Why Is My Dog Eating Own Poop? Coprophagia in Mixed Breeds Explained

Understanding Coprophagia: Why Dogs Eat Their Own Poop

If you've caught your dog eating own poop, you're not alone—and you're probably wondering if this is normal behavior or a sign of something serious. Coprophagia (the scientific term for eating feces) affects an estimated 16% of dogs, according to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. While it's more common in puppies, adult dogs can develop this habit too, and mixed breeds are no exception.

Before we explore why this happens and how to stop it, let's address the immediate concern: coprophagia is rarely a medical emergency, but it can indicate underlying nutritional deficiencies, behavioral issues, or health conditions that warrant veterinary attention.

Medical Reasons Your Dog Might Be Eating Poop

Several health conditions can trigger coprophagia in dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual identifies these primary medical causes:

Malabsorption and Nutritional Deficiencies

Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or parasitic infections may eat feces to recover undigested nutrients. If your dog has chronic diarrhea, weight loss despite normal appetite, or greasy stools, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Enzyme Deficiencies

Some dogs lack sufficient digestive enzymes, leading them to seek out feces (especially from other animals) that contain partially broken-down food. This is more common in breeds predisposed to pancreatic issues, including German Shepherds and their mixes.

Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders

Conditions that increase appetite—like diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, or hyperthyroidism—can drive dogs to eat non-food items, including feces. Blood work can rule these out.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, can increase hunger and lead to coprophagia. If the behavior started after beginning a new medication, discuss this with your vet.

Behavioral Causes of Coprophagia in Mixed Breeds

When medical causes are ruled out, behavioral factors are usually at play. Mixed breeds may be particularly prone to certain behavioral triggers due to their varied genetic backgrounds and the stress of early life transitions.

Maternal Behavior and Early Learning

Mother dogs naturally eat their puppies' feces to keep the den clean during the first three weeks of life. Puppies who observe this behavior may continue it into adulthood. This is especially common in puppies from overcrowded breeding facilities where early socialization is limited.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs quickly learn that eating poop gets an immediate reaction from their owners. Even negative attention (yelling, chasing) can reinforce the behavior. This is particularly common in intelligent, high-energy mixed breeds like Border Collie or Australian Shepherd crosses.

Anxiety and Stress

Dogs experiencing separation anxiety, environmental changes, or insufficient mental stimulation may develop coprophagia as a displacement behavior. Rescue dogs transitioning to new homes are especially vulnerable during the first 6-8 weeks.

Boredom and Lack of Enrichment

Understimulated dogs may eat feces simply because it's available and interesting. Working breeds and their mixes (Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs) require 60-90 minutes of daily physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Health Risks of Coprophagia

While eating their own feces is generally low-risk for healthy dogs, coprophagia becomes dangerous when dogs consume feces from other animals or when it indicates an underlying condition.

Parasite Transmission

Feces can contain roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and giardia eggs. Even dogs on monthly preventives can become infected if they regularly consume contaminated feces. The CDC notes that some of these parasites are zoonotic (transmissible to humans).

Bacterial Infections

Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are commonly found in feces. While dogs have more robust digestive systems than humans, immunocompromised dogs or those with existing GI issues are at higher risk.

Medication Contamination

If your dog eats feces from another animal (or another dog in your household) that's on medication, they could ingest dangerous drug residues. This is particularly concerning with heartworm preventives, NSAIDs, or chemotherapy drugs.

Proven Solutions to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop

Addressing coprophagia requires a multi-pronged approach. Here's what veterinary behaviorists recommend:

Step 1: Veterinary Evaluation

Schedule a wellness exam with fecal testing and blood work to rule out medical causes. Expect to pay $150-$300 for comprehensive diagnostics. If your dog is healthy, move to behavioral interventions.

