My dog is eating his/her own faeces – what can I do?
As off-putting as it seems, there is a natural explanation for this less than endearing behaviour. The eating of faeces is known as ‘coprophagia’ and is most often seen in puppies (they mimic the behaviour of their mother who will eat their faeces to keep the nesting area clean). Most puppies quickly grow out of it. But occasionally an adult dog will indulge in a spot of farm manure or another pet’s poop. Yum. The best way to avoid this behaviour is simply to remove the opportunity! Keep your garden poo-free and gently pull or call your dog away from temptation when you’re out for a walk. Sometimes coprophagia is caused by a dietary imbalance, so check that you’re feeding your dog the right amount and type of food to suit his needs.
