Dog Eating Poop
Seeing your dog eat poop can be upsetting and gross, but it's a fairly common behavior called coprophagia. Learn why some dogs do it, what you can try at home, and when it’s time to call your vet.
When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Go to an emergency vet right away if your dog is eating stool and also has repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, marked lethargy, collapse, trouble breathing, or signs of dehydration.
- ● Seek urgent emergency care if a puppy or unvaccinated dog may have eaten feces from a dog with suspected or confirmed parvovirus, especially if vomiting or diarrhea develops.
- ● Get emergency help if your dog swallowed large amounts of cat litter or foreign material along with feces and now seems painful, bloated, constipated, or unable to keep food down.
- ● Treat it as an emergency if your dog ate human stool and may have been exposed to medications, recreational drugs, or other toxins.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Call your vet within 24 hours if this is a new behavior in an adult dog, especially if it starts suddenly.
- ● Make a vet appointment if your dog is losing weight, seems extra hungry, has chronic soft stool, or has a dull coat, since medical issues like parasites or poor digestion may need to be ruled out.
- ● Contact your vet if your dog keeps eating poop despite close supervision, yard cleanup, and training.
- ● Call your vet if your dog regularly eats cat stool, wildlife feces, or livestock manure, since this can increase exposure to parasites and infectious organisms.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● It is usually reasonable to monitor a bright, otherwise healthy puppy who occasionally tries to eat fresh stool and has no vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite changes.
- ● Monitor at home if the behavior is rare, your dog is acting normally, and you can prevent access by picking up stool right away.
- ● Keep an eye on bowel movements, appetite, and energy level if your dog has a one-time episode but seems completely normal afterward.
- ● If you are unsure whether this is behavioral or medical, call your vet for guidance.
Common Causes of Dog Eating Poop
Normal puppy curiosity
Many puppies investigate the world with their mouths, and some experiment with eating stool. This often improves with maturity, supervision, and training.
Learned or reinforced behavior
Some dogs repeat the habit because it gets attention, became part of their routine, or started during stressful or harsh house-training experiences.
Diet or poor digestion issues
Dogs may be more likely to eat stool if they are underfed, eating a poorly digestible diet, or not absorbing nutrients normally.
Parasites or intestinal disease
Intestinal parasites and some digestive disorders can affect nutrient absorption and stool quality, which may make coprophagia more likely.
Conditions that increase appetite
Problems such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, thyroid disease, or steroid use can increase hunger and may contribute in some dogs.
Scavenging other animals' stool
Cat feces and some wildlife or herbivore droppings can be especially appealing to dogs because of their smell, texture, or undigested material.
What to Do at Home
If your dog is otherwise acting normal, the most effective first step is simple management: prevent access to stool and make a different behavior more rewarding. Because eating poop can sometimes be linked to parasites, poor digestion, or other medical problems, it’s a good idea to bring it up with your vet if it’s frequent or new.
- Pick up stool immediately in the yard, on walks, and around litter boxes so your dog has fewer chances to practice the behavior.
- Supervise potty breaks and call your dog to you right after they eliminate, then reward with praise or a high-value treat.
- Keep feeding areas separate from potty areas, and make sure your dog is eating a complete, balanced diet.
- Do not punish your dog or rub their nose in stool. This can increase stress and may make the behavior worse.
- Keep cat boxes and other animals' waste out of reach using gates, covered boxes, or supervision.
- Schedule a veterinary visit if the habit is persistent, sudden in onset, or happening along with weight loss, diarrhea, or increased hunger.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog eating poop?
Is it normal for puppies to eat poop?
Can eating poop make my dog sick?
How do I stop my dog from eating poop?
Should I take my dog to the vet for eating poop?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.