Coprophagia – Dog Eating Feces

Does your dog eat his or another dog’s feces or stool? This behavior, although quite unacceptable and embarrassing to humans, is quite natural and acceptable to dogs. In nature, nursing mother dogs eat the feces of their puppies in order to keep the den clean. Also, eating feces utilizes undigested material and can be viewed as a food source to most canines.

Research has pointed to several reasons for this behavior including nutritional deficiencies, boredom and habit. No conclusive reason has ever been found and it is believed that this may just be a normal behavior found distasteful by a dog’s human companions.

Feces should be picked up immediately from the yard to remove the opportunity to consume it. Bored dogs who are inactive or alone for long periods can become coprophagic. Exercise and stimulation are called for in these cases. Some veterinarians have suggested that the behavior may be cause by a deficiency of B vitamins and vitamin K which can be found in feces. Meaty diets often times result in aromatic stools so dry kibble is recommended. All such dogs should be fed a consistent, balanced diet in two or three short meals a day.

Several remedies have been tried to help treat coprophagia and different methods work on different dogs. One easy remedy is to add plain yogurt to your pet’s food. Yogurt contains live cultures of acidophilus , a beneficial bacteria, for a healthy digestive system. Acidophilus may also help with gas, bloating, diarrhea, dry skin, dull coat and bad breath.

There is a real danger of your dog picking up disease and parasites from eating feces of other dogs and animals such as rabbits. Simple aversion therapy can be done by letting the dog approach the stool on a long lead. If he starts sniffing it, give a strong leash check. If he passes by, praise him.

Does your dog get sick every time he rides in the car? Does he jump all over you in a frenzy making driving difficult and dangerous?

Traveling with your pet can be fun and exciting, or it can be disastrous. Dog car sickness is the number one reason people do not travel with their dogs. Training, conditioning and planning ahead is the key to a successful trip and these guidelines can help.

If the only riding experience your pet has is to the veterinarian or groomer, he will be very nervous. Take him for short enjoyable rides that involve walks in the park or a treat stop. Once your pet can handle short rides around town, plan a “Practice Trip”, an afternoon ride with activities.

“Buckling Up” is not only for people but for pets, too. Unrestrained pets can cause an accident by distracting the driver, and in an accident, will become a projectile. Pets also can bolt from a car and get lost in an unfamiliar area or run out into traffic. Purchase a dog travel crate or dog seat belt for your pet and include their use in your practice runs.

Including fun walks on your short trips can make riding more pleasurable and helps reduce dog car sickness. Consider applying a flea, tick preventative and repellent to protect your pet from diseases such as heartworm, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease

Make sure your dog’s ID Tags or other identification is on his collar. Consider adding temporary tags with your cell phone number. Should your dog become lost or missing while away from home, you can still be reached immediately if you have your cell phone with you.

We often read headlines like “Dog Dies in Car.” The heat in your car can become unbearable within minutes, even on cloudy days. If you must leave your pet in the car for short periods, windows must be more than cracked. Window guards will allow air flow without letting without compromising security. Allow your pet free access to water and CHECK ON YOUR DOG FREQUENTLY.

The time you spend training and traveling with your dog is valuable time that you will both enjoy. It will increase the bond between you and help with socialization. If introduced successfully, car rides can open up a whole new experience of traveling and vacationing with your pet.