat Poo? Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs
Why does my dog eat poo? It is one of those questions many dog owners are embarrassed to ask—but it is actually a surprisingly common canine behaviour.
Whether your dog eats their own poo, another dog’s poo, or seems particularly interested in cat poo, you’re certainly not alone.
The veterinary term for eating faeces is coprophagia, and there isn’t always one simple explanation for it. In some dogs, it is connected to normal exploratory or scavenging behaviour. In others, it can become a learned habit. Occasionally, it can be associated with an underlying medical problem.
The good news is that eating poo does not automatically mean your dog is sick, badly behaved or lacking nutrients.
Understanding why your dog is doing it is the first step towards changing the behaviour.
What Is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia simply means the ingestion of faeces.
Dogs explore their environment primarily through their noses and mouths, and scavenging is part of normal canine behaviour. Puppies in particular investigate almost everything they encounter, which can include things we’d much rather they left alone.
Veterinary behaviour references recognise faeces-eating as an ingestive behaviour that can occur for both normal behavioural reasons and, occasionally, medical reasons.
So while we may find it disgusting, your dog doesn’t necessarily understand that poo is something they are “not supposed” to eat.
To your dog, it may simply be an interesting-smelling object that happens to be available.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poo?
There are several possible reasons.
1. Puppies Explore the World With Their Mouths
Puppies are naturally curious.
They investigate new smells, textures and objects, and their mouths are one of the tools they use to explore their environment.
A puppy may therefore eat poo simply because they are investigating something new.
This is one reason coprophagia can be particularly noticeable during puppyhood.
Many puppies eventually stop as they mature, particularly when owners consistently prevent access and reinforce alternative behaviours.
2. Dogs Are Natural Scavengers
Our dogs may live in our homes, sleep on our beds and eat carefully measured meals—but they still retain many of the behaviours that helped their ancestors survive.
Scavenging is one of them.
Dogs are opportunistic eaters. If something smells interesting and appears edible, some dogs will investigate.
This can explain why some dogs seem to have an extraordinary talent for finding things on walks that their owners never even noticed.
And unfortunately, poo can be one of those things.
3. The Poo May Smell Like Food
Dogs experience the world very differently from us.
Their sense of smell is vastly more sophisticated than ours, and faeces can contain odours from food and other substances that remain attractive to a dog.
Some dogs may therefore find freshly deposited faeces particularly interesting.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is hungry or has a nutritional deficiency.
4. Your Dog May Have Learned That Eating Poo Gets a Big Reaction
Imagine this:
Your dog approaches a pile of poo.
You shout:
“NO! LEAVE IT!”
You run towards your dog.
Your dog grabs it.
You chase them.
Your dog runs away.
From your perspective, you’ve just had a horrible experience.
From your dog’s perspective, something very exciting just happened.
Dogs learn from consequences, and behaviours that produce attention or other rewarding outcomes can become stronger.
This is why repeatedly chasing, shouting or dramatically reacting can sometimes contribute to the problem rather than solve it.
Instead, we want to teach the dog what we do want them to do.
5. Boredom and Lack of Mental Stimulation
Some dogs simply don’t have enough appropriate outlets for their natural behaviours.
A dog who spends long periods with little physical activity, exploration, play or mental stimulation may look for their own entertainment.
And dogs are remarkably creative when they are bored!
Providing appropriate enrichment can help.
Try:
- Sniffing walks
- Scatter feeding
- Food puzzles
- Snuffle mats
- Training games
- Appropriate chewing activities
- Search-and-find games
- Short training sessions
- Interactive play
Mental stimulation is particularly important because a tired brain can be just as valuable as tired legs.
6. Stress, Anxiety or Frustration
Behaviour can change when a dog is experiencing stress.
Changes in the household, isolation, conflict, frustration, environmental changes or other sources of anxiety can contribute to unwanted behaviours.
Coprophagia can occasionally occur alongside other behavioural problems, so it is important to consider what else is happening in your dog’s life rather than looking at the poo-eating behaviour in isolation.
If the behaviour appeared suddenly or is accompanied by other unusual changes, a veterinary assessment is sensible. Veterinary behaviour guidance recommends considering both medical and behavioural factors when investigating unwanted behaviours.
7. Fear of Being Punished for Toileting
This is particularly important with puppies.
