Puppies are cute, curious, and sometimes a little gross. One of the most common concerns for new puppy owners is how to stop puppy from eating poop home remedies. Yes, it’s a thing! But don’t worry, this odd behavior, known as coprophagia, is more common than you might think, and there are simple home remedies that can help stop it.

So, why do puppies eat poop? Is it just a phase or something more? In this guide, we’ll dive into why your furry friend might be doing this and, most importantly, how to stop it using some practical home remedies.

Understanding Coprophagia

What Is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia is the technical term for eating feces. It can be a shocking discovery, but it’s something that many puppies do. While the behavior is usually temporary, it’s important to understand why it happens so you can address it effectively.

Reasons Behind This Behavior
There are various reasons why puppies engage in this behavior, ranging from nutritional imbalances to simple curiosity. Puppies often explore the world with their mouths, and sometimes, poop just happens to be there.

Dogs Health Risks of Eating Poop

1. Potential Diseases
While eating poop is more gross than dangerous, it can still pose health risks. Puppies that eat feces are more likely to contract diseases like parvovirus, giardia, and intestinal worms. It’s crucial to prevent this behavior early on to avoid such risks.

2. Worms and Parasites
One of the most significant risks of coprophagia is the possibility of your puppy ingesting worms or parasites from the poop. This could lead to infections that can cause digestive issues or more serious health problems down the line.

Read: Can Dogs Eat Turkey

3. Upset Stomach and Digestive Issues
Besides parasites, eating poop can cause your puppy to suffer from stomach upset or other digestive issues. You might notice vomiting or diarrhea after your puppy engages in this behavior, which is another good reason to stop it quickly.

8 Home Remedies: How to Stop Your Puppy from Eating Poop Home Remedies

Puppy eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is fairly common and can be concerning for dog owners. Here are some home remedies to stop your puppy from eating poop and help curb this behavior:

1. Dietary Adjustments

Research shows that some puppies eat feces due to nutritional imbalances. They may be lacking essential nutrients, particularly digestive enzymes or vitamins. A study published in the Journal of Animal Science suggests that supplementing your dog’s diet with digestive enzymes or probiotics can help reduce the behavior.

• Home Remedy: Try adding a small amount of digestive enzyme supplements or pumpkin to your puppy’s food. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion.

2. Pineapple or Spinach

A popular home remedy involves adding pineapple or spinach to your dog’s diet. According to anecdotal evidence and informal studies by pet owners, the enzymes in pineapple can make the stool less palatable to dogs, reducing the desire to eat it.

• Home Remedy: Add small amounts of pineapple or cooked spinach to your puppy’s meals. Ensure you monitor for any digestive upset or allergic reactions.

3. Meat Tenderizer

• A small sprinkle of meat tenderizer (without harmful ingredients like onion or garlic) in your puppy’s food can have a similar effect. It contains enzymes that alter the taste of the poop, making it unappetizing.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

• Adding apple cider vinegar to your puppy’s food can improve digestion. Poor digestion may cause them to seek out stool to re-ingest nutrients. Start with 1 teaspoon in their food once per day.

5. Increase Fiber Intake

• A diet lacking in fiber may contribute to coprophagia. Adding foods like green beans or a fiber supplement can help ensure your puppy feels full and less tempted to eat feces.

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6. Yogurt or Probiotics

• Adding plain, unsweetened yogurt or a probiotic supplement to your puppy’s diet may balance their gut bacteria, which could reduce the desire to consume feces.

7. Bitter Spray

• You can use a non-toxic, bitter-tasting spray on poop to make it taste unappealing. These sprays are available in pet stores or can be made at home using a mix of apple cider vinegar and water.

8. Provide Sufficient Mental and Physical Stimulation

Research shows that boredom can contribute to stool-eating behavior in puppies. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that puppies with adequate mental and physical stimulation were less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors like coprophagia.

• Home Remedy: Increase your puppy’s exercise and provide toys and puzzle feeders to keep them mentally engaged and reduce boredom-driven stool eating.

Stats and Facts: How To Stop Puppy From Eating Poop Home Remedies

• A survey conducted by PetMD found that approximately 16% of dogs are frequent stool eaters.
• University of California, Davis research suggests that 24% of dogs will eat their own feces at least once in their lifetime, and coprophagia is more common in puppies.
• Studies also show that adding digestive enzyme supplements to a dog’s diet can reduce stool-eating behavior in about 60% of cases.

While these home remedies can be effective, coprophagia may sometimes signal underlying health or behavioral issues. If the behavior persists, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for further guidance.

Common Reasons How To Stop Puppies From Eating Their Poop

1. Improve Their Diet

Sometimes, puppies eat poop because their diet lacks certain nutrients. To ensure this isn’t the case:

• Provide a balanced diet: Make sure your puppy is getting high-quality dog food that meets all of their nutritional needs.
• Add fiber: Including fiber-rich foods like pumpkin can help improve digestion and make your puppy feel fuller, reducing the desire to eat poop.
• Probiotics and digestive enzymes: Adding these supplements can aid digestion and promote a healthier gut, which might reduce coprophagia.

