puppy poop

by Leanne
(Calif)

Why does my puppy eat poop?



Hi Leanne
That's a pretty common question! I know this habit seems 'yukky' and disgusting to us humans, but to a puppy it can be quite natural.

The habit is founded in the way the momma dog keeps her 'den' clean when her puppies are tiny. She eats their feces in the interests of hygiene (weird I know!) and as the puppies grow they sometimes help out with the housework.

Most puppies forget about this habit once they're big enough to run around outside the den, and move to their new homes. But some don't. They continue this habit as they grow.

Apart from being yukky, it does have health risks associated with this behavior. If a puppy has a tendency to eat his own poop, he may well eat another dog's poop if he gets the chance. As many dog illnesses are transferred through feces of an infected dog, this is not good.

I'd recommend checking out my Why Does My Dog Eat Poop page for tips and advice on dealing with this nasty habit.

Good luck.