Health Risks Associated With Dogs Eating Poop
Thomas and I recently had a conversation with a friend about why dogs eat their own or other dog’s fecal matter and the risks involved. Yes, we were talking about dog poop with a friend but that’s ok because he is not a dog owner and we were able to educate him just incase he were to ever decide to be a pet owner! Set aside the fact that it is disgusting and highly inconsiderate to allow your pet to defecate in someone else’s yard without cleaning up, it can be harmful to your pet, your home and anyone living in it.
In regard to health risks in your pet, eating poop may be a sign your dog lacks certain vitamins or enzymes. He may turn to his poop to try to supplement these. Underfed puppies or overfed adult dogs may also ingest feces to aid digestion.
If you are dealing with a dog who has behavioral issues, these pups eat poop because of things like:
- Boredom – Dogs who are bored with their environments will look to eating poop to pass the time.
- Anxiety – Dealing with a dog who is stressed out due to a change in environment, etc.
- Environment – If they have to eat and lay on or near their own poop, they will eat it.
- Attention – If they got attention from eating poop, either positive or negative, they may do it again.
- Fear – If your dog has been punished for having an accident or has eaten poop, they may try and clean it up out of fear of being punished again.
- Habit – Your pup may have watched his mother eat their feces and copied this habit.
What will happen if your dog eats his own fecal matter or another animals poop?
Any time your dog eats feces of an unknown origin, they run the risk of contracting infectious diseases or parasites. They also have the potential to ingest medications or other irritating ingredients that have passed through the system of the other animal.
Signs your dog is sick from eating poop include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Tiredness
- Intestinal parasites
- Rabies
- Bubonic Plague
- Food Poisoning
- Monkeypox
- West Nile Encephalitis
- Legionnaires Disease
- Campylobacteriosis
- Dog Tapeworm
- Hookworm
- Roundworm
- Brucellosis
Set aside all of this, it is also the irritation you feel at the inconsideration of pet owners who do not clean up after their pet has defecated in your yard. It is not fun when you are mowing grass and have either driven over and stepped in a pile that you did not know was there. Especially if it is not from your own pet.
You Might Also Like
Your Dog’s Zodiac Sign
Happy Wednesday everyone! Ever wonder what your pet's reaction means to something? Your Dog's Zodiac Sign is a fun post that sheds light on their behavior based on the month they were born. Jake and Maggie are Gemini's born June 8, 2017! The horoscope (see chart)...
The Stigma Surrounding The Pitbull Breed
Happy Wednesday everyone! Today on the blog we are talking about The Stigma Surrounding The Pitbull Breed. For those of you who have never owned a Pitbull, I want to tell you that they are a wonderful breed. So when I heard about the UK banning all XL bully dog...
What Is A Cat’s Primordial Pouch?
Happy Wednesday everyone! Today on the blog we are answering What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch? My sister adopted a kitten and as he grows, he is developing a very large stomach. I commented on how big he is getting and she said it’s a Primordial Pouch. As soon as...
History Of The Alpha Dog
Happy Wednesday everyone! Last year I posted every day in the month of December celebrating the 24 days before Christmas but I’ve decided not to bombard you with emails and chose an interesting topic on the History of Alpha Dogs. How is the “Alpha” or “Pack Leader”...
Snuffle Mat For Your Pet’s Entertainment
Happy Wednesday everyone! Looking for treats and pet enrichment toys that can entertain and keep your pet busy? This Snuffle Mat (#ad) is one of the best toys I have ever bought Jake and Maggie! They love it. Made with polar fleece material, it is soft, durable,...
Mini Pup Pumpkin Pies
Happy Wednesday everyone! Are these Mini Pup Pumpkin Pies not the cutest homemade dog treats you have ever seen? Made with oats, eggs, vanilla, 100% Pumpkin Puree and organic plain low fat yogurt, your pup will love them. These treats are “Lab Tested, Doggie...
Are Acorns Toxic To Dogs?
Happy Thursday everyone! Jake, Maggie, and myself have been enjoying this September by walking the property line making loops back through the woods and then home. The leaves are starting to fall, dead branches lay broken on the ground, and the ground is covered...
What You Need To Know About Emergency Vets
Happy Wednesday everyone! Needing an emergency vet is a stressful and scary thing! Needing to visit one of these facilities is different than going to a regular vet appointment. Today on the blog we talking about What You Need To Know About Emergency Vets. With...
How To Fill Your Dog’s Emotional Cup
Happy Wednesday everyone! After a month long break from blogging, I’m back and feeling refreshed. I came across an article recently on How To Fill Your Dog’s Emotional Cup and keeping your pup happy and healthy. A dog’s emotional cup is just like yours. It’s...
How To Get The Best Hotel Accommodations For Your Pet
Hello everyone from Sunny Nashville, TN! How to get the best hotel accommodations for your pet! We checked into the Renaissance Nashville Hotel last evening and as we were walking the dogs for their potty break, a thought came to me! It was 9:30 pm and what if I...
Eat turkey, not poop! Thanksgiving joke for our furry friends!
Hey, you’re giving Missouri pet owners a bad rep! I always carry 2 bags on every walk just in case!
haa haa. Yes, you are right…I should speak for all not just Missourians :-). I’ve seen it in WV and Pgh to! I just ordered a custom bag carrier and can’t wait to showcase it on my blog. Stay tuned for that!