How to stop your dog from eating poo

Catching your dog eating poo is unpleasant, but it is more common than many owners realise. The habit is known as coprophagia. Some dogs eat their own poo, while others go for cow pats, horse manure, fox poo or the cat's litter tray.

Why do dogs eat poo?

It's a common behaviour, especially in puppies, and is often linked to boredom, hunger or habit. People often assume it means a dog is missing something in their diet, but that isn't always the case.

Common reasons dogs eat poo include:

• Boredom. A dog without enough exercise or mental stimulation may find their own entertainment. More walks, games and training can help.
• Hunger. Your dog may not be getting enough food, or the gaps between meals may be too long. Check portion sizes with your vet.
• Stress or anxiety. Some dogs with separation-related problems eat poo. If you are worried about this, speak to your vet.
• Access. If a cat litter tray or a messy garden is within reach, the habit is easy to start.

When to see your vet

If your dog suddenly starts eating poo, or is also losing weight, hungrier than usual or has diarrhoea, see your vet to rule out health problems.

What are the risks?

Discourage your dog from eating any poo. Poo from other animals can carry worms, bacteria and other parasites. Horse and livestock dung may contain wormers such as ivermectin, which can be dangerous to some dogs, including collie breeds.

How to stop your dog eating poo

• Check your garden and pick up poo before you let your dog out.
• Clear up after your dog straight away on walks and at home.
• If your dog isn't fully house-trained yet, keep the house clean of accidents.
• Teach a reliable "leave it" or "drop it", and reward your dog well for doing it.
• Keep your dog on a lead in fields with livestock or horse manure.
• Stay calm if your dog eats poo in front of you. A big fuss can make some dogs more excited and more interested in doing it again.
• If the habit is getting worse, ask your vet for advice. They may refer you to a qualified behaviourist.

Stopping your dog eating cat poo

Some dogs develop a taste for the contents of the cat's litter tray. It can start after the tray is moved, or as the dog and cat become more relaxed around each other. Once the habit has started, it can be hard to break, so the best approach is to make the tray impossible to reach.

• Use a covered litter tray.
• Put the tray in a quiet spot that only your cat can get to.
• Fit a stair gate with a cat flap, so your cat can get through but your dog can't.
• Cover the tray with a box that has an opening only big enough for your cat.

Make sure your cat can still reach their tray easily and feels safe using it.