How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop: A Practical Guide

You love your dog, but watching them sneak a mouthful of poop from the yard or on a walk is enough to make any owner cringe. It is messy, gross, and frankly, a little worrying. The good news is that this behavior, called coprophagia, is surprisingly common and usually fixable. Whether you have a puppy exploring the world or an adult dog with a stubborn habit, there are practical steps you can take to stop it. Let us walk through the reasons behind the behavior and exactly what you can do about it.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? Understanding the Root Cause

Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons, and the solution depends on the cause. Some dogs do it out of simple curiosity or boredom. Puppies often explore the world with their mouths, and poop is just another texture and smell to investigate. For adult dogs, it can become a compulsive habit. Nutritional deficiencies can also play a role; if a dog is not absorbing enough nutrients from their food, they may seek them out in stool. In multi-pet households, some dogs eat poop to “clean up” the den, especially if they are anxious or have been punished for accidents indoors. If you have a breed known for a strong prey drive or high energy, like a Bernese Mountain Dog, you might find that not getting enough daily exercise can lead to boredom behaviors, including poop eating.

Step 1: Clean Up Immediately and Remove the Temptation

The single most effective way to stop your dog from eating poop is to remove the opportunity. If there is no poop to find, they cannot eat it. This means picking up after your dog immediately, every time. Do not wait until the end of the day. Keep a pooper scooper and bags by the back door, and make it a habit to clean the yard before letting your dog out. On walks, watch where your dog sniffs and be ready to redirect them with a treat or a toy. The more times they practice the behavior, the more ingrained it becomes, so prevention is key.

Step 2: Check Their Diet and Digestion

Sometimes the issue is internal. If your dog is not digesting their food fully, the stool may still smell like food to them, making it appealing. Talk to your vet about switching to a high-quality, easily digestible food. You can also add a digestive enzyme or probiotic supplement to their meals. Some owners find that adding a small amount of canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or pineapple to the diet changes the taste of the stool, making it less interesting. A hungry dog is more likely to snack, so ensure they are getting enough calories and nutrients. If you have a cat at home, be aware that some dogs are drawn to the high protein content of cat stool. In households with both species, it is worth reading up on how they interact, for instance, whether Maine Coon cats get along with dogs can affect how you manage litter box placement.

Step 3: Train a Strong “Leave It” and “Drop It” Command

Training is your best long-term tool. Start in a low-distraction environment at home. Hold a treat in your closed fist and say “leave it.” Wait for your dog to stop sniffing or pawing at your hand, and the moment they look away, mark it with a “yes” and give them a different, high-value treat from your other hand. Practice this with the poop on the ground (using a fake or a piece of kibble on the floor). Once they reliably ignore it, move to real poop on walks. Always reward them for choosing you over the poop. If they already have it in their mouth, teach a solid “drop it” by trading them for an even better treat, like a piece of cheese or chicken. Never chase or yell, as that can make the poop seem like a valuable resource to protect.

Step 4: Address Anxiety and Boredom

Some dogs eat poop as a stress response. If your dog is left alone for long hours, or if there is tension in the home (like a new baby or a new pet), they may self-soothe with this habit. Make sure your dog has plenty of physical exercise and mental enrichment. A good rule of thumb is at least 30 to 60 minutes of active play or walking per day, depending on the breed. For example, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot and need regular grooming, but they also need consistent daily activity to stay calm. If anxiety seems to be the driver, consider a calming supplement or a pheromone collar, and always consult your vet for severe cases.

“The best way to break a bad habit is to make the good habit easier and the bad habit impossible.”

Step 5: Use Taste Deterrents (With Caution)

There are commercial products, like For-Bid or CoproVet, that you can sprinkle on your dog’s food. They are designed to make the stool taste unpleasant to the dog. You can also try natural deterrents like meat tenderizer (papain), which some owners swear by, or a small amount of apple cider vinegar in the water bowl. However, these methods are hit or miss and should not replace training and management. Always check with your vet before adding any supplement or additive to your dog’s diet, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or other health conditions. If you have other pets, such as a cat, consider how their habits might affect your dog. For example, if you are wondering whether Siamese cats get along with dogs, you might need to manage the litter box access to prevent your dog from treating it like a buffet.

When to See the Vet

While most poop eating is behavioral, it can sometimes signal a medical issue. If your dog suddenly starts eating poop, especially if they are losing weight, vomiting, or having diarrhea, schedule a vet visit. Conditions like pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, or malabsorption disorders can cause this behavior. A simple fecal test and a blood panel can rule out health problems. Your vet can also recommend a prescription diet or a specific supplement if a deficiency is found. Remember, this is a common problem, and you are not a bad pet parent for dealing with it. With patience and consistency, most dogs outgrow the habit or can be trained out of it.