Why Do Dogs Eat Poop UK — Coprophagia Causes & What to Do

According to the PDSA and Blue Cross, coprophagia means eating faeces — own stool, another dog's, cat litter, horse droppings, or wildlife scat. It is one of the most searched dog behaviour questions in the UK, with tens of thousands of owners seeking answers each year.

The behaviour disgusts humans but is not always abnormal. Mother dogs eat puppies' faeces to keep the nest clean. Puppies may copy this or explore droppings as part of learning about their environment. Some adult dogs continue the habit for months or years.

Understanding whether coprophagia is a passing puppy phase or a sign of something medical helps you respond appropriately.

Normal puppy exploration

Puppies use their mouths to investigate the world. Faeces smell interesting and may contain undigested food particles. Most puppies reduce or stop coprophagia as they mature and receive consistent training — see puppy care UK for settling-in routines that support good habits.

Diet and digestion

According to the PDSA, dogs on low-quality or incomplete diets may seek nutrients in faeces. Diets that are difficult to digest leave more material in stool, which can attract the dog back to it. Sudden food changes, food intolerances, or malabsorption can play a role.

Ensure your dog eats a complete commercial diet appropriate for their age and size. If you feed home-prepared food, consult a vet or qualified nutritionist — imbalances are common.

Boredom and attention

Dogs left alone in gardens without enrichment may eat faeces out of boredom. Some dogs learn that eating poo triggers a dramatic reaction from owners — negative attention still counts as attention. Punishment often makes the behaviour worse.

Provide daily walks, sniffing opportunities, puzzle feeders, and safe chew toys. Reward calm behaviour when faeces are present but ignored.

Stress and anxiety

Changes at home — new baby, house move, another pet, or reduced exercise — can trigger stress-related behaviours including coprophagia. Dogs with separation anxiety may develop new habits when anxious.

Parasites and medical conditions

Intestinal worms, pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, and conditions causing increased appetite (polyphagia) can contribute. Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) often produce pale, greasy stools that other dogs find attractive.

If coprophagia starts suddenly in an adult dog, or is accompanied by weight loss, diarrhoea, or increased hunger, book a vet appointment.

Faeces carry parasites, bacteria, and viruses:

• Roundworm and hookworm — common in UK dogs; zoonotic (can spread to humans, especially children)
• Giardia and coccidia — cause diarrhoea
• Salmonella and E. coli — from contaminated stool
• Fox and sheep droppings — risk of lungworm, neospora, and other infections

Keep your dog on a regular worming schedule — see dog worming schedule UK. Dogs that scavenge outdoors may need more frequent treatment than the standard interval.

According to Dogs Trust and Blue Cross guidance:

1. Remove the opportunity — pick up faeces immediately after your dog toilets. In multi-dog households, supervise garden time and clean before dogs access the area.
2. Teach "leave it" — reward your dog for ignoring faeces on walks. Carry high-value treats and practise before the dog reaches the stool.
3. Supervise on walks — use a long line in areas with wildlife droppings until training is reliable.
4. Cat litter trays — place out of reach or use covered trays. Cat faeces is particularly attractive to many dogs.
5. Never punish after the act — dogs do not connect delayed punishment with the behaviour. It increases anxiety and secrecy.

Commercial coprophagia deterrents (stool-flavouring powders) help some dogs but are not a substitute for training and vet checks. Results vary widely.

• Register with a vet early and follow puppy worming schedules
• Establish a toilet routine and clean up immediately
• Start "leave it" training in the first weeks at home
• Feed a complete puppy diet — avoid excessive treats that unbalance nutrition
• Socialise positively without overwhelming stress — see puppy care UK