16 reasons = No coprophagia

Rover’s Rest Stop

So, the title is not appetizing but it is important. Rule out medical reasons first that could lead your dog to eat poop. Poop eating may be as simple as boredom or something more complex like diabetes. For additional information see: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/16-reasons-dogs-eat-poop-and-what-to-do-about-it/

First look at medical reasons:

Enzyme deficiency – Digestive enzymes are a key component of your dog’s digestive process and without them they can’t properly absorb their food.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – Pancreatic insufficiency – Without proper enzymes a dog will slowly starve with symptoms including weight loss, diarrhea, and, yes, stool eating.

Parasites – Intestinal parasites absorb nutrients your dog should be getting from his food.

Conditions causing increased appetite – such as diabetes, thyroid issues, as well as steroids, can make dogs ravenous enough to eat stool.

Other deficiencies – According to Roger DeHaan, DVM, a hydrochloric acid deficiency that may happen with age or from a bad diet can also lead to poor digestion that can in turn lead to a search for nutrients in stool. Joseph Demers, DVM, says a trace mineral deficiency can also lead to stool eating as well as eating less digestible things like plastic. (The Veterinarians’ Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs by Martin Zucker)

Malabsorbtion – there are other conditions of poor nutrient absorption can lead to stool eating including cat’s stool.

Underfeeding – Make sure you are feeding your dog enough food at regular times; keep to a schedule, a hungry dog will look for other food sources you may not like.

Next look at behavioral reasons:

Cleanliness – Female dogs clean their puppies; this could flow over to trying to keep the area clean.

Puppies – Scavengers – Puppies are curious and may nibble some in exploration of their surroundings. They are natural scavengers and are attracted by the scent.

Boredom and Attention Seeking – When left alone and not properly exercised prior they may find a way to entertain themselves. They want our attention, good or bad, and if not given enough outlets for their energy may entertain themselves.

Stress – Dogs who are stressed (Is he in a kennel all day?) may relieve stress by eating poop.

Puppy mills or Punishment – According to Karen Becker, DVM, puppy mill dogs are at risk of this behavior because of the conditions they are raised in: lack of food and long-term crating. Punished for pooping in the house may cause them to eat the evidence, so make sure and nip the problem in the bud!

Bottom line, start with looking for a medical reason, keep the area clean, exercise and engage your dog and be sure they are well fed with proper diet.

See you at the Halloween Parade; Diamond Lake in Oakwood on October 31, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. The kids cannot wait!