Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? And How to Stop It

When to talk to your vet

Mention it to your vet, and book a check-up, if:

• Your adult dog has suddenly started eating poo when they never did before
• They seem constantly hungry, are begging or stealing food more than usual
• They are losing weight despite eating well
• They have diarrhoea, soft or greasy stools, or vomiting
• They are drinking or weeing more than normal
• They seem dull, tired or generally unwell
• You have seen worms in their faeces or around their bottom

Some health conditions can increase appetite or affect how well food is digested, and a dog who feels hungry may be more likely to scavenge. Your vet may suggest a stool test or blood tests to check.

Why do dogs eat poo?

There isn't one explanation that fits every dog, and researchers are still studying the habit. Reasons commonly suggested include:

• Natural behaviour in mothers. Mother dogs clean up after their puppies for the first few weeks, which is normal and keeps the nest clean.
• Puppy exploration. Puppies investigate everything with their mouths. Many grow out of eating poo as they mature, especially if they get no chance to practise it.
• Scavenging instinct. Dogs are opportunists, and to a dog, some faeces smell like food. Cat poo and the droppings of grazing animals such as horses, sheep and rabbits seem especially appealing to many dogs.
• Boredom. Dogs left alone in a garden or kennel with little to do may find their own entertainment.
• Attention. If eating poo gets a big reaction from you, some dogs learn it is a reliable way to get noticed.
• Anxiety or stress. Dogs who have been punished for toileting indoors may try to hide the evidence.
• Hunger or diet. Dogs on restricted diets, or those not getting enough food, may scavenge more.
• Medical reasons. Conditions affecting digestion, absorption or appetite, and some medicines, may play a part.

Is it dangerous?

Usually a dog who eats poo is not seriously harmed, but there are some real risks:

• Parasites. Worm eggs and other parasites can be passed on through faeces, including from other dogs, cats and wildlife. This is the main reason to discourage the habit.
• Infections. Bacteria and viruses in faeces can upset the stomach.
• Medicines in livestock droppings. Manure from treated animals may contain residues of veterinary medicines.
• Tummy upsets. Some dogs vomit or get diarrhoea afterwards.
• Hygiene. Dogs who eat poo will lick faces and hands, which is a concern around children and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Regular worming, as advised by your vet, helps reduce the risk. Our guide to fleas, ticks and worms explains what protection dogs need.

Which poo, and what it may mean

Type of poo	Common reason	What helps most
Their own, in the garden	Habit, boredom, puppyhood	Clean up straight away, supervise toilet trips
Another dog's on walks	Scavenging, curiosity	Lead in hotspots, strong "leave it", rewards
Cat litter tray	Cat food is rich and appealing	Put the tray where your dog can't reach it
Horse, sheep or rabbit droppings	Plant matter and scent attract dogs	Avoid fields when droppings are fresh, use a lead
Sudden new habit in adult dog	Possible medical cause	Vet check

How to stop your dog eating poo

The aim is to remove the opportunity and give your dog a better alternative. Punishment tends not to work and can make things worse.

1. Clean up immediately. Pick up after your dog in the garden as soon as they have been. If the poo isn't there, they can't eat it, and the habit fades.
2. Go out with them. Accompany your dog to the garden on a lead or stay close so you can reward them and call them away straight after they have been.
3. Reward the right thing. As soon as your dog has finished toileting, call them to you for a tasty treat. Many dogs soon learn to turn to you rather than the poo.
4. Teach "leave it". Practise with low-value items at home first, rewarding your dog for looking away, then build up gradually. This is useful for all sorts of scavenging.
5. Use a lead where it matters. On walks through areas known for droppings, keep your dog on a lead until their "leave it" is reliable.
6. Move the litter tray. Put it behind a baby gate, in a room your dog can't enter, or use a covered tray positioned so only the cat can get in.
7. Keep them busy. Plenty of exercise, sniffing time, puzzle feeders and training reduce boredom.
8. Stay calm. Avoid shouting or chasing. A dramatic reaction can turn it into a game or teach your dog to eat it more quickly before you arrive.
9. Check their feeding. Make sure your dog is on a complete diet in the right amount. Our guide on how much to feed your dog can help, and your vet can advise on diet if you are unsure.

Products sold to make faeces taste unpleasant have mixed results. Speak to your vet before trying them, and keep working on supervision and training either way.

Puppies and poo eating

Many puppies go through a phase of eating poo, and it is usually outgrown. Consistent clean-up, close supervision during house training and rewarding good toileting are the best approach. Avoid telling a puppy off for accidents indoors, as this can make them anxious about being seen toileting. Our guide to bringing home a puppy has more on house training.

Watch for changes

Poo eating that has gone on since puppyhood is usually a matter of training and management. A dog who starts doing it out of the blue is different, and is worth a closer look. Keeping a simple record of when it happens, alongside what and how much your dog is eating, their weight and their stools, helps you notice links. Petopedia lets you track food, water, weight and behaviour over time, so if you need to speak to your vet you can show them exactly what has changed.