If a puppy has previously been punished for having an accident in the house, they may learn that eliminating in front of humans can result in something unpleasant.
In some cases, dogs may attempt to remove evidence by eating faeces.
This is one reason punishment should not be part of toilet training.
Instead, reward your puppy for toileting in the correct place.
The goal is for your puppy to learn:
“When I toilet here, good things happen.”
Not:
“When humans see poo, something scary happens.”
Positive reinforcement creates a much clearer learning history.
8. Competition Between Dogs
In multi-dog households, competition can influence eating behaviours.
A dog may learn that food, toys, attention and other resources disappear quickly when another dog is around.
Some dogs become extremely fast eaters or scavengers as a result.
If your dog eats poo particularly quickly when another dog is nearby, observe the situation carefully.
Is there competition?
Does your dog appear worried about another dog approaching?
Does the behaviour happen mainly when other dogs are present?
Understanding the circumstances can provide an important clue.
9. Medical or Digestive Problems
Although many cases are behavioural, medical causes should not be ignored.
Some health conditions can contribute to increased appetite, poor digestion, poor nutrient absorption or gastrointestinal problems.
Veterinary sources specifically identify gastrointestinal problems, parasites, malabsorption, poor digestibility of food and conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as possible contributors.
This is particularly important if your dog:
- Suddenly starts eating poo
- Is losing weight
- Has persistent diarrhoea
- Has unusually soft or poorly digested stools
- Seems constantly hungry
- Has increased thirst or urination
- Is vomiting
- Appears lethargic
- Has other unexplained behavioural or physical changes
In these situations, speak to your veterinarian rather than assuming the problem is purely behavioural.
10. Parasites Should Be Considered
Intestinal parasites can affect digestion and overall health and should be considered when a dog develops unusual eating behaviour.
If your dog regularly eats faeces—particularly the faeces of other animals—talk to your veterinarian about appropriate parasite prevention and whether a faecal examination is appropriate.
VCA specifically recommends stool testing for parasites as part of the evaluation when medical causes of coprophagia are being considered.
Why Do Puppies Eat Poo?
Puppy poo-eating can be especially frustrating for owners.
The good news is that puppies are naturally curious and exploratory, and coprophagia is not unusual during puppyhood.
Mother dogs also naturally consume the urine and faeces of very young puppies as part of normal maternal care.
This means that a puppy can encounter this behaviour very early in life.
For many puppies, the combination of curiosity, scavenging and easy access is enough to create the habit.
The earlier you manage it, the easier it generally is to prevent the behaviour from becoming well established.
Why Does My Dog Eat Other Dogs’ Poo?
Some dogs are particularly interested in other dogs’ faeces.
This can be because the smell is different and therefore more interesting, or simply because the dog has developed a strong scavenging habit.
Unfortunately, eating another animal’s faeces can expose your dog to parasites and infectious organisms.
There can also be less obvious risks.
For example, there is a documented veterinary case in which a dog developed signs associated with exposure to carprofen after eating the faeces of another dog receiving that medication.
So even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, preventing access to other animals’ faeces is still a sensible precaution.
Is Eating Poo Dangerous?
It can be.
The risk depends on what has been eaten, where it came from and the health of the animals involved.
Potential concerns include:
- Intestinal parasites
- Bacteria
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Exposure to infectious organisms
- Exposure to medication present in another animal’s faeces
Eating their own faeces does not automatically mean that your dog will become seriously ill, but it is still preferable to prevent the behaviour.
Eating faeces from other animals presents additional risks.
How Do I Stop My Dog Eating Poo?
Rather than simply telling your dog:
“Don’t eat poo!”
we want to teach:
“When you see poo, come back to me because something better happens.”
Here is a practical approach.
Step 1: Prevent Access
This is often the most important first step.
If your dog cannot repeatedly practise the behaviour, the habit has fewer opportunities to become stronger.
Pick up poo from the garden as soon as possible.
When walking, keep your dog close enough that you can intervene before they reach faeces.
In areas where other dogs eliminate, pay attention to what is on the ground.
Management isn’t cheating—it is part of behaviour modification.
Step 2: Teach a Strong “Leave It”
A reliable “leave it” cue can be extremely useful.
Start somewhere with few distractions.
Place a low-value item on the floor.
