Coprophagia - Is Your Dog A Poop Eater? Understanding And Curbing This Behavior

As human beings, we think the whole idea of poop is pretty disgusting. We dont' talk about it and we certainly don't enjoy it. However, if you're a dog that has coprophagia, then you not only think your poop is great but you also eat it on a regular basis. And, if you're a human that has a dog with this condition, you are probably frustrated and annoyed with your dog. Well, help is here. In this brief article, we'll provide an overview of coprophagia and give you some tips for dealing with this condition. So, without further adieu, let's get started.
First of all, you must realize that you are not alone. This poop-eating condition affects millions of dogs around the world. It doesn't tend to be breed specific and effects all types of dogs. Doesn't matter is fyou've got a Poodle or a Pit. Lots of dogs eat poop.
Second, no one really knows why dogs do this. However, some theorize that dogs do this because they have internal parasites, to supplement their diets, because of their carnivorous nature, or simply because they're bored. Some even suggest that they simply enjoy the taste. The point of the matter however, is that no one knows for sure why some dogs engage in this type of behavior while other dogs do not. However, one thing is certain; the act of eating poop is a matter of personal preference.
Here are some tips to help your dog curb the habit:
- Take your dog to a veterinarian to rule out medical causes of this condition.
-Make sure your dog is properly housetrained so your dog doesn't feel the need to hide their mistakes by eating them.
-Teach your dog the "leave it command" and reward them for not eating poop.
-Remove any poop from your yard as soon as your dog leaves it to keep him from eating it.
-Make the poop unappealing by adding a bit of bitter apple to it or some hot sauce. Another option is to purchase a commercial product that makes his poop smell and taste nasty.
-Be consistent in your retraining efforts and take your time. It took your dog a while to develop this habit and it will take him a while to stop it as well.
In conclusion, coprophagia is a condition that affects many dogs (and dog owners) around the globe. Although it isn't breed specific, there are many reasons why dogs eat poop. If you've got a poop eater, you should diligently follow the above tips and hopefully your dog will stop eating poop. At the very least, you can take comfort in knowing that you did everything humanly possible to encourage him to stop.
Good luck!
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