What Is Coprophagia In Dogs?Loading
Coprophagia in dogs is an official term for 'dogs eating poop'. Although it's pretty anti-social, coprophagia is fairly common - usually in puppies up to a year old - but it can occur at any time during a dog's lifetime. In the wild, before domestication of dogs, the mother would lick her puppies' bottoms to stimulate bladder and bowel movement and would eat the resultant faeces.
This was nature's way of protecting the puppies from potential predators; removing the obvious signs (and smell) of potential prey. Instinct continues to drive the mother to carry out this cleaning ritual today, and it's thought that by keeping her nest area clean, it also teaches the puppies not to soil in their own den. Sometimes, however, dogs or puppies will begin to eat their own poop, and there are many reasons for this. If your dogs eating poop, it can become a (bad) habit if not corrected. Aside from being pretty anti-social, it can also pass on diseases and parasites to your dog - that's why it's really important to ensure your pet is up to date with his vaccinations, as well as parasite and worming treatments. On the other side of the coin, an infestation of worms or parasites could result in a deficiency of essential nutrients in your dog, causing him to resort to eating his own poop in a bid to obtain the extra nourishment he needs.
There are many reasons why dogs eat poop and there are many different ways of addressing the problem. Try one, or a combination of these solutions to help stop your puppy eating poop. The really good news is that your puppy will eventually grow out of it! Important Note - Underlying Medical Problem
Dog Breath Brushing Puppy Teeth Brushing Dog Teeth
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