By Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Some dogs can't resist a tasty morsel of faces.
These dogs will eat their own excrement or that of another dog. Some prefer
horse faeces, others cat faeces.
Frozen faeces are popular in the wintertime.
Why do dogs do this?
In the past it was believed that faeces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research. "Behavioural research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency," says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian and animal behaviour specialist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behaviour.
"It is important for dog owners to know that this behaviour is normal for a mother dog with pups," adds Dr. Eurell. Newborn pups must learn to urinate and defecate. The mother teaches the pups by licking their bottoms. The pupsrespond to this "tickle" by urinating and defecating. The mother then consumes the pups' excrement, which serves two protective purposes: it keeps the den area clean and it removes smells that could attract a predator. Some pups learn this behaviour from their mothers and will stimulate themselves and consume their own faeces. Most pups stop by the time they are weaned.
It is more difficult to understand why adult dogs eat faeces. Some dogs will learn this behaviour from other dogs. In some cases, eating faeces may be an attention-seeking behaviour. For some dogs it is possibly due to anxiety orboredom. Most often the motivation for eating faeces is just not known.
Owners find this habit in their pet disgusting -- particularly when the consumed faeces are thrown up all over the new carpet. In addition to being socially unacceptable, eating faeces exposes the dog to parasites and diseases. So, what is a dog owner to do?
"Eating faeces is a problem that is easier
to prevent than to cure," says Dr. Eurell.
"Don't allow the opportunity to arise. Keep
the dog's yard clean by disposing of faces promptly. Move the cat box out
of the dog's reach. If cleaning the outdoor area is not feasible, then
keep the dog on a leash or use a muzzle whenoutside."
There are some "cures" that have been used
with limited success. Punishment generally only works in the early stages,
before the behaviour becomes habitual.
Feeding the dog MSG, garlic, or pumpkin is
believed to give faeces a bad taste, making it less attractive to the dog.
Other products can be applied to the faeces directly; however, dogs are
very perceptive and can probably distinguishbetween
tainted and untainted faeces.
The best solution is to supervise the dog
and not let it develop the habit. If you would like further information
about this behaviour, contact your local veterinarian.
