There are a few different ways to stop your dog from eating poop, but it is first vital to find a root cause. If your dog has never been interested in eating poop but suddenly decides to take up the habit, it is best first to consult your vet.
When dogs suddenly change their eating habits, it may be a symptom of a more significant issue, such as Cushing's Disease.
Also, if this is a new behavior, consider any possible changes such as:
- Change in food
- Transition in the family – New baby, new dog, divorce, or death
- Change in lifestyle – Change in the number of hours left home alone, more freedom in the house, a new house
- Change in medication
Sometimes but not always, determining the trigger of what caused the change in your dog's eating habits can help resolve the issue. If not, here are some ideas to stop your dog from eating poop:
- Clean the area multiple times a day – I pick up my backyard twice a day.
- Supervise them when they are outside
- Work on training the commands "off" or "leave it" and "drop."
- Try a supplement if you suspect it could be a vitamin deficiency; try adding a dog-approved multivitamin.
- Try feeding a small amount of pineapple to your dog's diet.
- Try a commercial product that stops your dog from eating poop.
Remember, if you are trying a product that helps discourage your dog from eating poop, you must feed it to all of the dogs in the home.
Though it makes most dog parents cringe when they see their pup eating dog poop, know that you are not alone, and your dog is not behaving out of character for a canine. However, though it may be natural in the dog world, it can come with some health issues, so it is not a behavior you want to ignore. Speaking from experience, I know it can be a challenge to deal with, but you can stop your dog from eating poop with diligence and patience.