Do you live in the land of kangaroos? Does your fur baby have a habit of poo? Then you may want to read this—dog’s eating kangaroo poo can get sick.
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Problems with Kangaroo (or Other) Poo
Dogs love to eat all kinds of things, including the poo from other animals. This is a condition called coprophagia. Eating poo can be caused by conditions such as malnutrition, endocrine problems, behavioral issues (such as separation anxiety, seeking attention, boredom), and more.
Another common health problem with eating poop from other animals is that your dog could also pick up some parasites. And this is a problem with kangaroos.
Kangaroos are known as carriers of a large number of parasites, worms, toxoplasmosis, and salmonellosis. Any of these can make your dog sick if he eats kangaroo poo, as these parasites, etc. can be excreted in the poo.
Symptoms of Parasites in Dogs
If your dog has eaten poo even one time, he could develop a parasitical infection. He may show these signs and symptoms if he has a parasite infection:
- Diarrhea
- Scooting (on his rear end, as if his bottom itches)
- Weight loss
- Decreased activity
- Lethargy
- Dull Coat
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Kangaroo Poo
The first thing is to have your dog examined by a vet. Let the vet know that your canine companion has a bad habit of eating kangaroo poo, and how often your dog does this. This may sound gross, but the vet may also ask that you bring in a sample of your fur baby’s poo. The vet will examine the poo under a microscope to look for signs of parasites.
The vet will give your fur baby a physical exam and will order lab work and other tests to determine which parasite your dog may have.
The good news is that parasite infections are fairly easy to treat if caught early. Once the vet determines which parasite(s) is the problem, they will give your dog the correct treatment to get rid of that nasty inhabitant of your dog’s digestive system.
The usual treatment is a course of deworming medication that your dog will need to take as directed by the vet. Once your fur baby has finished the medication, the vet may want to do more lab work and make sure the parasites have been taken care of and are no longer a problem.
Once your fur baby is healthy, be sure to keep him away from temptation (eating kangaroo poo)!
Why Do Dogs Eat, Kangaroo or Other Poo?
Some dogs have a condition called coprophagia. This condition may cause a dog to eat their own or the poo of another animal, including kangaroos. Poo-eating is very upsetting for many pet parents, but it is something that can be normal to our canine friends.
It’s possible that a dog may start eating poo when he’s a young puppy. That’s normal; however, most dogs outgrow this habit as they become adults. But what causes a dog to eat poo?
Researchers have found that some dogs may like the taste of poo, while others believe that our fur babies eat poo like their predecessors, who were scavengers. A dog who doesn’t get enough food or nutrition from his food may also eat poo to obtain the nutrients he needs.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Kangaroo and Other Poo
If your fur baby loves to eat kangaroo poo (or other poo), there are some steps you can take to stop this behavior, including:
- Keep your dog from accessing poo by supervising him on walks. It’s also helpful to keep your dog on a leash when out for a walk.
- Keep your yard free of poo by cleaning it up every day (or as often as necessary).
- Does your dog love to eat tasty treats out of the cat’s box? Try using a covered litter box and keeping the litter box behind a baby gate. This will keep your dog from accessing the cat’s poo.
- Ensure your fur baby is receiving the right amount of food and nutrients every day. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog or the best dog food to choose, ask your vet.
Taking these steps can keep your dog from eating kangaroo poo; however, in some cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional dog trainer to work with your fur baby and stop his poo-eating habit.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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