my sheperd

Question
My sheperd is 7months old and she eats her own poop. Is this normal or does this mean something is wrong. I have been trying to get her to stop but for some reason she will not. What can I do.  thank you

Answer
Believe it or not feces eating, otherwise known as Coprophagia (mostly referred to as a dog eating his own feces, but can also mean eating another animal's feces) can be a common problem with dogs especially between the age of 6-12 months (but not limited to that age bracket) and usually disappears around their first birthday.

To humans this is a very disgusting habit, but to dogs it is a perfectly normal and acceptable thing to do.  Remember, dogs get to know each other by sniffing each other's behinds.  Each dog has his own distinct odor, most likely created by their anal glands that not only distinguishes the difference between each dog but also their sex and even signals when a female is most receptive to a male.   


COMMON REASON FOR THIS DISGUSTING HABIT

There are in fact some common reasons why dogs eat feces

1.  Your dog could be looking for nutrients that are missing from her diet.

2.  Your dog could simply be hungry or bored;

3.  Your dog could be attracted to the (pleasing to a dog but disgusting to humans) scent.

Vets have found that diets with a low digestibility containing relatively low levels of fiber and high levels of starch increase this habit.  So it stands to reason that high fiber diets can decrease their desire to eat feces.

The presence of undigested nutrients and the consistency of the stool can increase a dog's desire to continue eating this yucky stuff.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not reprimand or punish your dog for stool eating, or any other undesired behavior it will only teach your dog to fear you and she may continue the habit.  

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1.  Be sure that the food you are feeding your dog is nutritionally complete and that your dog is getting enough to eat. A Good Premium dog food for Large Breed Puppies is recommended.  With premium dog foods more of the nutrients are digested and less pooped out.  There are many other benefits.  If changing foods, do this slowly as food changes can cause diarrhea in pups.

I use Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy, more information on this can be found on my home page.

2.  If changes in the diet do not seem to work to stop the behavior you will need to modify the behavior by controlling your dog's environment.  Meaning that the best way to prevent your dog from eating it is by making it unavailable.  Yes.  That means picking it up and throwing it away after she does her business. If there is no stool to be found, she can't eat it, and if she can't eat it, it can't become a very nasty and unpleasant habit, especially when your dog comes in the house and licks you afterwards.

3.  There are things that can be purchased to make the stool taste bad for your dog once is passes through but you would need to check with your pets store for more info on that.  

4.  Distract your dog while in the act to take her mind away from what she is doing.

5.  Some people place a muzzle on the dog when out to do their business and can be effective within 30-60 days.  
 
As stated earlier, this habit is common between the ages of 6-12 months and usually disappears after the 1st year.

Sincerely,
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com