Deciphering the Canine Conundrum

Dogs, our furry companions, have a way of puzzling us with their behaviors. One particularly perplexing behavior that often leaves dog owners bewildered is coprophagia – the scientific term for the act of dogs eating their own feces. While it might be hard to fathom why our loyal pets engage in such behavior, there are several potential reasons behind this curious habit.

Instincts from the Wild:
The origins of coprophagia can be traced back to a dog's wild ancestors. In the wild, predators might eat feces to eliminate traces of their presence from the area. This could be an instinctive behavior carried over from those times, when dogs ate their “you know what” to avoid alerting potential predators or competitors to their presence. In a domestic setting, this behavior might still be triggered, even if the threat isn't as immediate.

Nutritional Instincts:
One of the leading theories behind coprophagia is that dogs engage in this behavior to retrieve any nutrients that might have been left undigested during the initial digestion process. In the wild, canines are opportunistic scavengers and often eat whatever they can find, including partially digested materials to extract maximum nutrients. In a domestic environment, some dogs might still feel the urge to consume “poo poo” in search of undigested nutrients, even though their diet is nutritionally balanced.

Attention-seeking Behavior:
Dogs thrive on attention from their owners. If a dog realizes that eating its own “stink piles” leads to a strong reaction from its owner – whether it's positive or negative attention – it might continue the behavior as a way to get noticed. This can create a vicious cycle where the dog's actions inadvertently reinforce the behavior.

Medical and Behavioral Factors:
Coprophagia can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Conditions such as malabsorption, parasites, or dietary deficiencies could lead a dog to seek alternative sources of nutrition. Moreover, behavioral factors such as anxiety, boredom, or even curiosity can also contribute to this habit. Dogs left alone for extended periods or those lacking mental stimulation might resort to coprophagia as a way to pass the time.

Motherly Instinct:
Mother dogs often clean up after their puppies by ingesting their waste to maintain cleanliness in the den. Puppies, in turn, might imitate this behavior as they learn from their mother. Even as adults, some dogs retain this learned behavior and consume their own “leftovers”.

The habit of dogs eating their own feces might seem bizarre and off-putting to us, but it's essential to remember that this behavior likely has its roots in the evolutionary history of canines. Whether it's an instinctual holdover from wild times, a quest for nutrients, a plea for attention, or a mixture of these factors, coprophagia is a complex behavior that can vary from dog to dog. If you're concerned about your dog's coprophagia, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. Remember, understanding our furry friends' behaviors is a step toward providing them with the best care and companionship possible. P.S. you might want to clean their mouth before you let them kiss you on the face (Cuz Eww, Gross).