Although most people find it repulsive, it is quite natural for dogs, especially puppies to eat feces. Feces found in kitty's litter box are especially favorite treats. No, don’t go out and buy a nice kitty for your dog! Fresh feces closely resemble the first solid food the puppy ate: warm, semi-solid, semi-digested food that mom regurgitated for her pups to eat. (Being human does have its advantages).
Often this behavior will just go away when the pup matures. In the mean time, keep the pup's toilet area as clean as possible. Be sure that the puppy is checked for worms and other possible problems such as something lacking in the dog's diet. It is a good idea to have the dog's diet approved by your vet, or switch to a nutritionally complete dog food sold by your vet or pet store.
There are products on the market such as “Forbid” that can be added to the dog's food to help stop the problem. If the dog is still fond of feces, try eaching your dog not to touch it using the command, “Leave it!” Put your dog on leash and walk him by some feces. If he shows any interest in it, tell him, “Leave it!” If he continues to go for it, then loudly scold him, “Leave it!!,” and pull him away from it with a short, sharp tug on the leash. When he stops, praise him. Continue walking and keep returning to different piles of feces over and over, repeating the procedure until he gets the idea that you disapprove of his dietary interests. Whenever he shows no interest in the feces, be sure to tell him how happy you are through praise and reward. Your neighbors might think you’ve gone off the deep end, but doggie is happy, and that’s what matters!
It is also possible to make the feces unappetizing by sprinkling them with hot sauce, lemon juice or anything the dog finds distasteful. Some dogs like hot sauce (Chihuahuas perhaps?), and will consider it a garnish, so find out what your dog does not like before using it.
Be sure to clean up your dog's feces immediately after he defecates so as to prevent the problem in the first place. Do not give him the opportunity to indulge himself. The banquet is closed!
Often this behavior will just go away when the pup matures. In the mean time, keep the pup's toilet area as clean as possible. Be sure that the puppy is checked for worms and other possible problems such as something lacking in the dog's diet. It is a good idea to have the dog's diet approved by your vet, or switch to a nutritionally complete dog food sold by your vet or pet store.
There are products on the market such as “Forbid” that can be added to the dog's food to help stop the problem. If the dog is still fond of feces, try eaching your dog not to touch it using the command, “Leave it!” Put your dog on leash and walk him by some feces. If he shows any interest in it, tell him, “Leave it!” If he continues to go for it, then loudly scold him, “Leave it!!,” and pull him away from it with a short, sharp tug on the leash. When he stops, praise him. Continue walking and keep returning to different piles of feces over and over, repeating the procedure until he gets the idea that you disapprove of his dietary interests. Whenever he shows no interest in the feces, be sure to tell him how happy you are through praise and reward. Your neighbors might think you’ve gone off the deep end, but doggie is happy, and that’s what matters!
It is also possible to make the feces unappetizing by sprinkling them with hot sauce, lemon juice or anything the dog finds distasteful. Some dogs like hot sauce (Chihuahuas perhaps?), and will consider it a garnish, so find out what your dog does not like before using it.
Be sure to clean up your dog's feces immediately after he defecates so as to prevent the problem in the first place. Do not give him the opportunity to indulge himself. The banquet is closed!
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COPROPHAGIA - Eating Feces
COPROPHAGIA - Eating Feces
