How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop Safely

Dogs eating feces—known as coprophagia—is a common but distressing behavior for pet owners. While it may seem bizarre or even repulsive to humans, dogs often engage in this habit for reasons rooted in biology, instinct, nutrition, or environment. The good news is that in most cases, the behavior can be managed and eventually eliminated using humane, safe, and consistent strategies. This guide provides practical, veterinarian-supported methods to help you understand why your dog does it and how to stop it—for good.

Why Dogs Eat Poop: Understanding the Causes

Coprophagia affects up to 24% of dogs, according to studies conducted by veterinary behaviorists. While puppies are more likely to exhibit this behavior, adult dogs can also develop or retain the habit. The causes vary widely and often involve a combination of factors:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: If a dog isn’t absorbing nutrients properly due to digestive issues or a poor-quality diet, they may seek additional nourishment from feces.
• Instinctual Behavior: Mother dogs clean their puppies’ waste to protect the den from predators—a natural survival mechanism. Puppies may mimic this behavior during early development.
• Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking mental stimulation may resort to eating poop out of stress or lack of activity.
• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs learn that the act provokes a reaction—even if it’s negative—which reinforces the behavior.
• Medical Conditions: Parasites, pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), diabetes, or enzyme deficiencies can lead to increased appetite and abnormal eating habits.
• Environmental Access: Dogs with unrestricted access to litter boxes, feces in yards, or other animals’ droppings are more likely to develop the habit.

Tip: Rule out medical causes first. Schedule a vet checkup before assuming behavioral-only intervention will suffice.

Safe and Proven Methods to Stop the Behavior

Stopping coprophagia requires patience, consistency, and a multi-pronged approach. The most effective solutions combine environmental management, training, and dietary adjustments. Below are five evidence-based strategies to implement at home.

1. Immediate Cleanup and Environmental Control

The simplest way to prevent poop-eating is to remove the opportunity. Dogs who eat feces usually do so within minutes of elimination. By picking up waste promptly, you eliminate access.

• Clean your yard daily—or after every bowel movement.
• If you have a cat, secure the litter box with a baby gate or covered enclosure inaccessible to your dog.
• Supervise walks closely and use a leash to redirect your dog before they reach droppings.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Training your dog to respond to cues like “leave it” or “come” can be highly effective. Start in low-distraction environments and gradually increase difficulty.

1. Hold a treat in one hand and present it closed to your dog.
2. When they sniff or paw, say “leave it” firmly but calmly.
3. Wait until they back away or look up, then immediately reward with a different treat from your other hand.
4. Practice daily for 5–10 minutes until reliable, then test with real-life triggers like a stool on the ground.

Once mastered, this command becomes a critical tool during walks or outdoor playtime.

3. Dietary Adjustments and Supplements

A balanced, high-quality diet supports overall health and reduces scavenging behaviors. Some pet owners report success with adding enzyme supplements or specific products designed to make feces less palatable.

Foods rich in digestible proteins, fiber, and essential fatty acids improve nutrient absorption, reducing the chance your dog feels compelled to extract calories from waste.

Dietary Strategy	How It Helps	Examples
High-digestibility kibble	Maximizes nutrient uptake, minimizes undigested matter in stool	Royal Canin Digestive Care, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
Fiber supplementation	Promotes gut health and satiety	Pumpkin puree (1 tsp per 10 lbs), psyllium husk (vet-approved)
Enzyme or probiotic additives	Supports digestion and balances gut flora	Prozyme, FortiFlora
Coprophagia deterrents	Makes feces taste unpleasant	For-Bid, Potty Mouth, NaturVet CoproBan

Note: Always introduce new foods or supplements gradually and consult your veterinarian before starting any regimen.

4. Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Boredom is a major driver of undesirable behaviors. Dogs that don’t receive enough physical exercise or cognitive engagement may turn to poop-eating simply because they have nothing else to do.

Aim for:

• At least 30–60 minutes of daily exercise tailored to breed energy levels.
• Interactive toys such as Kongs, snuffle mats, or puzzle feeders.
• Training sessions that reinforce obedience and focus.
• Rotating toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest.

“Dogs are problem-solvers by nature. When under-stimulated, they create their own problems—and sometimes those include eating things they shouldn’t.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Integrative Veterinarian

5. Interrupt and Redirect, Never Punish

Yelling, scolding, or physical punishment when you catch your dog eating poop can backfire. It may cause fear, confusion, or even reinforce the behavior if your dog sees any attention as rewarding.

Instead, use interruption techniques:

• Carry treats during walks to redirect attention quickly.
• Use a cheerful “Come!” or “Let’s go!” to lure them away.
• Keep a favorite toy in your pocket to distract on cue.

