30/08/2026
💩WHY DOES MY DOG EAT POO?💩
According to Kennel Club, eating poo, also known as coprophagia, is a normal behaviour for many animals and is seen in roughly 25% of dogs. There are many reasons why your dog may be eating p**p, but it’s probably because they just like the taste and texture of it. We may be repulsed by the very thought of poo, but to dogs, it’s packed full of interesting information that tells them about who its maker was and what they’d been eating. As well as just enjoying a delicious dung dinner, dogs may feast on faeces because:
▪️It’s a behaviour they learned as a puppy from their mum
▪️They get some nutritional value from undigested matter
▪️They’re hungry and looking for something to eat
▪️They’re bored or stressed
▪️They may have a medical condition
How can I stop my dog eating poo?
If your dog regularly pigs out on poo then you should consider speaking to your vet or behaviourist for advice. To help you manage this behaviour you could try:
▪️Teaching them a good recall or to ‘leave it’, as these commands can help keep them away from poo when you’re out on walks. Stay patient and keep using positive reinforcement.
▪️If you’re having trouble with training, keep them on a lead when out for walks
▪️Wearing a basket style muzzle when out on a walk will help break the habit while still allowing your dog to pant
▪️If they choose not to eat a poo give them lots of praise and attention
▪️Distract your dog by giving them something else to carry in their mouths, like a ball or a toy (never a stick as these can splinter or cause a blockage if eaten)
▪️Make sure you always pick up your dog’s stools as soon as possible and keep them on the lead when they’re going to the toilet
▪️Try feeding them more regularly or try a diet that fills them up for longer. Always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s diet
