If you’ve ever caught your German Shepherd indulging in a rather unsavory snack, you’re not alone. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is surprisingly common in dogs, and while it might be off-putting to us, it’s often a normal (albeit unpleasant) part of canine behavior. Let’s explore the reasons behind this peculiar habit and what you can do to address it.
Is it Normal for German Shepherds to Eat Poop?
You might be relieved to know that, according to veterinarians, eating poop is considered normal behavior for many dogs. One study revealed that approximately one in six dogs regularly engage in this habit. While it’s more common in puppies, adult dogs can also be poop-eaters. Understanding why it happens can help you determine whether it’s a cause for concern.
Potential Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Eats Poop
Several factors can contribute to coprophagia in German Shepherds:
1. Instinctive Behavior
- Survival Instincts: Some believe that coprophagia is a remnant of survival instincts from their wild ancestors, who lived a life of feast or famine. Eating poop may have been a way to ensure they got enough to eat.
- Cleaning Up: Mother dogs often eat their puppies’ poop to keep the den clean, a behavior that doesn’t always stop after weaning.
- Protecting the Pack: In multi-dog households, a healthy dog might eat the poop of a weaker dog, possibly to protect the pack from predators.
2. Dietary Factors
- Nutrient Deficiency: Dogs may eat feces in an attempt to recover lost minerals if they are not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
- Malabsorption: If a dog’s stool consists of undigested food, it could indicate a medical issue affecting nutrient absorption.
3. Behavioral Reasons
- Boredom: A lack of activity can lead to a dog playing with and eventually eating their feces.
- Attention-Seeking: If your dog knows you react strongly when you catch them eating poop, they may do it to get attention.
- Anxiety and Stress: Stress or anxiety, especially when left alone, can cause a dog to eat their poop. Dogs who have been punished for soiling in the house may also develop this habit.
- Inappropriate Association with Food: Feeding a dog near their poop can create an association between the odors of food and feces.
4. Medical Issues
- Underlying Health Problems: Coprophagia, especially if it’s a new behavior, can be a sign of intestinal tract, liver, or brain diseases.
- Increased Appetite: Certain health problems, such as parasites, diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, and thyroid disease, can increase appetite and lead to poop-eating.
How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Eating Poop
Here are some practical steps you can take to address coprophagia in your German Shepherd:
- Consult Your Veterinarian: Rule out any underlying medical problems first.
- Improve Diet: Ensure your dog is getting a high-quality food with all the necessary nutrients.
- Clean Up Immediately: Dogs prefer fresh feces, so pick up waste right away.
- Provide Distractions: During potty breaks, bring a toy or treat to distract your dog.
- Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement and treats to teach commands like “leave it”.
- Address Anxiety and Stress: Maintain a consistent routine, provide plenty of potty breaks, and monitor your dog during these times. Make sure your dog doesn’t spend too much time alone and gets walked every day to avoid stress.
- Dietary Supplements: Consider adding enzyme supplements or high-fiber food to your dog’s diet to make their poop less appealing. Some owners have found success with papaya, cottage cheese, or crushed pineapple.
- Taste Deterrents: Use products designed to make a dog’s poop taste bad.
Important Considerations
- Freshness Matters: Most poop eaters prefer fresh stuff, only one to two days old.
- Avoid Punishment: Punishing your dog for eating poop can worsen the problem by creating anxiety.
- Be Patient: Breaking a bad habit takes time, so be patient and consistent with your training.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the problem persists despite your best efforts, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and strategies to help your German Shepherd break this unpleasant habit.