Does your dog have a bad habit of licking dog poop? If so, then you’re not alone. Many dogs seem to be drawn to licking the poop of other dogs! This is definitely a habit that we find to be completely disgusting! Yet, some dogs really seem to enjoy licking poop! But why? And could licking dog poop make a dog sick?
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Has your dog been licking dog poop? Are you worried this can make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand this type of habit can be scary (and gross)!
In this article, we’ll take a look at the poop-licking habit and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Lick/Eat Dog Poop?
Dogs may learn this behavior when they’re puppies. Mother dogs clean their puppies and the den, including licking each puppy’s rear end to clean up poop. The mother will also clean up any feces in the den, which have been left by the puppies. So, licking poop is a natural behavior, at least for mother dogs.
But when dogs become adults, some take up the behavior of licking/eating dog poop. This could be caused by a condition called coprophagia. Coprophagia is a condition that causes animals (and humans) to eat non-food items. This can include poop, rocks, dirt, and more.
Scientists have found that some dogs with coprophagia eat/lick poop because they may be suffering from a lack of nutrition. This may be caused by not enough food or even internal parasites. Other dogs may lick or eat poop because they’re stressed, bored, or even anxious. In some cases, dogs who have underlying health conditions, such as Cushing’s, diabetes, thyroid disease, and more may also suffer from coprophagia.
Can licking dog poop make a dog sick?
Dog Poop & Dogs
Unfortunately, licking the poop from other dogs can make a dog sick. This is because the poop could be contaminated with parasites, toxins, bacteria, or viruses.
So, if your dog has a habit of licking the poop from other dogs, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. It’s important to have your dog checked and make sure there are no underlying health issues causing his gross habit.
If the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, they may also offer advice on how you can keep your dog from licking dog poop. This may include keeping him active and busy, preventing access to poop, as well as some training. If these measures don’t work, then be sure to consult the vet. They will have the best advice and guidance on how to break this nasty habit in your dog!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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