Is your German Shepherd engaging in a behavior that leaves you puzzled and disgusted? You’re not alone. Coprophagy, the act of eating poop, is a fairly common issue among dogs, including German Shepherds. While it might seem revolting to us, there are reasons behind this behavior, and more importantly, there are ways to address it. Let’s dive into the world of poop-eating and discover how to stop your German Shepherd from this unsavory habit.
Why Do German Shepherds Eat Poop?
Before we tackle the solutions, let’s understand why your German Shepherd might be eating poop in the first place. There are several potential reasons, ranging from behavioral to dietary:
- Nutritional deficiencies: One theory suggests that dogs eat poop because they are missing essential nutrients in their diet, such as Vitamin B. A diet lacking in meat-based proteins and fats may also contribute to this behavior.
- Enzyme deficiency: Modern canine diets, often high in carbohydrates, might not provide enough digestive enzymes, leading dogs to seek them elsewhere.
- Taste preference: Some dogs simply develop a taste for poop, turning it into aRegular “snack”. This can be especially true in multi-pet households where there’s a constant supply of fresh droppings.
- Instinctual behavior: Some experts believe that coprophagy is an inherited trait from ancestral wolves, who would keep their den clean by consuming feces, thus preventing the spread of parasites.
- Boredom, stress, or anxiety: A German Shepherd puppy might eat poop out of boredom, stress, or anxiety. They may also do it to get your attention, as dogs are social animals.
- Medical issues: In some cases, underlying health problems like parasites or malabsorption can cause a dog to eat poop. Certain drugs, such as steroids, can also trigger this behavior.
Is Eating Poop Dangerous for German Shepherds?
Yes, eating poop can be dangerous for your German Shepherd. Feces can contain parasites and harmful bacteria like salmonella.
How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Eating Poop: Practical Strategies
Now that we know the potential causes and dangers, let’s explore effective strategies to stop your German Shepherd from eating poop:
Rule Out Medical Issues
The first step is to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems or nutritional deficiencies. They can perform tests and recommend appropriate treatments or dietary changes.
Dietary Adjustments
- High-Quality Food: Feeding your German Shepherd high-quality dog food is crucial. Raw dog food may be a good option because it provides more nutrients, leading to less waste and a reduced desire to eat poop.
- Vitamin and Enzyme Supplements: Consider adding a dog multivitamin or digestive enzyme supplement to their diet. This can help address potential deficiencies and improve digestion.
Environmental Management
- Keep the Environment Clean: Regularly clean your dog’s living area, including the yard, to remove any potential temptations.
- Immediate Cleanup: Pick up your dog’s poop immediately after they go. This eliminates the opportunity for them to indulge in this behavior.
- Limit Access to Litter Boxes: If you have cats, keep their litter box clean and out of your German Shepherd’s reach. Use self-cleaning litter boxes or dog gates to restrict access.
Training and Behavior Modification
- “Leave It” and “Come” Commands: Teach your German Shepherd the “leave it” and “come” commands. These are essential for redirecting their attention away from poop.
- Leash Training: Keep your dog on a leash during walks to prevent them from accessing poop.
- Reward Good Behavior: When you see your German Shepherd obeying your commands and avoiding poop, reward them with treats or toys. This reinforces positive behavior.
- Distraction: When outside, distract your dog with a toy or ball to keep their mind off poop.
Taste Aversion
- Taste-Aversion Products: Use a poop-eating deterrent treat or powder added to their food to make the poop less appealing. These products often contain ingredients like monosodium glutamate, chamomile, or pepper-plant derivatives.
- Bitter Spray: Some owners spray poop with a bitter-tasting spray to make it taste worse.
Attention and Mental Stimulation
- More Attention: Boredom and anxiety can contribute to poop-eating. Spend more time with your German Shepherd, providing them with plenty of exercise, play, and mental stimulation.
- Address Anxiety: If anxiety is the root cause, identify the triggers and work to reduce your dog’s stress levels.
Cleaning Your German Shepherd’s Mouth
If your German Shepherd does manage to eat poop, it’s important to clean their mouth afterward:
- Food and Water: Give them food to eat and water to drink to help clean their mouth.
- Wet Cloth: Clean around their mouth with a clean, wet cloth.
- Dog Toothbrush: Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it can be toxic) to clean their teeth.
- Dental Sticks: Give them a dental stick to chew on.
What Doesn’t Work?
According to one study, commercial products and behavior modification approaches have a low success rate in changing this behavior. In descending order of frequency of use, the various procedures were: chase away from stools, reward the successful command of ‘leave it alone’, lace stools with pepper and punish by electronic or sound‐emitting collar. The reported success rate was 1–2% except for ‘leave it alone’ which was slightly higher at 4%.
Patience and Consistency Are Key
Stopping your German Shepherd from eating poop requires patience and consistency. It’s important to remember not to punish your dog, as this can create stress and anxiety, potentially worsening the problem. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and creating a clean and stimulating environment for your furry friend.
By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and implementing these strategies, you can help your German Shepherd break this habit and enjoy a cleaner, healthier life.