La coprophagia It is defined as the behavior by which animals ingest excrement, their own or others'. It is common in many species, including dogs, and can have its origins in a number of causes. The biggest problem with this behavior is that it leads to the dog contracting various viral diseases, such as parvovirus or hepatitis. We tell you more about it.
Types of coprophagia
First of all, we must know the types of coprophagia that the animal can suffer. In general, there are three differences:
1. Autocoprophagia. The dog eats its own excrement.
2. Instraspecific coprophagia. It eats the excrement of other individuals of the same species.
3. Interspecific coprophagia. Ingest animal droppings of other species.
Main causes
This disorder usually has its origin in one or more of the following reasons:
1. Poor diet. When a dog is not getting the nutrients it needs, it can consume feces in order to find them. At other times, the amount of food we offer him daily is insufficient and he is looking for a way to fill himself up with this method. In any case, it is necessary to feed our pet with quality feed and nutritional supplements that the veterinarian considers appropriate.
2. Health problems. Sometimes the coprophagia it occurs as a consequence of pancreatitis or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other pathologies.
3. Hygiene. On some occasions, this conduct is intended to keep the space clean; it has its origin in instinctual behavior. This is especially true in females who have recently had cubs.
4. Boredom or anxiety. If the animal does not balance its mental and physical energy by doing enough exercise, it can develop this habit. Lacking adequate daily stimuli, it will find in this behavior a way to get our attention.
5. Imitation. You may have witnessed this action by other dogs and mimic their behavior.
What to do?
The solution will depend on the origin of the problem, which must be determined by a veterinarian. If it is caused by a nutritional deficiency, it will be enough to modify your diet, making sure that from now on you will receive all the vitamins you need. Also, the professional has to carry out the relevant tests to check if there is any type of disorder in your body.
Once the physical causes have been ruled out, we have to take some measures to end this dangerous habit. In addition to the daily walks and games sessions, we can pour some unpleasant-smelling substance or spicy (like tabasco) on the excrement, so that the animal repudiates it. On the other hand, it is important not to scold or punish the animal when it presents this behavior, since it is moved by pure instinct.