Step 2: Immediate Environmental Management

• Supervise all outdoor time and leash-walk your dog until the habit breaks (typically 4-8 weeks)
• Pick up feces immediately after elimination—within 30 seconds if possible
• Use a basket muzzle during walks if your dog eats other animals' feces (ensure proper fit and limit wear to 20-30 minutes)
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce post-meal scavenging behavior

Step 3: Dietary Adjustments

Some dogs eat feces because their diet isn't meeting their nutritional needs. Consider:

• High-quality, AAFCO-complete diet with named protein sources (not "meat by-products")
• Digestive enzyme supplements like ProZyme or NaturVet Enzymes ($15-$30 for a 60-day supply)
• Probiotics to improve gut health and nutrient absorption—Purina FortiFlora or Proviable-DC are veterinary-recommended options
• Fiber supplementation (1-2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin per 20 lbs body weight) to increase satiety

Step 4: Taste Deterrents

Commercial products like For-Bid or Deter make feces taste unappealing. These contain monosodium glutamate, yucca, or garlic derivatives. Results vary—some dogs stop within 3-5 days, others show no response. Cost: $12-$25 for a 30-day supply.

Important: Never use hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or other "home remedies" on feces. These can cause oral burns and don't address the underlying cause.

Step 5: Positive Reinforcement Training

Teach a strong "leave it" command using high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, chicken). Practice indoors first, then gradually add distractions. Reward your dog immediately after they eliminate and move away from the area. A certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) can help—expect to pay $75-$125 per session.

Step 6: Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Provide puzzle feeders (Kong Wobbler, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson toys), scent work games, and structured training sessions. For high-drive breeds, consider dog sports like agility, nosework, or rally obedience.

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) if:

• The behavior persists beyond 8 weeks of consistent management
• Your dog shows other compulsive behaviors (tail chasing, flank sucking, excessive licking)
• Coprophagia is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• Your dog becomes aggressive when prevented from eating feces (resource guarding)

A veterinary behaviorist consultation typically costs $300-$500 and may include medication (fluoxetine, clomipramine) to address underlying anxiety or compulsive disorders.

Prevention Strategies for Mixed Breed Puppies

If you're bringing home a mixed breed puppy, early intervention can prevent coprophagia from developing:

• Clean elimination areas immediately from day one
• Provide age-appropriate enrichment (chew toys, training sessions, socialization) starting at 8 weeks
• Feed a complete puppy diet formulated for your dog's expected adult size (small, medium, large, or giant breed)
• Establish a consistent feeding and potty schedule to predict elimination times
• Redirect and reward appropriate behavior rather than punishing mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coprophagia dangerous for my dog?

Eating their own feces is generally low-risk for healthy dogs on regular parasite prevention. The danger increases when dogs eat feces from other animals, which can transmit parasites, bacteria, or medication residues. The bigger concern is that coprophagia may signal an underlying medical condition requiring treatment.

Will my dog outgrow this behavior?

Some puppies stop eating feces naturally by 6-9 months of age, but many adult dogs continue without intervention. Early, consistent management improves success rates. Don't wait for your dog to "grow out of it"—address the behavior proactively.

Are certain breeds more prone to coprophagia?

While any breed can develop this behavior, studies suggest it's more common in Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and terrier breeds. Mixed breeds with these lineages may have higher predisposition, but individual variation is significant.

Can pineapple or other foods stop my dog from eating poop?

The "pineapple trick" (feeding pineapple to make feces taste bad) lacks scientific evidence and can cause digestive upset due to high sugar content. Commercial taste deterrents are more reliable and specifically formulated for this purpose.

Should I punish my dog for eating poop?

No. Punishment (yelling, rubbing their nose in it, physical corrections) increases anxiety and can worsen the behavior. Dogs don't understand punishment after the fact—they only learn to fear you. Positive reinforcement and environmental management are far more effective and humane.

How long does it take to stop coprophagia?

With consistent management, most dogs show improvement within 4-8 weeks. Complete elimination of the behavior may take 3-6 months, especially in adult dogs with long-established habits. Relapses can occur during stress or routine changes.

Final Thoughts

Coprophagia is a frustrating but manageable behavior. The key is identifying whether the cause is medical or behavioral, then implementing a comprehensive plan that includes veterinary care, environmental management, dietary optimization, and positive reinforcement training.

If your dog is eating own poop, start with a veterinary exam to rule out health issues. Then commit to consistent management for at least 8 weeks. Most dogs respond well to this approach, and with patience, you can eliminate this unwanted behavior.

Consult your veterinarian before starting any supplements or making significant dietary changes. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).