When miniature dachshund Valerie was rescued after spending 529 days alone on Australia’s Kangaroo Island, experts speculated that she survived in part by consuming the feces of other animals. While this behavior may have helped her endure in the wild, it underscores a habit that many dog owners find disturbing: eating feces, or coprophagia.
This behavior, though unpleasant to humans, is surprisingly common among dogs. But what leads dogs to eat feces, even when food is readily available? Here’s an explanation of why some dogs engage in this perplexing habit.
Understanding Coprophagia
Coprophagia is the technical term for the act of eating feces, a behavior observed across various animal species. Research shows that approximately half of all dogs will engage in feces consumption at some point, whether their own, another dog’s, or that of other animals. Around 25% of dogs will make it a regular habit.
In wild canids such as wolves and foxes, the practice of eating feces is linked to survival. Mothers often consume their puppies’ feces to maintain cleanliness in the den and to minimize scents that might attract predators. Additionally, eating fresh feces may reduce the spread of intestinal parasites, offering an evolutionary advantage. Even domesticated dogs still display similar behaviors, such as cleaning up after their puppies in the early stages of life, which the puppies then observe and learn.
Nutritional and Evolutionary Factors
Despite its unappealing nature, feces still contains nutrients that may be valuable in times of scarcity. Dogs, unlike humans, have different preferences regarding taste, texture, and odor, and their consumption of feces might not be as revolting to them as it is to us.
Medical and Psychological Triggers
The connection between a dog’s diet, gut health, and coprophagia is still under research, and while there is no definitive link between this behavior and age or diet, there are potential medical causes. If a dog frequently indulges in feces eating, particularly in non-outdoor environments like a kitty litter box, it could indicate an underlying health issue that should be addressed with a vet.
Other factors, such as punishment during toilet training, poor living conditions, or psychological distress, have been linked to this behavior. Sheltered environments that don’t provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation can exacerbate the problem, as seen in kennel facilities where dogs may engage in repetitive behaviors.
Impact on Human-Animal Relationships
Witnessing a dog consume feces often leads to feelings of disgust or concern among pet owners. In some cases, it can even strain the bond between a dog and its owner. In the UK, one study found that feces-eating was among the top reasons for the failure of adoptions within the first month.
Additionally, while the risk of contracting diseases from dogs through licking is minimal, it’s essential for owners to ensure their pets receive proper parasite control and maintain good hygiene, especially after dogs consume feces.
Managing Coprophagia
While Valerie’s story of survival demonstrates the potential benefits of coprophagia in extreme conditions, most dogs aren’t facing such challenges. Thankfully, this behavior can often be managed with understanding and care.
Providing mental and physical stimulation is key to reducing the likelihood of feces eating. Regular exercise, socialization with other dogs, and interactive toys can all help redirect attention. If the behavior persists, a visit to the vet may be necessary to rule out health issues.
Punishing dogs for accidents during toilet training can lead to them eating feces to avoid punishment. Positive reinforcement and rewarding proper toileting behavior are more effective ways to reduce this behavior.
Lastly, removing the temptation by regularly cleaning up feces from your yard, the dog park, or the kitty litter box can significantly decrease the chances of your dog indulging in feces consumption.
Valerie’s extraordinary survival story is a reminder that what may seem like a revolting habit can sometimes be a remarkable survival strategy. By understanding the evolutionary, nutritional, and psychological factors behind coprophagia, we can better address this behavior with empathy and patience.