Pet Care - Dog Health Issues - COPROPHAGIA (EATING FAECES)

COPROPHAGIA (EATING FAECES)

Coprophagia is a common phenomenon which is seen in puppies and in adult dogs. Many explanations have been offered as to why dogs do this. One suggestion is that coprophagia is caused by boredom. The condition is certainly common in kennelled dogs but they tend to be fed on very cheap, low-quality foods. Another suggestion is that very high energy diets are responsible, the rationale being that the faeces must contain some undigested nutrients which are attractive to the dog. Some vets believe that coprophagia is normal and harmless but is certainly unpleasant and disgusting for the owner.

My view is that coprophagia is an example of a depraved appetite and as such is a sign of non-specific ill-health, most probably affecting the gastro-intestinal system. It is not as is commonly thought, a sign that the dog is intuitively seeking out something which is lacking in the diet.

The Health Management Programme at the end of the Guide to Natural Health Care explains how to avoid this condition through correct feeding. Additional management techniques should be employed at the same time as the diet is corrected, for example denying the dog access or opportunity to eat faeces. This will help to break the habit. Other common examples of depraved appetite are: eating soil and wood.

If coprophagia still persists after the dog is fed on Burns or begins after a change in diet to Burns, then it can indicate a slight digestive problem, especially if it is present along with other digestive problems such as eating grass, diarrhoea or constipation. We recommend cutting out other tit-bits and foods (although vegetables, raw or cooked are usually acceptable) and checking that you are not over-feeding Burns-both of these will over work the digestive system. Remember an older dog will need less food, as will a neutered animal, or one which does not get a lot of exercise.

If you have tried all these techniques and the dog is still eating faeces, then it may be worth trying one of our other varieties with a different meat source. We have a variety of adult maintenance foods. It may also help if you try adding some probiotics to the food to aid digestion.

Coprophagia can also indicate the presence of worms, stress and more serious conditions such as liver disease, so worm your dog regularly and if you are at all worried get your vet to do a quick check up.

Coprophagia can become a habit in some dogs. If this occurs then additional management techniques may need to be used.