If you have a dog, or have looked after a dog, you’ve probably had the absolutely horrifying experience of watching them do something we deem unforgivable.
Today’s blog is going to focus on faeces.
According to studies, it’s normal for dogs to eat poo. There, I said it. They could have developed this habit in times of starvation. It could also protect pack members from intestinal parasites in feces. It could also give them parasites. Confused?
There is an increased risk for dogs to pick up certain diseases, such as E.coli, Salmonella, giardia, or parvovirus from chowing down on pre-eaten food. So we don't want that.
Mother dogs clean their pup’s, often removing poo. For about three weeks after they are earthside. And it’s not dangerous for a puppy to eat their own poo. Hmm.
Female dogs are more likely to eat poo, and over 90% of dogs that have a brown entre will only consume fresh faeces. 85% of dogs who eat poo will only eat poo from other dogs or animals.
Dogs can have a taste for different types of excrement. Roo poo is a favourite, and cow poo too, of my dog. But my friends’ dogs will sometimes find human faeces and, well, you know the rest.
It could be a health issue too though: so see your vet to rule out parasites, drugs such as steroids, malabsorption syndromes, diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, thyroid disease, and other appetite issue creating diseases or conditions.
Given the area and time we live in, it’s hard to imagine, but your dog might also be nutrient deficient.
So, should we be stopping them from ingesting poo? How do I stop my dog from eating poo?
I mean, my answer is yes. Too many times I have grabbed a ball out of the mouth of a dog, wondered, all too late, what that smell was and found myself with a ball in hand, covered in you-know-what. Awful, especially when you’re nowhere near a tap, let alone soap.
What do I suggest? Treats. Carry treats. At. All. Times. Just in case you’re off lead, it’s sunny, no wind, your dog wanders off for a lovely, leisurely sniff in the bushes and BAM - the entre no one wanted (or needed). Distract them, use recall, but more than likely, you’ll be using the treats to wash down whatever they just imbibed.
Recall really helps, so work on training your mate to come when asked, reducing the amount of pre processed food eaten.
If you'd like to learn how to work on recall with your dog, get in touch.
Otherwise, godspeed and good luck!
