Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? The Gross Truth & How to Stop It!

Ever caught your pup snacking on, well… 💩? Yeah, it’s disgusting, but don’t freak out—there’s a reason (or several) why dogs do this. The fancy term for it is coprophagia, and while it’s not ideal, it’s more common than you think. Let’s dive into the dirty details and how to put an end to this crappy habit!

1. Stress: Poop as a Comfort Snack 😬

Dogs dealing with anxiety—whether from too much confinement, loneliness, or harsh training methods—may eat poop as a coping mechanism. Some pups even do it to "hide the evidence" if they’ve been punished for accidents. Solution? More playtime, positive training, and exercise to keep their minds (and mouths) busy with better things!

2. Attention-Seeking: The Shock Factor 🤯

Dogs are smart. If they notice that munching on poop gets a big reaction from you, they might keep doing it just to get attention. The trick? Don’t freak out! Stay calm, redirect them, and reward good behavior instead. No drama = no fun for them.

3. Mixed Signals: When Poop Smells Like Food 🍲

If your dog eats too close to where they poop, their super-powered nose may start associating food with feces—yikes! Also, puppies who smell poop on their mom’s breath during grooming may think it’s normal. Fix it by keeping feeding and potty areas separate.

4. Health Issues: The Hidden Culprit 🏥

Sudden poop-eating could signal digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies, or other medical issues. If your dog also shows signs like weight loss, tummy troubles, or low energy, a vet visit is a must.

How to Stop the Poop Buffet 🚫

✅ Keep their living space clean—remove waste ASAP.
✅ Offer plenty of mental & physical stimulation.
✅ Try adding a vet-approved digestive supplement to deter poop cravings.
✅ Use positive reinforcement when they ignore poop.

And if you’re tired of constantly scooping? Call in the pros! Scoopy Doog™ offers weekly, bi-weekly, and customized pet waste removal—so your pup won’t have any "snacks" left to find. Say goodbye to backyard landmines and hello to a clean, stink-free yard!

👉 Book a poop-free yard with Scoopy Doog™ today! 🚀