When your dog looks towards it but doesn’t take it, reward them.
Gradually increase the difficulty.
Eventually, your dog learns that ignoring something interesting and turning towards you can produce something even better.
Do not begin your training by testing your dog next to a giant pile of poo!
Build the behaviour gradually.
Step 3: Teach “Come Away”
Another incredibly useful behaviour is teaching your dog to move away from something interesting when called.
Practise:
“Come!” → dog comes → reward
Make coming to you worthwhile.
Use enthusiastic praise, food, play or another reward your dog genuinely values.
The goal is to build a strong history of your dog choosing to return to you.
Step 4: Reward the Behaviour You Want
If your dog walks past poo without eating it:
Reward them.
If your dog sees poo and looks at you:
Reward them.
If your dog comes away when called:
Reward them.
If your dog toilets and immediately turns towards you:
Reward them.
Dogs repeat behaviours that have produced rewarding consequences.
We want to make the correct choice easy and worthwhile.
Step 5: Clean Up the Garden
If your dog has access to a garden, regular poo removal is one of the simplest and most effective management strategies.
Don’t wait until the weekend.
The more frequently you remove faeces, the fewer opportunities your dog has to practise the behaviour.
VCA and veterinary behaviour guidance both emphasise preventing access to faeces as an important part of managing coprophagia.
Step 6: Give Your Dog More Appropriate Things to Do
If boredom or insufficient stimulation is contributing to the behaviour, give your dog better alternatives.
Consider creating a daily enrichment routine involving:
Sniffing + Training + Play + Chewing + Rest
For example:
Morning
A sniff-focused walk.
During the day
A food puzzle or enrichment activity.
Afternoon
A short training session.
Evening
Interactive play followed by an appropriate chew and quiet rest.
You don’t need to entertain your dog every minute of the day.
Instead, provide regular opportunities for natural behaviours such as sniffing, exploring, chewing, searching and problem-solving.
Step 7: Don’t Chase Your Dog
This is one of the biggest mistakes owners make.
Your dog grabs poo.
You chase.
Your dog runs.
You chase faster.
Suddenly, you’ve accidentally created a game of “Catch Me If You Can.”
Instead, work on recall and leave-it training before you need them in a real situation.
If your dog already has something in their mouth, calmly encourage a trade rather than turning the situation into a confrontation.
Step 8: Don’t Punish Your Dog
Punishment can create additional problems.
If your dog associates poo with being shouted at, frightened or chased, they may become more secretive about toileting or grabbing faeces.
They may also learn to run away from you when you approach.
Instead of asking:
“How do I punish my dog for eating poo?”
ask:
“How can I prevent access and teach my dog what to do instead?”
That change in perspective is often the beginning of much better training.
What About Products That Make Poo Taste Bad?
There are commercially available products marketed as stool-eating deterrents.
Some dogs may respond to them, but they are not a guaranteed solution.
Veterinary sources note that these products have variable success, and management and training remain important.
Before giving your dog any supplement or adding anything to their food, speak with your veterinarian—particularly if your dog has an existing medical condition or takes medication.
Most importantly, don’t rely on a product to replace training and environmental management.
Does Eating Poo Mean My Dog Has a Nutritional Deficiency?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most common assumptions about coprophagia.
While medical and nutritional problems can contribute to abnormal eating behaviour, many dogs eat poo for behavioural or exploratory reasons.
If your dog has a balanced diet, maintains a healthy weight and has no other concerning symptoms, don’t automatically assume that they are eating poo because they are missing a particular vitamin or mineral.
If you are concerned about your dog’s diet or health, your veterinarian can assess their nutritional and medical needs.
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if:
- An adult dog suddenly starts eating poo
- The behaviour becomes frequent or obsessive
- Your dog is losing weight
- Your dog has persistent diarrhoea
- Your dog is vomiting
- Your dog seems unusually hungry
- Your dog’s stools look abnormal
- Your dog appears lethargic or unwell
- You notice other sudden behavioural changes
- You suspect parasites
- Your dog is eating large quantities of faeces
Veterinary guidance recommends ruling out medical causes before assuming an ingestive behaviour is purely behavioural.
When Should I Speak to a Dog Behaviourist?
