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Location: Lancing West Sussex
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,259
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COPRAPHAGIA OR FAECES EATING AND ROLLING.
Most of this problem is caused by boredom or it can be due to a vitamin deficiency. If you are sure that the dog is getting enough of these then the following guidelines will help. Clearing up the droppings as soon as the dog has relieved itself is the best way to stop the habit at home. If the dog is doing this when out on a walk and eating other animal droppings then a more drastic measure is sometimes called for. This is either by keeping your dog on a lead and calling him as soon as you see him going near any droppings and telling him ‘no’ as soon as he sniffs it and then praising him when he comes to you, which he has to do as he is attached to a lead, or, using a small rattly container which can be used to distract the dog and then get the dogs attention and say leave it in a firm voice, then call the dog to you and praise the dog if he is looking at you. (This is an old fashioned remedy but needs must if it is needed.)
The only thing that you must do if the dog does eat any droppings, be it his own, or others, is to make sure that you keep up his worming programme. All puppies must be wormed on a monthly basis and then every six months. If you can, use a complete wormer that does both roundworm and tapeworm. Drontal Plus is one that we know of that does this. Also make sure that the dog is treated for fleas as they pass on worms in their eggs, so if the dog grooms himself this can then pass into the stomach.
Extra helpful addition: If the dog rolls in something clean the dogs fur with Swarfega; this removes anything sticky, then wash with doggy shampoo or use tomato ketchup if the substance is smelly, usually foxes, and then wash off. This should remove any smell of foxes etc.
Hopefully these days most owners clear up after their dog no matter where it goes.
(Make sure the dog does not lick himself before you wash off the swarfega).