Dog care blog

Why does my dog eat poop?.

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 · 3 MINUTE READ

Eating poop is common in dogs. A UC Davis study of more than 3,000 dogs found that 16% eat poop often, which means an owner saw it happen at least six times. Almost all of those dogs went for fresh poop.

The fancy word for it is coprophagia. It is gross, it gives your dog bad breath, and it can spread worms. The good news is that the best fix is simple.

How common is it.

In the UC Davis study, 16% of dogs were frequent poop eaters, and about 1 in 4 had been seen eating poop at least once. Researchers found no link to the dog's age or diet.

A few things did stand out. Poop eaters were more likely to be called greedy eaters by their owners. They were also more common in homes with more than one dog, where there is more poop around. And more than 80% of them only ate poop that was less than two days old.

Why dogs eat poop.

Instinct

The UC Davis team thinks the habit goes back to wolves. Worm eggs in poop take a couple of days to become infectious. Wolves that ate fresh poop in the den kept it clean before the eggs could spread. That may be why dogs pick fresh poop today.

Puppy habits

Mother dogs clean up after their puppies, and puppies explore the world with their mouths. Many puppies try poop at some point.

Hunger and greed

Dogs that gulp their food and steal snacks are more likely to eat poop. Some dogs simply find it tasty.

Boredom and stress

A dog left alone in the yard with nothing to do may find its own fun. Stress and a need for attention can play a part too.

Health problems

Vets say conditions that make a dog hungrier, like diabetes or Cushing's disease, can lead to poop eating. Worms and trouble absorbing food can too. If an adult dog starts eating poop out of nowhere, see your vet.

Is it dangerous.

For a healthy dog, eating its own poop is usually low risk. Eating another dog's poop is riskier. Vets say the biggest danger is worms, like roundworms and hookworms, which pass from dog to dog in poop.

How to stop it.

Pick up poop fast. Poop eaters want fresh poop. If it is gone, there is nothing to eat. Pick up after each potty break if you can.
Go out with your dog. Walk your dog on a leash in the yard for a few weeks. When it finishes, call it to you and give a treat. Soon it will run to you after it goes.
Teach leave it. A strong leave it helps on walks and at the dog park.
Burn energy. Longer walks, puzzle toys and training games help bored dogs.
Feed on a schedule. Set meals help greedy eaters. Ask your vet if your dog's food is right for it.
Skip most products. In the UC Davis survey, owners said chews and powders sold to stop poop eating almost never worked.
See your vet if the habit starts suddenly, or comes with weight loss, diarrhea or a huge appetite.

A clean yard is the easiest fix.

If your dog eats poop, the yard is where it happens. Keep it picked up and the habit has nothing to feed on.

We scoop every pile in your yard on a set day each week, bag it and put it in your trash can. For poop eaters, our twice a week plan keeps the yard clean between your own quick checks. See our prices and how it works, or find your town on our service areas page.

Sources.

Questions.

Will my puppy grow out of eating poop?

Many puppies do as they grow. Keep the yard clean and reward your puppy for coming to you after it goes. Ask your vet if the habit keeps going.

Is it bad if my dog eats its own poop?

For a healthy dog, eating its own poop is gross but usually low risk. Eating other dogs' poop can spread worms like roundworms and hookworms.

Do chews and powders that stop poop eating work?

In a UC Davis survey, owners reported almost no success with products sold to stop poop eating. Picking up poop fast works better.

How fast should I pick up poop if my dog eats it?

As soon as you can. Most poop eaters go for poop that is less than two days old.

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