Apr
Dog Health & Behaviour
Dog Eating Poop: 4 Causes and How to Stop It Fast
Dog Eating Poop and How to Stop It
Dog eating poop, known medically as coprophagia, is one of the most common and frustrating behaviours pet owners deal with. The good news is that it is almost always fixable with the right combination of supplements, diet changes, and consistent training.
Why Dogs Eat Poop
Nutritional deficiencies: When a dog’s food is low in quality or poorly digestible, nutrients can pass through largely unabsorbed. This leaves the stool smelling and tasting appealing to your dog, who may try to reclaim those nutrients.
Poor digestion: Even a good diet can cause problems if your dog’s gut is not absorbing nutrients efficiently. Dogs with underlying digestive issues are far more likely to develop coprophagia.
Behavioural causes: Boredom, stress, anxiety, and learned behaviour can all reinforce the habit — especially in puppies who explore the world through their mouths.
Instinct: Dogs are naturally attracted to strong smells. Stool that still contains undigested food triggers this instinct strongly.
Is It Dangerous?
Yes. A dog eating poop in South Africa can be exposed to intestinal parasites, harmful bacteria, and viruses present in the stool of other animals. It can also create a cycle of reinfection if your dog has worms.
How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
Step 1: Use a targeted coprophagia supplement
The fastest way to break the habit is to make the stool unpalatable. Copronat 250ml is a natural liquid spray that works by adding Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) to your dog’s food. YSE alters the smell and taste of faeces, making them unappealing. It also neutralises flatulence odours in dogs and cats. Simply spray it onto your dog’s food daily as directed.
Step 2: Support healthy digestion
If your dog is not digesting food properly, the behaviour will continue even with a coprophagia deterrent. Improving gut health removes the root cause.
- Digesteaze 250g supports healthy digestion and reduces undigested nutrients passing through in stool.
- Protexin Soluble is a broad-spectrum probiotic that restores healthy gut bacteria, improves nutrient absorption, and supports overall digestive function.
Step 3: Clean up immediately
Remove stool from your garden as quickly as possible. No access means no opportunity to reinforce the habit.
Step 4: Train the “leave it” command
Consistent training paired with positive reinforcement is essential. Supervise outdoor time until the behaviour is under control.
The Best Approach for Pet Owners
The most effective strategy combines all four steps:
- Copronat to make stool unappealing
- Digesteaze and/or Protexin Soluble to fix the underlying digestive cause
- Immediate stool removal from your yard
- Consistent training and supervision
Most dogs show improvement within two to four weeks when all four steps are followed together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to stop a dog eating poop? Use a product like Copronat 250ml combined with a digestive supplement such as Protexin Soluble, and remove stool from your garden immediately after your dog goes.
Do dogs grow out of coprophagia on their own? Some puppies do. Adult dogs rarely stop without intervention. A targeted supplement combined with digestive support is usually necessary.
Is coprophagia always linked to poor digestion? Very often, yes. Poor nutrient absorption is one of the most common underlying causes. Addressing gut health with a probiotic or digestive supplement typically reduces the behaviour significantly.
Can Copronat be used on cats too? Yes. Copronat is safe for both dogs and cats.
