Here are a few common reasons why dogs might eat their own poop, or the poop of other animals. These include:
Nutrient deficiency: If a dog is not getting all of the nutrients they need from their diet, they may be more likely to eat poop in an attempt to supplement their nutrition. Sometimes this can also be related to parasitic infections that are disrupting nutrient absorption.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause a dog to eat their own poop. In some instances, your dog may eat another dogs poop if they have incontinence and it is theorized that this may be an evolutionary conserved behavior to try to not attract the attention of other predators.
Boredom, confinement, or lack of mental stimulation: Dogs that are bored or not getting enough mental stimulation may engage in unwanted behaviors, such as eating poop, to alleviate boredom. It is also much more common in dogs that have spent excessive time in kennels or cages.
Attention-seeking behavior: Some dogs may eat poop in order to get attention, either positive or negative, from their owners. As you can imagine and may have experienced, if a dog is eating their poop right in front of you, it can get a reaction out of you.
Anxiety: if your dog has gotten in trouble for pooping in the house in the past, they may be eating their own poop in an effort to "hide the evidence" and avoid punishment.
Learned behavior: If a dog is consistently rewarded for a behavior, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. If a dog is given attention or treats after eating poop, they may continue to do so in order to get that reward.
If you are concerned about your dog eating poop, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss possible behavioral interventions. If you are interested in dog poop scooping services to help get rid of that dog poop so your dog doesn't try to eat it, please give us a call.