The goal is to teach your dog that better rewards come from ignoring feces and focusing on you.

Step-by-Step Plan to Eliminate Coprophagia

Follow this 6-week timeline to systematically address the issue:

1. Week 1: Veterinary Evaluation
   Book a vet visit. Request a fecal exam, blood work, and nutritional assessment to rule out medical causes.
2. Week 2: Clean Environment & Routine Setup
   Begin cleaning the yard immediately after defecation. Install barriers to litter boxes or chicken coops if applicable. Establish a consistent feeding and walking schedule.
3. Week 3–4: Begin Training & Diet Adjustment
   Start teaching “leave it” and “come” commands. Switch to a higher-quality food if needed. Add pumpkin or a vet-recommended supplement.
4. Week 5: Introduce Deterrents (if necessary)
   Try a commercial coprophagia deterrent. Monitor for changes over 7–10 days. Discontinue if ineffective or poorly tolerated.
5. Week 6: Evaluate Progress & Refine Approach
   Track incidents in a journal. Note triggers (e.g., time of day, location). Adjust training or environment as needed. Celebrate small wins.

Tip: Keep a small notebook or phone log to track when and where your dog tries to eat poop. Patterns often reveal overlooked triggers.

Real-Life Example: Turning Around a Persistent Habit

Sophie, a 3-year-old Border Collie mix, had been eating her own feces since puppyhood. Her owner, Mark, tried yelling and pulling her away, but the behavior persisted—especially during morning walks. Concerned about hygiene and potential illness, he consulted his veterinarian.

Blood work revealed no underlying disease, but a fecal test showed mild bacterial imbalance. The vet recommended switching to a limited-ingredient diet and adding a probiotic. Simultaneously, Mark began daily “leave it” training and started carrying pea-sized treats on walks.

Within three weeks, Sophie responded reliably to the “leave it” cue. Mark also installed a motion-activated sprinkler in the backyard to deter her from lingering near previous elimination spots. By week six, the behavior had stopped completely. Today, Sophie walks past droppings without a second glance.

This case illustrates how combining medical insight, training, and environmental tweaks leads to lasting change—without force or frustration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning owners can unintentionally worsen the problem. Here’s what not to do:

Don’t	Why It’s Harmful	Do This Instead
Punish your dog after the fact	Dogs don’t connect delayed punishment with the act	Interrupt in the moment and redirect positively
Assume it’s “just gross” and ignore it	Could mask serious health issues	Get a full vet check first
Use hot sauce or pepper on feces	Can irritate mouth, stomach, or eyes; unsafe	Use only vet-approved oral deterrents
Leave waste unattended in yard	Reinforces the habit through repeated access	Clean up within minutes of elimination

FAQ: Common Questions About Coprophagia

Is eating poop dangerous for dogs?

Yes, it can be. Feces may contain parasites (like roundworms), bacteria (such as Salmonella or E. coli), or toxins from medications (e.g., flea treatments passed through cat feces). Regular coprophagia increases the risk of reinfection and gastrointestinal upset.

Will my dog grow out of it?

Some puppies do stop by 6–9 months of age as they mature. However, if the behavior continues past adolescence or begins in adulthood, intervention is usually necessary. Left unchecked, it can become a reinforced habit.

Are there pills or sprays that really work?

Some dogs respond well to oral supplements like For-Bid or CoproBan, which alter the taste of feces. Effectiveness varies—about 60–70% of dogs show improvement within 2–3 weeks. These should complement, not replace, training and management.

Checklist: How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop – Action Steps

• ✅ Schedule a veterinary exam to rule out medical causes
• ✅ Pick up feces immediately in all areas (yard, walks, litter boxes)
• ✅ Begin daily “leave it” and recall training
• ✅ Upgrade to a high-digestibility, balanced dog food
• ✅ Add pumpkin or a vet-approved digestive supplement
• ✅ Provide 30–60 minutes of daily physical and mental exercise
• ✅ Try a commercial coprophagia deterrent if needed
• ✅ Track progress and adjust strategy weekly

Conclusion: A Patient, Kind Approach Works Best

Stopping your dog from eating poop isn’t about quick fixes or shame—it’s about understanding, consistency, and compassion. With the right combination of veterinary care, environmental control, training, and enrichment, most dogs can break the habit for good. The key is to act early, stay patient, and avoid punishment-based methods that damage trust.

Every dog is capable of learning. Every owner can make a difference. Start today with one small step—pick up the poop, practice one training session, or call your vet. Over time, these actions add up to a healthier, happier relationship with your pet.

💬 Have a success story or question about stopping coprophagia? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help another dog owner find relief.