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Location: Yorkshire, UK
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1
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Hi!
This is fairly common in puppies up to a year old, but can occur at any time during a dog's lifetime.
It becomes a (bad) habbit if left unchecked. Apart from being anti-social, it can actually pass on diseases to your puppy - that's why it's really important to ensure your puppy is up to date with his vaccinations and worming treatments.
Potential Reasons:
- It tastes good - (yuk!);
- Your puppy is anxious, stressed, or simply bored;
- Vitamin or mineral deficiency;
- If your puppy misunderstands being punished for pooping in the home, he may be 'hiding the evidence' by eating his poo;
- He could be just 'cleaning' his space;
- Puppy is overfed - his food doesn't digest properly, therefore his poop will still small and taste like his dinner!
- If he's only fed once a day, he may become hungry and scavenge for food, ie he may eat his own poo because he's hungry;
- Is he on medication? This may cause your puppy to eat his poo;
- Have you recently changed his diet? This also could be the reason.
- Underlying medical problem.
How To Stop It
Try one or combine several of the methods listed below:
- Feed well balanced and nutritious meals;
- Feed twice a day, and at regular times, rather than once a day;
- Always keep your dog's living and playing area clear of feces;
- Toys to keep your dog occupied;
- Plenty of exercise and training to stimulate him both physically and mentally;
- Teach him the 'Leave It' command - see
http://www.about-cocker-spaniels.com/leave.html
- Try a tablespoon of crushed pineapple in his food
- Your pet shop may sell a specially formulated product to help stop this.
- As soon as your dog has finished pooping, call him over to you and praise and reward him. You are then rewarding desired behaviour, ie not eating the poo.
- Your vet would be able to eliminate any underlying medical problems that may be causing your dog to eat poo.
The good news is that they will eventually grow out of it!
Hope this helps.