What this means
Notice whose faeces your dog eats: its own, another dog's or another animal's. It also matters whether this began suddenly or is an old habit, and whether appetite, weight or stools changed at the same time. Puppies show this behaviour more often than adult dogs.
It is worth noting whether your dog seems permanently hungry, is losing weight despite a good appetite, or whether its stools have become greasy, bulky or strong-smelling. Also watch whether the behaviour happens when your dog is alone, anxious or bored.
It is useful to know that other animals' faeces can carry parasites and other germs. So if your dog eats other animals' faeces, mention it to your vet, especially if its own stools or wellbeing have changed.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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A behavioural habit
Puppies and some adult dogs eat faeces out of curiosity or habit. Your dog is then bright, eats and grows normally.
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Boredom, anxiety or loneliness
A dog that is often alone, not walked enough or anxious may eat faeces as a way to occupy or settle itself.
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Too few digestive enzymes from the pancreas
When the pancreas makes too few digestive enzymes, a dog may always want to eat, lose weight and pass greasy, bulky stools. Eating faeces is sometimes seen with this condition.
About the condition: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) -
Too many bacteria in the small intestine
When the small intestine holds too many bacteria, food is digested less well, so your dog may be hungry and the stools change.
About the condition: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) -
Parasites or other digestive problems
Sometimes a dog with a digestive problem or parasites behaves unusually, including eating faeces. Only a vet can sort this out.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whose faeces your dog eats
- Whether it began suddenly or has gone on for a long time
- Whether your dog seems permanently hungry or is losing weight
- Whether the stools became greasy, bulky or smell different
- Whether it happens when your dog is alone or anxious
- Whether your dog is vomiting or has diarrhoea
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit if the faeces-eating began suddenly, if your dog is losing weight or always seems hungry, if its stools changed or if it eats other animals' faeces. If any of the urgent signs above appear, go straight away rather than waiting for an appointment.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) Digestion and liver This is a condition in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes, so food passes through almost undigested and the body misses out on the nutrients it needs. As a result, a dog can eat for two and still lose weight. A vet confirms whether it really is EPI with tests.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) Digestion and liver This is a condition in which too many bacteria, or the wrong kinds, take hold in the small intestine. They compete with the dog for nutrients and irritate the gut wall, so food is digested and absorbed less well. It can be the result of another intestinal or pancreatic problem, so a vet also looks for the underlying cause.
- Anxiety General health Anxiety is a state in which a dog feels tension and fear constantly or far too strongly, even when there is no real danger. It can be set off by being left alone, loud noises, new surroundings or strangers, and long-lasting anxiety wears down both the dog and the whole household. It helps to understand that this behaviour is not stubbornness or disobedience but a sign that the dog is struggling.
Body systems: Digestion and liver General health