How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop Using Vet Approved Deterrents

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and while many of their behaviors are endearing, coprophagia—the act of eating feces—is one that baffles and frustrates pet owners. Whether it's their own waste or that of other animals, this habit is not only unpleasant but can pose health risks. The good news? Veterinarians have developed safe, effective deterrents and behavioral strategies to help break this cycle. Understanding the root causes and implementing evidence-based solutions can make a lasting difference.

Coprophagia affects up to 24% of dogs at some point in their lives, according to studies published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. While puppies are more likely to engage in this behavior, adult dogs aren’t immune. The reasons range from nutritional deficiencies and digestive enzyme imbalances to boredom, anxiety, and learned habits. Fortunately, with consistent effort and the right tools—including vet-approved deterrents—you can successfully curb this behavior.

Why Dogs Eat Poop: Understanding the Causes

Before addressing how to stop coprophagia, it’s essential to understand why dogs do it in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, this behavior isn’t always about poor training or lack of discipline. It often stems from biological, environmental, or psychological factors.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: If a dog isn’t absorbing nutrients efficiently, they may seek alternative sources. Poor-quality diets lacking in enzymes or essential vitamins can trigger scavenging behaviors.
• Digestive Enzyme Insufficiency: Some dogs don’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to undigested food in stool. This makes feces smell and taste like food, increasing its appeal.
• Boredom or Attention-Seeking: Dogs left alone for long periods may resort to eating poop out of sheer boredom or to provoke a reaction from their owners—even negative attention can reinforce the habit.
• Motherly Instinct: Female dogs, especially nursing mothers, often clean up after their puppies by consuming their waste. This instinct can persist into adulthood.
• Stress or Anxiety: Changes in environment, punishment-based training, or fear can lead to compulsive behaviors, including coprophagia.
• Scavenging Nature: Dogs evolved as scavengers. In the wild, consuming feces could be a survival tactic to avoid detection by predators or to recycle nutrients.

“While coprophagia is distasteful to humans, it’s not always a sign of illness. However, if it becomes frequent or obsessive, it warrants veterinary evaluation.” — Dr. Laura Greenspan, DVM, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist

Vet-Approved Deterrents That Actually Work

Not all deterrents are created equal. Many home remedies lack scientific backing, but several products have been tested and recommended by veterinarians. These work by making feces unpalatable without harming your dog’s digestive system.

The most effective deterrents are oral supplements added to your dog’s food. Once consumed, they pass through the digestive tract and alter the taste of the stool, discouraging consumption.

Top Vet-Recommended Oral Deterrents

Product Name	Active Ingredient	How It Works	Effectiveness (Based on Clinical Studies)
For-Bid	Yucca schidigera, zinc acetate	Alters stool pH and taste	~75% success rate after 7–10 days
Premium Choice Plus	Monosodium glutamate, garlic extract	Makes stool taste bitter	68% reduction in observed incidents
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites + Coproban	Chicory root, probiotics, enzyme blend	Improves digestion, reduces palatability	Combined efficacy: ~70%

These supplements should be administered daily with meals. Most require consistent use for at least one week before results become noticeable. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.

Tip: Introduce the deterrent gradually. Mix a small amount into your dog’s food and increase to the full dose over three days to prevent digestive upset.

Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Poop Eating

Stopping coprophagia requires consistency, supervision, and a multi-pronged approach. Here’s a practical, vet-backed timeline to help you eliminate the behavior:

1. Week 1: Rule Out Medical Causes
   Visit your veterinarian for a complete physical exam and fecal analysis. Conditions like parasites, pancreatic insufficiency, or malabsorption syndromes must be addressed first.
2. Week 2: Start a Deterrent Supplement
   Begin administering a vet-approved oral deterrent with each meal. Choose one with proven ingredients like yucca or MSG-based flavor modifiers.
3. Week 3: Increase Supervision & Clean Up Immediately
   When your dog goes outside, stay with them on a leash. As soon as they defecate, distract them with a treat or toy and pick up the waste immediately. This breaks the reinforcement cycle.
4. Week 4: Reinforce Positive Alternatives
   Train a reliable “leave it” command. Reward your dog heavily when they ignore feces and respond to your cue. Use high-value treats like boiled chicken or cheese during training sessions.
5. Week 5–6: Environmental Management
   Keep your yard free of waste. If you have multiple pets, clean litter boxes and outdoor areas daily. Prevent access to cat feces, which many dogs find particularly appealing.
6. Ongoing: Maintain Consistency
   Continue the deterrent for at least 60 days, even after the behavior stops. Sudden discontinuation can lead to relapse.

