Question:
Question:

Dear here,

My dog is one of those dogs that occasionally eats the poop of other dogs when I take him out for walks or let him run around in the dog parks. He also licks the urine where other dogs have urinated. Obviously I make him stop when I catch him...but I don't always catch him.

So here goes..... why does he do this?
Is it dangerous for him to eat poop or lick urine?
Is it common? How can I get him to stop?

Please Help G.L.

Answer:

Hi GL,

The reason he does this is usually due to behaviour habits. I would almost guarantee that he has not yet been neutered or was neutered as an adult dog rather than a puppy. He is being territorial and relishing in strange dogs' poop/urine or may be trying to remove any evidence of another dog's scent marking territory where he is being walked.

• It is not usually dangerous but is a disgusting habit and the thought of him then 'kissing' or licking you is not quite as appealing.... for obvious reasons. The danger that may be posed occasionally is that he is susceptible to picking up parasites or bacteria that may cause illness carried by the other dogs.
  
• I have seen it or heard of this condition from some of my clients -- usually unneutered males or as indicated before, neutered later in life when territorial habits have already set in.
  
• The cure? Start by neutering if you already haven't done so. Secondly you will need some professional help of an obedience trainer who can show properly how to negatively reinforce this behaviour and positively reinforce leaving this alone. Thirdly you would need to discuss this carefully with your Veterinarian whether this is a behaviour issue that may benefit from some behaviour medications available for dogs.

The term of eating poop is called coprophagia but is most commonly reported when dogs eat their own poop. In this case a product called Forbid can be added to the food, but as indicated, you will need to gain some professional advice on the best course for your dog.

Good Luck,

Martin Slome DVM
Centre Street Animal Hospital
Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 7Y3
Tel: (905) 771-9855

Answer:
My local pet store has pills for Coprohagia treatment. It stopped my dog from eating his own poop in our yard, but when he goes into the neighbor's yard for a playdate, he comes back with little appetite, and he eats grass since it obviously gives him a tummyache. I wonder why? Maybe I'll give the rest of our pills to the neighbor. Good luck.

Answer:
My male dog was neutered at 6 months. He has been eating feces ever since then. It is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen, and I have to be honest - it makes me not want to keep him. We have a female (also fixed) that we purchased at the same time - they have been raised together as "brother & sister." He eats her feces, he eats his feces. Fresh, dry, coming out of her bum, it doesn't matter. It is as if he has a mineral definiency and is somehow seeking out the nutrients in the feces - but thing of it is that there is no decifiency. He is a healthy dog. Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

Answer:
Originally posted by Judie
It is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen, and I have to be honest - it makes me not want to keep him.
Judie:

The first time I caught my silly little puppy with feces hanging out of his mouth I must admit it threw me for a loop. It took a lot of immediate positive self-talk to realize he doesn't know he's doing anything wrong, and more importantly he's not trying to do anything on purpose to upset me.

Dogs do lots of things that are "distgusting" in the human world, but you've got to remember they live in a dog world. The rules in their little puppy brains are different from our rules.

As gross as my experience was, I could never get mad at my little pocket beagle for his "bizarre" habit (which isn't all that rare). Whenever it happens it is my fault for letting it happen! My silly pup doesn't know any better, and it's up to me as the person who committed to helping the little guy grow up to guide him through right and wrong.

Don't be angry with your baby! Just help him learn not to do it.

Answer:
Using meat tenderizer sprinkled on the food will also do the trick for some dogs. It works the same way as the expensive medications that you will find in pet stores without the high cost.

Answer:
Hi newbie here...I am going thru the same w/my Shih Tzu baby..He's 7 weeks. Now when i brought him home he was completely trained on his paper. No accidents. But then i caught him eating his poo. Well i kept telling him No!! no!! and pulling him back by the scruff on his neck(not hard).Well he then went a couple of times after that ...buttt not on his paper...i screwed that up..as i now thinks the No!! was for not to go there..now i have him confused..my fault. So now i am keeping an eye on him..and will just keep piking it up..and disposing..hoping it will eventually stop.
Topaz_n29

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