2. Clean Up Immediately

The simplest way to prevent your puppy from eating poop is to remove the temptation. After your puppy poops, clean it up right away so there’s no opportunity for them to eat it.

Puppies eating their own poop is a common but frustrating behavior known as coprophagia. While it may seem gross, there are several effective ways to stop it. Below are some steps and remedies to help you prevent your puppy from engaging in this habit:

3. Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your puppy to obey the “leave it” command is essential. Here’s how to teach it:

• Step 1: Hold a treat in your hand and let your puppy see it.
• Step 2: Close your hand around the treat and say “leave it.”
• Step 3: Wait until your puppy looks away or stops trying to get the treat, then reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
• Step 4: Gradually increase the difficulty by using items like toys or food on the ground and reinforcing the command.

This command can be very helpful in preventing your puppy from eating poop, as well as other unwanted behaviors.

4. Increase Exercise and Play

• Boredom or stress can trigger coprophagia. Make sure your puppy is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to keep them engaged and reduce the likelihood of undesirable behaviors.

5. Training and Supervision

Behavioral experts, including those from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), recommend positive reinforcement training to discourage stool-eating. In one study, puppies who were immediately distracted with toys or treats after elimination were less likely to engage in coprophagia.

• Home Remedy: Use positive reinforcement techniques like offering treats or toys immediately after your puppy eliminates, ensuring they focus on the reward rather than the stool.

6. Bitter Sprays

A study in Applied Animal Behavior Science found that some dogs responded to taste-aversion techniques. Spraying bitter-tasting substances on stools may deter dogs from eating them.

• Home Remedy: Use a safe, vet-approved bitter spray or solution on the stools after your dog eliminates. Make sure the product is non-toxic and suitable for pets.

7. Use Taste Deterrents

There are products available that make poop taste awful to your puppy. You can find sprays or additives to put in their food that make their poop unappetizing. These products contain safe but bitter substances that discourage your puppy from eating it.

8. Keep Them Engaged

Sometimes puppies eat poop out of boredom. To prevent this:

• Exercise regularly: Make sure your puppy gets plenty of physical activity to burn off excess energy.
• Provide mental stimulation: Toys, puzzles, and interactive games can keep your puppy entertained and less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors like eating poop.

9. Curiosity and Exploration
Puppies are natural explorers, and their curiosity often leads them to taste everything, including poop. To them, it’s just another interesting object to investigate.

10. Supervise Outdoor Time

When your puppy is outside, especially in the yard, keep an eye on them. If you see them approaching their poop, redirect their attention with a toy or by calling their name. Always praise and reward them when they choose to ignore the poop.

11. Break the Attention-Seeking Cycle

Sometimes puppies eat poop because they know it gets a reaction from their owner. If you catch your puppy eating poop, avoid giving them too much attention, as even negative attention can reinforce the behavior. Instead, calmly clean up and distract them with something positive, like a toy or treat.

Managing the Environment

Keeping the Environment Clean

According to a 2020 survey by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), nearly 85% of stool-eating dogs had access to their feces for prolonged periods. Reducing access to stools is one of the most effective ways to stop this behavior.

Home Remedy: Immediately clean up after your puppy eliminates the temptation.

Why Consistency Is Key

Stopping coprophagia requires patience and consistency. Puppies are creatures of habit, and breaking this one will take time.

Repetition and Patience
Repeat the training commands regularly, and don’t get frustrated if your puppy doesn’t catch on right away. With persistence, they will eventually learn.

Monitoring Your Puppy’s Behavior
Keep an eye on your puppy, especially when they’re outside. The more vigilant you are, the quicker you can correct this behavior.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.

Consulting a Veterinarian
Your vet can check for any underlying medical issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, that may be contributing to the problem.

Working with a Dog Trainer
A professional trainer can offer specialized techniques that may be more effective for stubborn puppies.

Conclusion

While coprophagia can be a frustrating habit for puppy owners to deal with, it’s not impossible to stop. By understanding why it happens and using the right combination of diet changes, training, and home remedies, you can help your puppy kick the habit for good. Be patient and consistent, and your furry friend will be poop-free in no time!

FAQs

1. Can Coprophagia Be Harmful to My Puppy?
   Yes, it can expose your puppy to harmful parasites and diseases.
2. Are There Any Supplements That Can Help?
   Yes, supplements like probiotics or those containing digestive enzymes can help improve gut health and reduce coprophagia.
3. How Long Does It Take to Break the Habit?
   It varies, but with consistent training and dietary changes, many puppies stop within a few weeks.
4. Should I Be Worried If My Puppy Eats Other Animals’ Poop?
   Yes, this can be more dangerous as other animals’ poop might carry diseases or parasites.
5. What Should I Do if None of the Remedies Work?
   If nothing works, consult a vet or professional trainer for further assistance.