If your veterinarian has ruled out relevant medical problems but the behaviour continues, a qualified dog behaviour professional can help you identify:
- What triggers the behaviour
- When it happens
- Whether your dog is seeking a reward
- Whether anxiety or frustration is involved
- How the environment may be contributing
- Which alternative behaviours should be trained
- How to create a practical management plan
Every dog is an individual.
The goal isn’t simply to stop the poo-eating.
The goal is to understand why the behaviour is happening and teach your dog a better alternative.
A Simple FurBuddies Plan for Poo-Eating
If you’re dealing with coprophagia, start here:
1. Rule out medical problems
Especially if the behaviour is new or accompanied by other symptoms.
2. Remove access
Clean up faeces promptly and supervise your dog outside.
3. Stop the chase
Don’t turn poo into a game of chase.
4. Train “Leave It”
Practise away from poo before expecting it to work around poo.
5. Build a strong recall
Teach your dog that coming back to you is rewarding.
6. Reward good choices
Pay your dog for ignoring faeces.
7. Increase enrichment
Give your dog appropriate opportunities to sniff, explore, chew, play and problem-solve.
8. Avoid punishment
Teach the behaviour you want instead.
9. Be consistent
Everyone in the household should follow the same approach.
10. Get professional help if needed
Persistent behaviour can be addressed with an individualised training and behaviour plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs Eating Poo
Why does my dog eat their own poo?
There can be several reasons, including curiosity, scavenging, habit, environmental factors, attention, stress or anxiety. Medical and digestive problems can occasionally contribute as well.
Why does my puppy eat poo?
Puppies naturally explore their environment with their mouths, and coprophagia can occur as part of exploratory and scavenging behaviour. Many puppies improve as they mature when owners consistently prevent access and reinforce alternative behaviours.
Is it normal for dogs to eat poo?
It can occur as part of normal canine behaviour, particularly scavenging and exploration, but that does not mean it should be encouraged. Persistent or sudden coprophagia should be discussed with a veterinarian, particularly if other symptoms are present.
Can my dog get worms from eating poo?
Eating faeces can expose dogs to intestinal parasites and other infectious organisms. The risk depends on the source of the faeces and the health of the animal that produced it.
Why does my dog eat cat poo?
Cat faeces can be particularly attractive to some dogs because of its odour and potential food content. However, it is still best to prevent access.
Will my dog grow out of eating poo?
Some puppies do stop the behaviour as they mature, but there is no guarantee. Early management and positive reinforcement can help prevent the behaviour becoming an established habit.
Should I punish my dog for eating poo?
No. Punishing, shouting or chasing can create additional behavioural problems and may make your dog more likely to grab the poo and run away. Focus instead on prevention, redirection and rewarding desirable behaviour.
What is the best way to stop my dog eating poo?
Start by preventing access, cleaning up faeces quickly and supervising your dog. Then teach reliable alternative behaviours such as “leave it” and recall, and reward your dog generously for making the right choice.
The Bottom Line
Dogs eat poo for many different reasons—and it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong with your dog.
For puppies, curiosity and exploration can play a major role. For other dogs, scavenging, habit, boredom, stress or reinforcement may be involved.
Occasionally, an underlying medical or digestive problem can contribute, which is why sudden or persistent coprophagia should not simply be dismissed.
The most effective approach is to:
Prevent access.
Avoid punishment.
Teach an alternative.
Reward the right choice.
And investigate the underlying cause when necessary.
Your dog isn’t trying to embarrass you.
They are simply doing something that makes sense to them.
Our job is to understand the behaviour—and teach them a better option.
Need Help With Your Dog’s Behaviour?
At FurBuddies, we believe that understanding your dog’s behaviour is the first step towards changing it.
Our approach focuses on positive reinforcement, reward-based training and practical behaviour solutions designed around the individual dog and their family.
If your dog is struggling with unwanted behaviours—including scavenging, excessive barking, anxiety, reactivity, recall problems or other challenging behaviours—we can help you understand what’s driving the behaviour and develop a practical way forward.
FurBuddies — LIVE • LOVE • BARK
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your dog suddenly develops coprophagia or has other signs of illness, consult your veterinarian.
Sources and further reading
- Merck Veterinary Manual — behaviour problems and canine eating behaviours
- VCA Animal Hospitals — coprophagia in dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals — puppy coprophagia
- PetMD — veterinary overview of coprophagia
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