Why does the dog eat its litter?

Sometimes, from owners of dogs, even elite breeds, you can hear complaints about the fact that the pet eats its feces. Let's try to figure out what the reason for this behavior of the animal lies.

Why does the dog eat its excrement?

For wildlife, coprophagy (the scientific name of the phenomenon under consideration) is quite natural. For example, wolves, obeying a defensive instinct, eat their excrement in order not to leave behind any traces. Dogs-mothers eat excrement for their puppies for hygienic purposes - to keep both puppies and keeping the lair clean. It is possible that in domestic dogs coprophagy is a manifestation of instincts. But there may be other reasons for this phenomenon. First of all, conduct a clinical examination of your pet, as the dog eats feces because of possible health problems. It can be infection with helminths and toxoplasma, as well as infectious bowel disease, syndrome of impaired absorption, insufficiency of pancreatic activity.

Another reason why a dog eats its litter is a non-balanced diet. The dog simply lacks the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Bring sauerkraut, black bread from a coarse meal, offal (especially kidneys), vitamin K and group B, mineral supplements to the diet, increase the amount of protein.

Dogs are indisputably smart creatures. And sometimes the reason for coprophagy may be a lack of attention on your part to your pet. The dog in this way makes it clear that she is bored. Take as much time as possible to pay attention to the dog, play with it.

How to disaccustom a dog is excrement?

Although the situation is not very pleasant, but never poke a dog with a muzzle in the feces, do not shout at it, especially when it's already happened. Punishment can have the opposite effect - the dog will understand that in this way it attracts your attention and will become more zealous in carrying out such actions. Start to walk, holding the dog on a leash. As soon as she make his "big deeds" and begin to show interest in his own piles, sharply pull the dog away, warning any attempts to touch them. You can use any forbidden command . This method is especially good for young dogs. Not bad proved and the method of encouraging good behavior.

You can also try to eliminate this problem with medications, including homeopathic remedies, which you will be recommended in any veterinary clinic. And experienced dog breeders recommend sometimes adding ground raw pumpkin seeds, mint or anise seeds.