Dogs and Poop Eating
Dogs are beloved pets and valued members of many households. They are loyal companions, affectionate friends and often perceived as humble guardians of their homes. Though all dogs share similar endearing qualities, they could also exhibit undesirable behaviors such as eating poop. Coprophagia is the scientific term for poop eating in dogs, and its widespread existence remains a source of concern and confusion for many dog owners. This article seeks to explore the reasons why dogs eat feces, the implications of this behavior, ways to discourage it, and the evolutionary history behind it.
Investigative Piece
For years, pet owners and veterinarians have been trying to understand why some dogs eat poop. Theories abound, and much of it has to do with a dog’s natural instinct. “There is no one size fits all answer to why dogs eat poop,” says Dr. Josephine Mabele, DVM, and veterinary practitioner, “as different dogs eat poop for different reasons; it could be a sign of anxiety, hunger, or as a survival mechanism for dogs in the wild”.
Pet owners can attest to watching their dogs eat poop and then run back inside the house to lick their face or eat from their bowl with the same lips. The scenario is not only unsightly but also could expose humans to pathogens or parasites in the feces. According to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, coprophagia could lead to health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and parasites.
Scientific Explanation
As scavengers and hunters, dogs are biologically wired to respond to smells, and coprophagia is an adverse manifestation of the dog’s gustatory and olfactory senses. Dogs have strong digestive enzymes that could allow them to digest just about anything, including potentially infectious waste without showing signs of gastrointestinal distress. Dr. John Steiner, DVM, and assistant professor of veterinary physiology at Kansas State University, notes that “some dogs might be more prone to this behavior as they might enjoy the taste or texture of the feces.”
While coprophagia could be seen as a harmless habit, there are potential health risks involved. Dogs could become sick from ingesting contaminated waste. Puppies who eat poop from other puppies could be exposed to unhealthy bacteria that could infect them, while older dogs could be at risk of parasites, especially if they reside in an area known to house wildlife that carry diseases.”
Training Tips
Dogs are intelligent animals that could learn new habits with consistent and positive training. According to Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, and trainer, “punishing a dog who eats poop is not effective and could make it more difficult to break the habit. Instead, training with positive reinforcement is a better way to stop this behavior.” As part of a good training plan to stop coprophagia, Dunbar recommends giving the dog a mild flavored treat before every meal. The treat would get the dog’s attention and suppress its urge for feces. gradually the dog would associate poop with an unpleasant taste. Telling the dog to leave it would also help shift its attention from the poop.
Aside from positive reinforcement, owners could redirect the dog’s attention to alternative treats or toys as a means of distraction away from its poop-eating habit. Owners should also clean up the dog’s chances of access to poop while training to avoid reinforcing the habit.
Insights from Other Dog Owners
Dealing with a dog that eats poop is not something many dog owners openly discuss. Still, surveys show that it is a relatively common issue in households that have dogs. A survey conducted by some researchers revealed that about sixteen percent of dog owners have had to deal with their dogs eating feces. Dog owners who have had to deal with this issue often have unique insights that could benefit other owners. A study published on PLOS One revealed that the social behavior of dogs as observed in their changing pattern of behavior could help discredit the reasons for coprophagia. Owners should keep watch over their dogs and observe if there are specific times or situations the dogs are likely to eat poop. They could then use this observation to modify their training approach.
Evolutionary Analysis
As descendants of wolves, dogs share a common ancestry with wolves known for their voracious appetite for almost anything, including poop. In the wild, wolves feast on prey animals and scavenge for food in different habitats, and feces could be a source of nutrition. In this regard, coprophagia could be seen as a natural survival mechanism for dogs. However, domesticated dogs do not necessarily require feces as a food source, and owners should take steps to discourage the behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coprophagia is a behavior that must be addressed by owners of dogs. An investigation into why dogs eat poop reveals that there are many reasons for this behavior, from hunger and anxiety to biological instinct. Training, and positive reinforcement can be used to break the habit, and dog owners can gain insight from other dog owners who have dealt with this problem in the past. Understanding the evolutionary history behind this behavior could also help owners appreciate their dog’s instincts and behaviors better. Through training and observation, owners can control this behavior and help their dogs live healthier and happier lives.