| Often,
dog owners are appalled to find that their dogs are eating their
own feces or that of other dogs or cats.
This behavior is known as coprophagy, from the Greek copro, which
means "feces," and phagy, which means "eat."
Coprophagy is rarely seen in cats but is quite common in dogs,
especially those who are very food-motivated. Many dog owner/
guardians find this a completely unacceptable habit. Overall,
it's not good for the dog, either, because of the risk of ingesting
parasites.
Some experts are of the opinion that coprophagy is an instinctual
behavior. Wolves and coyotes may often eat feces when food is
not readily available, or they may be trying to replenish their
supply of vitamin B by eating the feces of herbivores, such as
deer and rabbits. However, dogs generally do not eat feces because
they have a dietary deficiency, although some medical problems
may give rise to coprophagy -- severe disorders of the pancreas
or intestine, starvation, or severe malnutrition caused by a serious
parasitic infestation.
Some behavioral experts believe coprophagy may arise in dogs
suffering from stress and anxiety. There also has been a suggestion
that when dogs are punished for defecating inappropriately, some
come to associate defecation with bad behavior, and try to hide
the evidence by eating it.
Coprophagy may also be a learned behavior, or one that begins
as play, when puppies mouth and chew on many objects as they explore
their world. However, once eating feces has become a habit, and
if dogs enjoy it, it's not easy to change, so it's important to
stop it before it becomes entrenched.
The best way to prevent the problem is to keep your dog's area
free of stool by scooping it immediately. Give him lots of activity
and exercise, but when you take him for a walk, keep him leashed
at all times. Some dogs may also need to wear a cage muzzle (but
always supervise a muzzled dog). And make sure your dog doesn't
have access to a cat's litter box.
Products also can be added to the food of the animal whose feces
are being eaten (if your dog is eating his own stool, add it to
his food). The product is digested and gives the feces a bad taste
(ask your vet for advice about this). Alternatively, you can try
sprinkling Tabasco sauce or chili powder on the feces itself,
although some dogs don't seem to mind the spicy flavor.
Your dog may need increased stimulation so that eating feces
loses its appeal. Give him plenty of chew toys, including Kongs
stuffed with wet food, cream cheese or peanut butter, mixed with
kibble, to keep him busy and energized.
Stopping coprophagy may require help from an animal behaviorist.
Your vet may also prescribe medication if the habit becomes obsessive-
compulsive. And because dogs who eat the stool of cats or other
dogs run the risk of being repeatedly infected with various parasites,
they should also have a regular fecal examination.
It is important not to punish your dog for eating feces. Some
dogs can interpret a negative reaction as attention, and the behavior
may be reinforced. Patience and understanding will help get him
out of this deep doo-doo.
|
