I know… it’s disgusting!
I bet you’ve wondered why your dog does it. Trust me… it’s common, but it doesn’t have to mean it’s normal behavior.
Dogs eat poop for numerous reasons, but we must figure out why because sometimes the answer lies in a hidden health problem.
I’ve tried so hard to end my GSD’s nasty habit of eating everyone’s poop at the park. Milo was still a puppy when he was doing it. Okay, I caught him one more time as an adult dog trying to eat his own, but luckily, he didn’t make it.
Here’s what I came up with. These 5 ways have proved quite helpful in curbing the poop-eating habit.
1. Introducing A Healthy Diet
Milo was still a puppy when he ate his first bit of poop. I was in shock! I mean, I just fed the little guy and there he went, gobbling up his business.
Then, I thought: what if his dog food is not enough for him?
I’ve consulted Milo’s vet and he agreed with me. He said I should gradually switch his current food with a premium pick we found online. Little by little, Milo accepted the switch and he seemed pretty full after his meal.
Then, it happened again.
I was this close to ripping my hair out!
Naturally, I contacted the vet and he informed me about a raw diet designed for German Shepherds. I did my research and found out that BARF (or raw diet) works wonders for a dog’s overall health.
I started combining premium kibble and raw meat, grains, fruits, and veggies, and Milo was thriving. To this day, we use the same diet, and switch meal ideas from time to time, and my dog is doing pawfectly fine.
READ MORE: German Shepherd Raw Diet Food Guide
2. Socialization Is Crucial
The first thing our vet asked me was: how old is Milo?
He was six months old at the time and we were still going through his basic obedience lessons and socialization. Bear in mind, Milo is a rescue puppy, so it took a bit longer for him to learn how to behave.
Our vet said that dogs eat their poop because they have instincts and they don’t know how to control them yet. That’s why we’re there to teach them what bad behavior is.
So, I’ve started teaching Milo commands like stop it, leave it, no, etc.
A combination of me establishing my authority and changing the food helped Milo drop this habit. Of course, he still goes around sniffing things at the park. Occasionally, he sniffs dog poop, too, but my immediate response and a harsh no does the magic.
3. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Also, our vet asked me if I’m paying enough attention to Milo’s needs.
I mean, I was living and breathing, hovering above that puppy all the time. He was my moon and my stars (still is). I am absolutely showering him with attention, playing with him all the time, making sure he’s well-exercised.
So, I ruled out that reason, but then our vet told me that dogs are goofballs. They will do even the oddest things if they believe it will be amusing to we hoomans.
Truth be told, Milo is a huge goofball. Should’ve named him Goofy. He bends over backwards to make me laugh.
So, I put two and two together and figured out that sometimes his poop eating habit wasn’t just a force of habit; it was a clownish act to get my reaction.
The important thing is not to pay any attention to it other than the no command. If you laugh, your dog will think it’s funny and that you’re encouraging this behavior. Just ignore it and pull him away from the poop.
Also, I beg you… if you have a German Shepherd, please show him enough attention. They may act all tough, but these huge sweethearts need it more than some other cuddly breeds.
4. Clean Up After Your Dog
In my city, whoever doesn’t pick up after his dog gets a fine. I’m not picking up after Milo because I love my money… I do it because it’s the right thing to do. Trust me… I’ve seen so many dog owners letting their dogs do their business and just waltzing away.
And, yes… I’ve warned quite a bunch of them, but I usually get a side eye.
Why do people do this? Is it so hard to carry a keychain with doggy poop bags? I have several of them with me in my car, in my bag, etc.
It’s really not humiliating to pick up after your dog. If more people did it, there wouldn’t be any poop in the park for dogs like Milo to eat.
As one dog owner to another, pick up after your dog immediately. This is how you stop him from eating poop 100%!
5. Check It With The Vet
Of course, cleaning up after your dog, switching his diet, or showering him with attention won’t stop the poop-eating behavior if the reason lies elsewhere. Sometimes, your dog will eat poop because he’s suffering from some health condition.
If you notice your dog eating poop all over again despite all your efforts, take him to the vet and let him run a series of tests.
In a lot of cases, dogs infested with parasites will eat poop because those parasites will suck up some nutrients, and your dog will try to find them in other sources, i.e., poop.
However, things can be very severe. Dogs eating poop may suffer from diabetes or Cushing’s disease. Better catch it in time before it’s too late.
To Conclude…
No, poop eating is not a normal behavior.
If you catch your dog doing it, try to stop it immediately. Your dog can become seriously ill after eating poop no matter if it’s his own or someone else’s. It’s beyond disgusting and beyond severe.
I hope these tips will help you out if your dog is exhibiting the same problem like my Milo did. Fortunately, he didn’t have any underlying condition like diabetes or Cushing’s. He was just not properly trained and in need of more nutrients.
But, that doesn’t mean your dog will be, too. React in time, consult your vet, and don’t sweep this behavior under the carpet!
