What does your dog’s poop mean? Expert Advice

Extra – Coprophagia – My dog is eating its own poop!

What does your dog’s poop mean?

The medical name of dog eating own poop is called coprophagia.

This is more of a behavioural issue than issues with the poop itself. But if your dog is eating its own poo, it may be due to any of the following:

Behavioural – Your dog may be seeking attention, too bored, got inspired by other dogs or think that eating poo is a way to please you. Stressful dogs or dogs who love cleanliness may also display poop-eating actions.

Nourishment – There may be a deficiency in certain nutrients like enzymes or trace minerals which makes a dog eat its own poop. It may be trying to replenish its nutrient needs by eating its own poop. Underfeeding may also be another reason that causes this too. Dogs are very simple, they are just trying to replenish their body’s energy!

Medical-related – It may be due to parasites in your dog’s body which is absorbing the food that is inside its body. This makes your dog crave for its stool to “claim” back its nutrients. More serious diseases like diabetes, thyroid issues can also make your dog extra hungry.

If your dog’s poop is lao sai (diarrhea, watery poop)

Feed some plain, steamed food that is gentle in your dog’s stomach. You can consider steaming food like broccoli and pumpkin, together with your dog’s preferred meat and mix together. During this period, giving slightly more vegetables or starches is alright, as the purpose is to help cleanse the body and solidify the stools.

Feeding bones is also another option. A couple of raw or dehydrated chicken or duck feet or wings (do not feed cooked – feed raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried) may help.

You can also give some pre and probiotics to help with maldigestion, especially diarrhea issues.

Feed the current food (especially if it is new) less per meal. Continue for a few meals and monitor the condition of the poop for a couple of days. See if the loose stool improves.

You may want to consider adding a small quantity of mashed steam pumpkin to your dog’s current (new) food.

Give plenty of clean water during this period too.

Dr. Nicholas spent many years as an emergency and general practice veterinarian obsessed with keeping pets safe and healthy. He is the author of Preventive Vet’s 101 Essential Tips book series.

Dr. Nicholas graduated with honors from The Royal Veterinary College in London, England and completed his Internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. He currently lives in the Pacific Northwest.

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A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1.

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Dr. Nicholas spent many years as an emergency and general practice veterinarian obsessed with keeping pets safe and healthy. He is the author of Preventive Vet’s 101 Essential Tips book series.

A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1.