Eating Dropping: Considered disgusting by most humans, it is a normal behavior by
canines.
- The technical name for the behavior is coprophagia and is a normal
behavior or common problem. Mother dogs consume their pups' droppings until
they are old enough to be weaned, but dogs will eat other dogs' feces and just
about any other feces. Once grown, it is a little unusual for them to eat their
own.
- Some people mistakenly believe it is from a vitamin deficiency.
However, if vaccinations and parasite elimination have been taken care of by
your veterinarian, and your dog is on a well-balanced diet, then a vitamin
deficiency can be ruled out.
- Now, that we agree it's a behavior problem we can deal with it. The
more you allow the behavior to occur the more likely it will be repeated. That
means physically preventing it from happening helps your dog forget about it.
This does take some time to change the behavior. Don't think you can change
this behavior in a few days.
- By using a loud, firm, scolding voice when your dog sniffs or shows
interest in feces, you'll start changing the behavior. While outside it would
help to have the dog on a leash so you can have some physical control over his
movement as well.
- You can also try seasoning salt added to a pet's food to make the
feces less desirable. A more direct approach includes putting tobasco or bitter
lemon on the feces itself.
- We think the easiest method with a grown dog is
simply to clean the yard every day to remove the temptation.