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Ugh! Dogs eating poop is the grossest thing! However, it’s a common problem that pet parents have with their dogs. Why on earth dogs eat poop? Can turkey poop make your dog sick?
In this article, we’ll take a look at why dogs may eat poop and whether or not this can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
That’s a great question! But why do dogs eat many of the weird things they do? Dogs don’t often show much discretion in the things they eat. But poop?
Poop-eating has a scientific term—it’s called coprophagia. This can apply to dogs, other animals, and even humans (but we won’t go there!). Dogs eat poop for a number of reasons, including:
- Nursing dogs may eat the poop of their puppies to keep their denning area clean.
- Some dogs really love the taste of the poop from other animals. In this case, dogs may even receive some nutrients they’re missing from their diet.
- Dogs may want attention, so they eat poop. That’s one way to get a reaction from their pet parents! And the result is pretty fast!
- Sick dogs sometimes eat poop.
- Dogs with anxiety and stress may eat poop.
- Dogs who are afraid of being punished may eat their own poop.
Dogs eating poop can be a normal behavior. However, if your fur baby’s regularly eating turkey poop, then there are some dangers you need to be aware of.
Bird Poop Can Carry Pathogens That Affect Dogs
Any type of bird poop, including turkey poop, can carry pathogens that can make a dog very sick. Birds can carry parasites (including worms), bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Two of the most serious illnesses that a dog can get from eating turkey poop include:
Histoplasmosis: this is a fungal infection that can enter the dog’s intestinal tract. It causes loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, and diarrhea. It can also cause coughing, breathing & skin problems.
Chlamydia psittaci: first, this strain is not the same as the human STD chlamydia. The symptoms can include swollen, red, watery eyes with yellow or green discharge; pawing at eyes (due to itchiness); panting more than usual.
Salmonella: is a bacterial infection, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, depression, and even death. If a pregnant dog becomes infected, she could lose her puppies.
Coccidiosis: is a parasitic disease that affects the dog’s intestinal tract. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea with mucus, lack of appetite, vomiting, dehydration.
The good news is that these illnesses are treatable. So, if your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, then call the vet. Be sure to let them know your dog has eaten turkey poop, too!
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Aisling O'Keeffe, MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.
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