Kitty Crunchies and Dirty Diapers: How to Stop Dog from Eating Poop
Nothing is nastier than coming home to find your dog chowing down on the contents of the cat litter box. Or worse yet, having raided the Diaper Genie and eating your baby’s poop. Some dogs will even turn around and start eating their poop while it’s still steaming hot. It’s enough to make you gag, right? Let find how to stop dog from eating poop.
Why on earth would a dog eat feces when you’re feeding him perfectly good dog food?
There are two reasons why dogs eat feces. The first is behavioral problem and the second is a medical problem. Your vet can tell you which it is by doing some simple tests.
Dogs eat feces because it tastes good. For humans, the thought is repulsive, but a dog doesn’t know that. He knows that he likes, and if he likes poop, that’s what he’s going to eat. Some dogs eat feces because they’re anxious, stressed, or simply bored. Others do it to replace a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Some will eat to hide the evidence if they’ve been punished for pooping in the house. Others will eat their droppings because they’ve been overfed and their poop smells and tastes like their food!
With all these reasons… how to stop dog from eating poop?
Here are some tips to keep your dog from eating poop. Not all tips will work for all dogs, so do what works best for you.
- Feed your dog twice a day, at the same times.
- Use a well-balanced and nutritious dog food.
- Always clean up after your dog promptly.
- Hide the kitty litter box in a place where your dog can’t get to it.
- Keep your dog mentally and physically exercised.
- Teach the command “Leave it!” and use it if you catch your dog in the act.
- Mix a tablespoon of pineapple, pumpkin, spinach, or pickles in your dog’s food. These apparently make poop taste horrible to dogs.
- Sprinkle hot sauce or cayenne pepper over your dog’s droppings.
- Muzzle your dog in situations where he’s off leash and could get into trouble.
Be consistent in your training. Don’t let your dog develop the habit of eating feces or it will become harder and harder to break. Nip it in the bud and you won’t have to dive for cover every time your dog tries to lick your face!
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