Vet shares exact reason dogs eat poop and when to be worried

Vet shares exact reason dogs eat poop and when to be worried A vet has explained the reasons dogs eat their own poo and said it's more common than people think A vet is urging pet owners to keep an eye on their dogs if they eat poop, and has advised when owners should speak to a professional. While eating poo might seem unusual, the behaviour is far more common amongst pets than many owners realise. Pet owners are still being urged to monitor their animals closely, particularly for any unusual behaviour, as it could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Since pets can't communicate with us verbally, understanding what they're thinking and how they're feeling on a daily basis can prove challenging. This is why observing your four-legged companion's actions can prove invaluable for owners, offering crucial insights into their thoughts and feelings. So why do dogs eat their own faeces? Hunter Finn, a veterinarian who owns an animal hospital, explained that some dogs consume faeces for behavioural reasons, simply because they enjoy the taste, or because something more serious is affecting them. He stated: "I'm a vet and I'm teaching you a few things you may not have known about your pet. Why do they eat poop? Some eat it because they like it. Yes, they literally like the taste. "Others eat it because they're scared of repercussions, like if they poop in the house and you get mad at them. Some eat it because of boredom. And then there is that small percentage that eats it because they have a nutritional imbalance or a medical condition." PetMD advises dog owners should seek veterinary attention when their pet shows an interest in consuming other dogs' faeces. The condition, known as coprophagia, may indicate underlying health issues affecting the intestinal tract or other organs including the liver or brain. Experts also caution that if a dog suddenly develops this behaviour alongside worrying symptoms - including weight loss, lethargy, discomfort, behavioural shifts, vomiting or diarrhoea - owners should arrange a vet appointment promptly, particularly if the habit is new. How can you prevent dogs eating their own faeces? Stopping dogs from this behaviour can prove challenging, particularly when you can't supervise them constantly and depend on others while at work. Doctor Hunter Finn explained: "So what can you do about it? I haven't found one single thing that works or else I'd probably be rich, but some things that have helped my clients. "Fresh Pineapple, which you actually feed your dog and after a few days it should keep them from eating their poop. And then of course, just having a dog with good recall or leash or cleaning up the poop always helps too. "Keep being a great pet parent."