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Dear Abby,
I actually have a real question…this totally grosses me out but I’m sure there’s an explanation for why it happens.We have two male labs…Sam (yellow, 10) and Kernel (black, 8). I keep the yard picked up regularly (daily, if not more), but without fail Sam finds pleasure in eating Kernel’s poo. Why does he do this? Other than standing immediately behind them while they’re doing their business (which is not always possible anyways), what can I do to prevent this? It even happens right after they eat a meal. YUCK!
Thanks Doc
-AaronDear Aaron-
I am sorry to hear about Sam’s offensive taste buds. Coprophagia is a fairly common problem in dogs, and can be caused by a variety of conditions including a behavioral issue, poor digestion, or an underlying medical problem.If you would like to try training Sam to not eat Kernel’s feces there is a really good training exercise explained on the website www.veterinarypartner.com. A simple ‘poop eating’ search will get you into the canine behavior series on the website.
There are food additives that make the feces taste unpleasant. You can feed Kernel SEP (Stop Eating Poop – Solid Gold) or Coprophagia Deterrent (NaturVet).
Sometimes a change in diet can help, and based on Sam’s current issues I would suggest considering switching him to a grain-free food. Aubrey, Dan, and their fine employees at The Animal House can help you pick out an over-the-counter brand that Sam & Kernel would enjoy.
Lastly, I would recommend a good check up with your vet including a senior blood panel and a fecal sample to rule out intestinal parasites, hypothyroidism, and other internal medical conditions that can cause dogs to seek more calories – no matter how repulsive we may find their snacking habits.
Best of luck, Aaron!
-Abby Strobbe, DVM
3 responses to “Dear Abby (Volume 2) Poo-culiar Habit”
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Alex Hetes August 24th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Hey Abbey!
I book marked this site. Too cool.My GSD’s also do that at times, although not very often. I heard that adding a little cyan pepper to their food would stop them from doing this, what do you think?
(The idea came from a local vet, so don’t yell at me if it’s crazy! LOL;) -
My ACD Barley used to eat his poo too. I started putting pineapple in his meals because i heard when it comes out it is very unappealing to the dogs. Barley hasnt eaten his or his sisters poo since ii started it! Just another suggestion
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Hello Alex & Katrina – I am always glad to hear other suggestions. Thank you for your posts.
-Abby
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