Does your dog eat poop? This vet explains the reason why it does and how bad it can be

Some dogs have a peculiar pallet, with poop—human, theirown, or of other animals—great options for a quick snack.

My dog is a poopeater. He doesn’t dive for every poop he comes across (thank goodness!), but it certainly happens more often than both he and I would like. So, why do some dogs eat poop and can anything be done to stop them?

Dr. Alex Crow, a veterinarian, recently posted a video about this subject on his TikTok page, and well, the answers might not be as comforting or straightforward as some would like.

For some dogs, the urge to eat a bit of poop is just a product of their curiosity as they sniff and taste their way through the world. While humans might depend more on touch and sight to understand our environment, dogs rely much more on taste and smell.

However, in other cases, the urge might be more instinctual, with mother dogs licking up any puppy poop to avoid the smell attracting predators. “Some dogs naturally pick up on that habit and take it through to adulthood,” explains Dr. Crow, which may be while your furry friend has this tendency.

Poop eating could be a sign of nutrient deficiency or anxiety

If eating poop is a consistent problem for your dog, it might be worth talking to your vet to see if there are any signs your furry friend has a nutrient difiency. Dr. Crow says that some dogs might be looking to poop as a source of vitmitns that they are lacking, or as a way to reset their gut biome. Ensuring your dog is on a balanced diet may decrease their urge to look elsewhere for some of those critical nutrients.

Additionally, the vetrianairn also highlighted stress and anxiety as a reason why some pups might eat poop. Speaking with your vet on the best ways to help your dog manage stress and avoid a fecal feast might be a good option, too. “Poop eating isn’t something that should be encouraged,” warns Dr. Crow (are any dog owners doing this????), because inside that stinky snack can live parasites and bacteria that could make your dog sick.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.