Why do dogs eat their own poop?

Watching a dog eat feces—coprophagia—is upsetting for many owners, and it’s far more common than most people think. That matters because what looks like a gross quirk can range from a normal, developmental behavior to a sign of illness or a household stressor that needs fixing; knowing which helps protect your dog’s health, your peace of mind, and the way you interact with others when out walking or visiting friends.

When dogs eat poop: why this behavior matters to owners — emotional impact and practical concerns

Many owners notice this behavior in the house, at the park, or after a visit to a kennel. You might first see it with a puppy, after a change in diet, or during a stressful period such as moving home or adding a new pet. The emotional reaction is real: disgust, worry about illness, embarrassment in social situations, and frustration that an otherwise well-behaved dog is doing something unpleasant. I typically see owners split between curiosity—wanting to understand why—and urgent concern that a hidden health problem is present. That split changes which actions are most important: if curiosity is the main driver, training and management often work; if health is suspected, diagnostic testing moves to the front of the list.

Because the behavior affects bonding and social situations, addressing it matters beyond hygiene. A dog repeatedly engaging in coprophagia can make owners avoid dog parks, guests, or shared daycare. Fixing the problem can restore confidence, protect other pets and family members, and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Bottom line in one sentence — the main reasons dogs eat feces and the one first step to try

Dogs may eat feces for several overlapping reasons—instinctual maternal behavior carried into puppyhood, a search for missing nutrients, a learned way to get attention, or a response to stress or digestive problems—and the first immediate step for any owner is to remove access to feces and schedule a vet check if the behavior is new, repetitive, or accompanied by other signs of illness.

At a glance, the main causes are likely linked to: instinct and development, diet and digestion, attention-seeking and learned reinforcement, and medical or parasitic issues. For most puppies and an occasional adult dog with no other signs, the behavior is usually harmless and can respond to management and training. If it appears suddenly, becomes compulsive, or coincides with weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, it is more worrying and needs veterinary evaluation.

Biology and canine communication — physiological causes and social signals behind coprophagia

Some behaviors are rooted in how dogs evolved and how mothers care for young. Mother dogs commonly lick and remove puppies’ feces to keep the den clean and to reduce scent that could attract predators; puppies may copy this behavior and continue sampling feces as they learn about their world. This developmental copying is one reason I commonly see coprophagia in young dogs during the same period they are exploring with their mouths.

Physiologically, feces may contain partially digested nutrients, pancreatic enzymes, or undigested food if digestion is imperfect. Dogs with rapid intestinal transit, poor absorption, or certain pancreatic or intestinal diseases may be more attracted to feces because it still contains usable nutrients. Similarly, parasites that steal calories or cause malabsorption may make a dog hungrier and more likely to scavenge.

Scent plays a large role. What smells revolting to humans can be interesting to a dog; feces carry strong olfactory cues and a complex microbial community. Emerging work suggests the gut microbiome may influence behavior in subtle ways, and feces contain live microbes that may be attractive to some animals. Finally, attention-seeking behavior can reinforce the habit: if a dog is picked up, scolded, or receives a big reaction after eating feces, that reaction may act as a form of reward for certain individuals.

Contextual triggers: the environments, routines, and timing that encourage the habit

Puppyhood and teething are classic risk periods. Puppies explore with their mouths and have imperfect digestion, so sampling stool is more common. During teething, increased mouthing and chewing sometimes generalize to unusual objects, including feces. I also see this behavior spike after changes such as moving house, the introduction of new pets, changes in the household routine, or periods of confinement—situations that increase stress and boredom.

Meal timing and diet composition matter. Dogs fed once a day or on low-fiber, low-protein diets may scavenge more out of hunger or because the diet doesn’t feel satiating. Dirty indoor litterboxes, shared play areas where feces accumulate, and crowded kennel settings also increase the opportunity and the chance that a dog will sample another animal’s stool. Any setting that gives easy access to feces will increase the likelihood the behavior continues.

Health risks and warning signs every owner should know

There are genuine health risks tied to coprophagia. Feces can carry intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia), bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli), and viruses that can be transmitted to dogs or, in some cases, people. While the absolute risk in an individual interaction is often low, repeated exposure raises the chance of infection. Dogs with weakened immune systems or young children in the household increase the stakes.

Red flags that deserve prompt veterinary attention include weight loss, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, changes in appetite, lethargy, or a sudden onset of compulsive feces-eating. If the behavior is compulsive—repeatedly and persistently done despite prevention—or if a previously well dog suddenly begins coprophagia, I recommend urgent evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include a physical exam, fecal parasite testing, and bloodwork to screen for underlying conditions.

What to do right away: concrete short-term actions for owners

1. Immediately remove access: pick up feces promptly in the yard, supervise outdoor time on a short leash, and use a covered litterbox routine that minimizes access to stool.
2. Book a vet visit and stool test: have your veterinarian examine your dog and run fecal flotation and possibly antigen tests to rule out parasites or signs of malabsorption.
3. Adjust feeding: consider increasing feeding frequency (smaller meals twice a day instead of one), evaluate the calorie and fiber content with your vet, and rule out food that may not be meeting nutrient needs.
4. Manage the environment: block access to high-risk areas, clean yards regularly, and keep multi-dog areas swept; when outside, keep your dog within sight and respond quickly to attempts.
5. Redirect and reward: use a consistent, calm trade—offer a high-value toy or a small treat when your dog leaves or ignores feces to build alternate behavior.

Training techniques and environmental changes that reduce temptation

Teach practical cues such as “Leave it” and a strong, fast recall. Start in low-distraction settings and reward heavily for choosing an alternate object over stool. I recommend short, frequent impulse-control drills—waiting for food, nose targeting, and brief stays—that build the skill of resisting immediate grabs.

Increase mental and physical enrichment so your dog has fewer idle moments to experiment. Puzzle feeders, scent games, and extra walks or play sessions reduce boredom-driven scavenging. Make routine yard cleanup and litterbox maintenance a habit: removing opportunities is one of the most reliable ways to prevent recurrence.

When training, use consistent, reward-based responses. Avoid harsh punishments; jerking, shouting, or physical corrections can increase anxiety and worsen the behavior. For entrenched or compulsive cases, a certified behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist can design a graded behavior-modification plan that may include counterconditioning and structured desensitization.

Practical gear and supplies to help manage and prevent coprophagia

• Sturdy poop bags and a long-handled scoop for rapid cleanup; hands-free dispensers can speed the process.
• A short leash and secure harness to maintain close control when outside and to interrupt attempts quickly.
• Enzymatic cleaners to remove residual fecal odor indoors so the area is less attractive to repeat sniffing.
• Vet-approved taste deterrents and barriers can be used cautiously and only after veterinary consultation; these are not long-term solutions on their own.

Who we consulted — veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and other authorities

Start with your primary-care veterinarian for an exam, fecal testing, and a discussion of diet. If the problem is persistent or tied to anxiety or repetitive behavior, consult a veterinary behaviorist or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist for specialized behavior plans. For diet-related concerns or complex medical cases, a veterinary nutritionist or internal medicine specialist can evaluate malabsorption, pancreatic function, and nutrient balance.

When researching, prefer evidence-based sources and professional guidelines rather than anecdotal remedies; behaviorists and veterinarians can help you interpret research in the context of your dog’s unique situation.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Coprophagy” entry
• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Gastrointestinal Parasites” and related diagnostic guidance
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): resources on parasite prevention and zoonotic risks from pet feces
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: position statements and guidance on behavior modification and use of behavior specialists