A dog going through puberty shows changes in temperament and behavior. A canine teen then does things that don’t seem very normal.
For example, what about if the dog eats feces during puberty? Is this normal or a problem?
In the following guide we will explain what is behind it and what you can do.
Why does my dog suddenly eat poo during puberty?
If your dog eats feces during puberty, it may be because he a growth spurt has.
He now needs more food and nutrients. Feces can then be both for him.
Poor imprinting in the puppy can also contribute to the dog eating feces during puberty.
Let’s take a look at what’s behind these reasons and more.
Misprint of the puppy
The imprinting of the puppy is related, among other things, to the diet. Maybe the little brat didn’t get enough food.
Then eating feces is a way to get food. It is normal for the dog to eat feces even during puberty.
nutrient deficiency
A lack of nutrients can lead to fecal eating, especially during puberty. The dogs are in the growth phase. They just need more food and nutrients.
cover-up
For dogs, defecation means marking the territory. However, some dogs do not want to be recognized.
A dog eating its own poop during puberty may be trying to cover up its presence.
Behind this is uncertainty. It should be recognized and dealt with as quickly as possible.
curiosity
Young dogs are curious. Your canine teen may just be interested in eating poop.
Too little attention
Young dogs like to be noticed. If not, make sure you get attention.
A safe way is to eat feces. Because hardly any dog owner will find that particularly funny.
Already knew?
Puppies eat their mother’s feces. The reason: it contains bacteria that the little ones need for their intestinal flora.
At what age does puberty start in dogs and how long does it last?
Most dogs hit puberty between the 6th and the 24th month of life. The length of time depends on the breed and size of the dog.
This also affects the duration of puberty. Small dog breeds usually come out of puberty faster than large dog breeds.
During puberty, a dog not only grows mentally and physically. The sex hormones also come into play.
They cause a stir and throw the hormone balance out of balance. This is quite stressful for the dog.
Eating feces can therefore also represent a stress compensation. Other behavioral changes are also normal.
Most dogs are significantly more rebellious and no longer do what their owners want them to do.
This primarily refers to following commands. In short: A dog that actually listens to commands well simply no longer listens at all.
Can eating feces be dangerous for my dog?
Eating feces can be dangerous for your dog – especially when he eats the droppings of other dogs.
After all, you don’t know whether the dog that goes with it is healthy. The risk of contracting dangerous diseases is correspondingly high.
Parasites such as worms can also be transmitted by eating feces. So it’s better if your dog learns not to eat feces as early as puberty.
Already knew?
Eating feces is called coprophagy in technical jargon.
How can I stop my dog from eating poop?
The first way is to him with a resounding «No!» to give up the habit of eating feces.
The ban should be combined with positive reinforcement – but of course only if your dog obeys the command and does not eat any feces.
The following things can also help your dog break the habit of eating feces.
Variety
Bored dogs will find something to do. They are also trying to get attention.
So why not eat your own or someone else’s droppings? Once your dog has noticed that this causes a reaction, he will do it again and again.
On the other hand, if you keep your dog sufficiently occupied by playing and going for walks, you can permanently break the habit of eating faeces.
remove feces
Do you suspect your dog wants to eat poop? Then be faster and dispose of the feces immediately. Because where there is no faeces, no faeces can be eaten.
Can Diet Changes Affect My Dog’s Poop Eating?
In fact, changing your diet can affect your dog’s poop eating.
Dogs eat feces, among other things, when they suffer from a nutrient deficiency.
This in turn is mostly due to their own food. Giving your dog a food that is tailored to their needs can put an end to poop eating.
Too little food can also be a reason for copophragia. If your fur nose has enough food, this also has a positive effect on eating feces.
Is your dog going through puberty and eating poop? How do you deal with it? We’d love for you to share more tips and tricks with us in the comments.