Coprophagia, the consumption of feces, is a behavior that many pet owners find concerning and unpleasant. While it is more commonly observed in dogs, it can occur in cats as well. Understanding the causes of coprophagia and using positive reinforcement techniques to address it can help manage and reduce this behaviour, improving both the pet’s and the owner’s quality of life.
What is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia is the act of eating feces, which can include the animal’s own stool, that of other animals, or even feces from other species. Although it may seem unusual or repulsive to humans, this behavior is not uncommon in the animal kingdom and can have a variety of underlying causes.
Common causes of coprophagia
1. Nutritional deficiencies
- Pets with imbalanced diets or insufficient nutrients may engage in coprophagia as an instinctual attempt to compensate for these deficiencies.
- Poor-quality food, malabsorption issues, or specific medical conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can lead to this behavior.
2. Behavioural factors
- Exploration and curiosity: Puppies often explore their environment with their mouths and may sample feces as part of their normal learning process.
- Attention-seeking: If a dog receives attention (even negative) when they eat feces, the behavior can be reinforced.
- Stress or anxiety: Dogs under stress or experiencing anxiety may eat feces as a coping mechanism.
- Mimicking: Dogs in multi-dog households may mimic another dog engaging in this behavior.
3. Environmental causes
- Overcrowded or dirty living conditions: Animals housed in unsanitary conditions may eat feces out of necessity or habit.
- Lack of enrichment: Boredom and lack of mental stimulation can lead to undesirable behaviours, including coprophagia.
4. Medical causes
- Medical issues such as gastrointestinal problems, intestinal parasites, or hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism can trigger coprophagia.
- Chronic hunger or conditions like diabetes and Cushing’s disease can also increase the likelihood of feces consumption.
How to address and overcome coprophagia
1. Rule out medical issues
Before implementing behavioural interventions, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Stool analysis, blood tests, or other diagnostic measures can help identify health-related causes.
2. Adjust the diet
- Ensure your pet is receiving a well-balanced, high-quality diet that meets her nutritional needs.
- For pets with malabsorption issues, dietary supplements or enzymes like pancreatin can help improve nutrient absorption.
3. Environmental management
- Cleanliness: Remove feces promptly from your pet’s living area to reduce access.
- Supervision: During walks or outdoor playtime, supervise your pet closely and redirect them if they show interest in feces.
4. Positive reinforcement techniques
Addressing coprophagia through positive reinforcement helps encourage desired behaviours while reducing undesirable ones:
- Reward good behaviour: Reward your pet when they avoid feces or respond to a distraction cue. Use treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce appropriate actions.
- Teach the “Leave It” cue:
- Start with a treat in your hand.
- When your pet attempts to take the treat, say “Leave it” and close your hand.
- Once they stop trying and look away, reward them with a different treat.
- Gradually progress to practicing with objects on the ground and eventually outdoors.
- Use distractions: Keep your pet engaged during walks with toys, treats, or games to redirect their focus away from feces.
5. Enrichment and exercise
- Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to reduce boredom, which can contribute to coprophagia. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise can help keep your pet engaged and satisfied.
6. Manage stress and anxiety
- For pets experiencing anxiety, work on desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques.
- In severe cases, consult an animal behaviorist or veterinarian who may recommend anti-anxiety medications alongside training.
What to Avoid
- Punishment: Scolding or punishing your pet for coprophagia can increase anxiety, worsening the behavior or creating additional problems.
- Neglecting underlying issues: Addressing only the surface behaviour without investigating potential medical or environmental causes may lead to recurrence.
Coprophagia, while frustrating for pet owners, is a behaviour that can often be managed and reduced with patience, understanding, and the right techniques. By addressing medical concerns, providing proper enrichment, and utilizing positive reinforcement training, pet owners can help their dogs or cats overcome this habit and lead healthier, happier lives. If challenges persist, consulting with a professional animal behaviourist can offer tailored solutions.
References
- Hart, B. L., & Hart, L. A. (2018). “Why Do Dogs and Puppies Eat Feces? Coprophagy Explained.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
- Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Elsevier.
- PetMD. “Coprophagia in Pets: Causes and Solutions.” Retrieved from www.petmd.com.
- Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.