TL;DR: Coprophagia, or stool-eating, is usually a non-emergency behavior in dogs caused by instinct, boredom, or diet, but you should consult a vet if it is a new behavior or accompanied by weight loss and diarrhea.
What is coprophagia and why is my dog eating feces?
- Coprophagia is the clinical term for the consumption of feces.
- It is a documented canine behavior often linked to evolutionary instincts.
- Behavioral triggers can include boredom or anxiety.
- Physiological issues like nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption can also cause this behavior.
Is it an emergency if my dog eats poop?
Urgency Level: Low. In most cases, this is a chronic behavior rather than an acute medical crisis. You should contact your veterinarian if:
- The behavior is brand new in an adult dog.
- It is accompanied by weight loss or lethargy.
- Your dog has chronic diarrhea.
- You suspect underlying issues like parasites or enzyme deficiencies.
How does taking a photo of my dog's stool help with veterinary triage?
A clear photo of your dog's stool provides vital information for the veterinary team by helping them evaluate:
- The color and consistency of the stool.
- The presence of any undigested food.
- Any visible parasites.
- Evidence of poor digestion, which may be the primary motivation behind the behavior.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Coprophagia in dogs may have a medical cause, although normal maternal behavior includes consumption of feces and urine of young puppies. Many dogs are attracted to and may ingest feces, compost, and prey as part of exploratory behavior. Medical causes of coprophagia should be excluded first. For feeding problems, a work-for-food program can be implemented, giving food as reinforcers for training or placing food inside toys that require chewing or manipulation. Management strategies should be implemented to prevent access to potential targets when the dog cannot be supervised.
Chapter: Behavioral
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1568)