is this normal...........

[chicasmom]

i have a one and a year old mixed breed dog we got from the shelter a few months back. Well lately she has been eating her own poop she doesnt do it everytime. Is it a normal thing or is she maybe missing something in her diet? We feed her adult pedigree dog food. Anyone have any advice/comments on this? thanks!

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

It is very normal. Just about every dog will eat feces. You are right that she could be missing nutrition in her diet, and some dogs just eat it because they love it... (I know it's gross...) if you cant teach her not to touch it that might work, or maybe spray bitter apple on it? I heard that helps, or simply just cleaning up after her.. but if she only does it once in a while it shouldn't be a big problem. Consider buying a higher quality dog food? That's all I know. Best of luck with your new baby, and it's great to hear she is a rescue! God bless you!

 

[SummerRiot]

It is normal to happen to dogs, especially females.

I would suggest putting her on a higher end type of dog food though if your budget allows though.
Mordy is the best person to speak with about foods!

 

[chicasmom]

thanks for the advice, i thought pedigree was a good dog food guess i will look for a better brand.

 

[kishmish]

Mine have never done this!

I have never had that problem, and I have a whole bunch of dogs - 13 of them actually - and they have NEVER eaten their poop - they'll sniff at it but give the pile a really disgusted look and walk off. I've heard it's a symptom of some vitamin deficiency so upgrading her food plus adding a vitamin/mineral supplement may help.

In the meantime, a surefire way of getting dogs to stay away from something is to spray a menthol/eucalyptus/camphor smelling liquid on to it. Our dogs HATE it!!! Good luck!

 

[lpollockandrsn]

Gross but pretty typical. If she doesn't stop with the diet change, try For-bid, it works pretty well. You just add it to each meal for a few days. Makes it displeasing...as if it wasn't before.