2024-01-15 17:35:31
Coprophagy in dogs is a behavior that causes great concern and disgust among their owners, this is because it involves the consumption of their own feces or that of other animals in different contexts. Although it is not a symptom of disease, this may reflect some other factors that may be causing it. Likewise, the most unpleasant thing regarding this situation is that dogs can worsen their breath and be affected in different ways by its consumption.
Types of Coprophagy
According to experts from the Talavera de la Reina Veterinary Medical Center, there are three types of canine Coprophagia and they are the following:
1. Autocoprophagia:
This usually occurs more frequently in puppies and some of the causes may be that since they do not have departure times and a frequent place in which to defecate, in order not to be punished for pooping at home, they make the decision to eat their feces. . Another possible cause is that the puppy is not having adequate nutrition in terms of quantities and quality; Finally, it is said that they can do it by imitation, but it is not very common.
2. Intraspecific coprophagy:
These are those dogs that eat other dogs’ poop. This is a very common behavior in mothers of puppies who implement this, possibly in order to prevent feces from accumulating and thus keep the burrow clean of possible odors that might produce the presence of flies, parasites or other insects that put them at risk. the lives of their puppies.
3. Interspecific coprophagy:
These are dogs that eat feces from other animals. This is more likely to occur in situations where these animals are exposed to a shortage of food and go in search of protein and other supplements.
Is consumption of feces harmful to dogs?
According to an article published by Hills, a company dedicated to animal food and care, coprophagy in dogs is a behavior that can represent a health risk, since feces can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
In those cases where dogs consume cat feces, they are exposing themselves to becoming infected with toxoplasmosis or even fly larvae, which can also cause different types of complications for the animal.
How to stop your dog from eating feces?
These are some of the solutions that experts have presented to try to avoid this behavior in pets:
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1. Teach him where he should relieve himself and divert his attention to other elements to prevent him from becoming interested in eating his feces.
2. Use vinegar or citrus fruits on the stool to prevent it from getting closer.
3. Immediately collect the feces and clean the place.
4. Avoid leaving the dog alone for long periods of time.
5. Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation.
6. Review your diet.
It is recommended that you consult a veterinarian if the problem persists, to prevent your dog and those who live with it from being affected by this type of behavior.
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