“Success isn’t just about stopping the behavior—it’s about preventing the opportunity and reinforcing better choices.” — Dr. Alan Foster, DVM, Canine Nutrition Specialist

Behavioral Training and Environmental Adjustments

While deterrents reduce the appeal of feces, training and environmental control are equally important. Dogs learn through consequences and repetition. Without structured guidance, even the best supplement won’t yield lasting results.

Teach the “leave it” command using positive reinforcement:

• Hold a treat in a closed fist and let your dog sniff it.
• When they back away or stop nudging, say “leave it” and reward with a different treat from your other hand.
• Gradually progress to placing the treat on the floor under your hand, then fully exposed.
• Practice near real-life triggers—like a piece of waste wrapped in plastic—to simulate the scenario safely.

In addition to training, modify your dog’s environment:

• Walk your dog on a leash during elimination times to maintain control.
• Use a basket muzzle on walks if necessary—this allows panting and drinking but prevents ingestion.
• Rotate toys and introduce puzzle feeders to reduce boredom.
• Avoid punitive reactions. Yelling or punishment can increase anxiety and worsen the behavior.

Mini Case Study: Max, the Labrador Mix

Max, a 2-year-old Labrador mix, had a persistent habit of eating goose droppings during morning walks. His owner, Sarah, tried scolding and leashing him tightly, but the behavior continued. After consulting her vet, she discovered Max was mildly deficient in digestive enzymes.

The vet recommended switching to a high-digestibility diet and adding For-Bid to his meals. Sarah also began carrying treats on walks and trained Max to look at her after eliminating. Within three weeks, Max stopped approaching droppings. By week six, the behavior had ceased entirely. Sarah continues to use the deterrent and reinforces the “leave it” command weekly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning owners can unintentionally reinforce coprophagia. Be mindful of these pitfalls:

Do’s	Don’ts
Consult your vet before starting any treatment	Assume it’s “just a phase” without medical screening
Clean up waste immediately	Leave feces in the yard “to teach them it’s gross”
Use positive reinforcement for alternative behaviors	Yell or punish when caught in the act
Be consistent with deterrents for at least 60 days	Stop the supplement as soon as behavior improves
Supervise closely during elimination	Let your dog roam unsupervised in waste-prone areas

Tip: Carry high-value treats during walks. Reward your dog immediately after they defecate and walk away without investigating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eating poop dangerous for dogs?

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

Can changing my dog’s diet help stop poop eating?

Often, yes. A highly digestible, nutrient-dense diet ensures your dog absorbs maximum nutrition, reducing the chance of undigested food in stool. Some owners report improvement after switching to grain-free or limited-ingredient diets, though this varies by individual. Always transition foods gradually and under veterinary guidance.

Are home remedies like pineapple or hot sauce effective?

There’s no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of pineapple, meat tenderizer, or hot sauce. While anecdotal reports exist, these methods are inconsistent and may cause stomach irritation. Vet-approved oral deterrents are safer and more reliable.

Final Checklist: Your Action Plan

Use this checklist to ensure you’re covering all bases in stopping your dog’s poop-eating habit:

• ✅ Schedule a vet visit to rule out medical issues
• ✅ Choose a vet-recommended oral deterrent (e.g., For-Bid or Premium Choice Plus)
• ✅ Administer the supplement daily with meals for at least 60 days
• ✅ Clean up feces immediately in your yard and during walks
• ✅ Train and reinforce the “leave it” command using positive rewards
• ✅ Supervise your dog closely during elimination times
• ✅ Reduce boredom with enrichment activities (puzzle toys, training games)
• ✅ Avoid punishment; focus on redirecting and rewarding desired behavior

Conclusion: Break the Cycle for Good

Stopping your dog from eating poop is achievable with patience, consistency, and the right tools. Vet-approved deterrents offer a safe, science-backed method to make feces less appealing, but they work best when combined with behavioral training and environmental management. Remember, this isn’t just about disgust—it’s about your dog’s health and well-being.

Thousands of dog owners have successfully ended coprophagia using the strategies outlined here. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to tolerate this behavior forever. Start today: schedule that vet appointment, pick up a trusted deterrent, and commit to consistent cleanup and training. With time and effort, your dog can—and will—learn to leave it behind.

💬 Have a success story or question about stopping coprophagia? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help another pet owner break the cycle too!