Causes and Correction of Coprophagia (Feces-Eating Behavior) in Dogs

Brain & CognitionQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Coprophagia in dogs is the behavior of eating feces, whether their own or that of other animals. We’ve outlined correction methods based on the underlying causes and guidelines for when to visit a veterinary clinic.

What Is Coprophagia in Dogs?

Coprophagia in dogs is a behavioral disorder characterized by the repeated consumption of feces, whether their own or that of other animals. The most important first step is to identify the underlying reason for this behavior. Common causes include nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, learned behavior, and stress, and the appropriate correction method varies significantly depending on the root cause. Since this is a relatively common behavioral issue documented in veterinary behavior literature, please don’t be too hard on yourself. As a pet owner, the best approach is to start by calmly identifying the cause.

Why Do Dogs Eat Feces? 5 Main Causes

Coprophagia isn’t just a simple “bad habit”—it’s usually the result of several factors working together. The most common cause is instinctual: mother dogs naturally clean up their puppies’ waste, and this behavior can become ingrained as a learned habit in young dogs. Other causes include undigested nutrients in the stool due to insufficient digestive enzymes, medical conditions such as parasites or pancreatitis, and behavioral factors like boredom or attention-seeking. In some cases, dogs may resort to eating feces in secret after being scolded.

Comparison of Coprophagia Characteristics by Cause

Item	Nutritional	Behavioral	Disease-related
Main causes	Digestion/absorption problems, insufficient food	Stress, boredom, learned behavior	Parasites, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Prefers own feces	True	False	True
Accompanied by other symptoms	False	False	True
Appetite change	Increased	Normal	Abnormal appetite
Need for a vet visit	Medium	Low	Immediate

It is rare for there to be only one cause; often multiple causes are involved

When Nutritional or Digestive Issues Are the Cause

If your dog’s food has low digestibility or if they’re not eating enough, nutrients pass through undigested and end up in their stool. To your dog, that poop can smell like “uneaten food,” which may trigger scavenging behavior. Watch for these key signs:

Stool consistency: Loose stools or visible undigested kibble

Weight changes: No weight gain or actual weight loss despite a good appetite

Increased food-seeking behavior: Excessively sniffing the ground during walks and attempting to eat things

Feeding intervals: Long gaps between meals, leading to extended periods of an empty stomach

When to Definitely Visit the Vet

If coprophagia is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, it may not be a simple behavioral issue. Signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, failure to gain weight despite adequate food intake, dull and coarse fur, or the presence of undigested material in the stool may indicate malabsorption disorders such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or parasitic infection. If these symptoms persist for several days or if coprophagia appears suddenly for the first time, it is better to seek veterinary care rather than simply observing. In such cases, textbooks recommend starting with a fecal parasite test and then performing blood tests to assess pancreatic function (TLI) to rule out EPI.

Correcting Coprophagia Caused by Behavioral Issues

Once medical causes are ruled out, behavior modification becomes the key. Scolding is ineffective and can actually reinforce the behavior, causing your pet to eat more quickly or hide to scavenge. The most reliable approach is to prevent access to feces entirely. Promptly cleaning up waste immediately after elimination is the top priority. During walks, use a muzzle or head halter to physically prevent scavenging. Additionally, training your pet to "sit" and wait after elimination, rewarding them with treats for compliance, is an effective strategy.

Pet owners cleaning up after their pets in the park

Correction Steps You Can Do at Home

Behavioral modification requires consistent effort for at least 4 to 8 weeks. Even a few successful instances can reinforce the behavior, so preventing opportunities is the most critical factor.

Step 1: Clean up feces within 30 seconds of elimination.

Step 2: Keep the leash short and monitor the ground while walking.

Step 3: Establish a routine of rewarding with treats after appropriate elimination.

Step 4: Although adding small amounts of dietary supplements like pineapple or pumpkin to food is a known method, it is difficult to expect the same effect in all dogs, and it must always be combined with opportunity prevention.

Step 5: Increase play and walk time to help relieve stress.

If the behavior persists despite these efforts, consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist.

Mistakes to Avoid When Correcting Coprophagia

Punishment and yelling only make the situation worse. Instead of learning that they’re being scolded for eating feces, dogs associate their owner’s presence with fear, which can lead them to eat it more quickly or hide while doing so. Commercial products marketed to prevent coprophagia work by altering the taste of feces through specific ingredients, but their effectiveness is limited and they don’t address the underlying cause. If your dog is eating other dogs’ feces, these supplements alone won’t be enough—proper management during walks is essential.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harmful to a dog’s health if they eat feces?

While a dog’s own feces are generally harmless, consuming feces from other animals poses a risk of parasitic and bacterial infections. This is especially true for waste from stray cats or other dogs encountered during walks, as it can serve as a transmission route for parasites like Giardia and roundworms, so caution is advised.

Will it improve as they grow older, or does it only happen when they’re young?

Coprophagia in puppies is often a relatively common behavior that occurs as they explore their surroundings with their mouths, and it may decrease as they grow. However, if it persists into adulthood, it has likely become an ingrained habit that is unlikely to resolve on its own, requiring active behavioral correction. Additionally, if the behavior suddenly worsens or is accompanied by changes in stool consistency or body weight, it is advisable to check for underlying digestive or absorption issues.

Is pineapple really effective?

While it’s commonly believed that ingredients in pineapple, pumpkin, and similar foods make feces taste unpleasant to dogs, research findings are inconsistent and suggest limited effectiveness. These remedies don’t work the same way for every dog, and preventing access by promptly cleaning up after elimination is a far more reliable approach.

They say coprophagia can be caused by stress, but how can I tell if that’s the case?

If the onset of coprophagia coincides with periods of separation anxiety, insufficient exercise, or environmental changes (such as moving or changes in household members), it is likely stress-related. Increasing walk and playtime, along with establishing a consistent daily routine, often leads to improvement.

What tests are performed at the clinic?

Fecal tests are used to check for parasitic and bacterial infections, while blood tests evaluate nutrient absorption and pancreatic function (TLI, cPL). Ultrasound may also be performed if needed to identify abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the test results, your vet may prescribe a therapeutic diet or digestive enzyme supplements.

Effects of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Deficiency Symptoms

Comprehensive Guide to Coprophagia Management in Dogs: Top Recommendations and Selection Criteria

Top 5 Recommended Cognitive Supplements for Cats in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions on Preventing and Removing Ticks from Dogs — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Comprehensive FAQ on Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs — Key Information Every Pet Owner Must Know

Dog Tapeworm FAQs — Key Information Every Owner Must Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Spot-On Flea and Tick Preventatives for Dogs — Key Information Every Owner Should Know

Dog Seasonal Parasite Prevention Strategy FAQ — Key Points Every Pet Owner Must Know

Dog Scabies (Mange) FAQ — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Puppy Deworming Schedule FAQ — Key Information Every Owner Should Know

References

[1] Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, et al., The paradox of canine conspecific coprophagy, Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2018

[2] Beaver BV, Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2009

[3] Horwitz DF, Mills DS, BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, 2nd ed., BSAVA, 2009