Okay, This is Gross! OMG

Unacceptable Dog Behaviour - So Cute yet So Bad

@EvrWonder (3571)

Canada

January 25, 2009 2:20am CST

I made progress with my little dog in the last few days regarding one of her newly found bad habits. Tonight she did something totally unexpected and I am sickened. I can't believe my cute little furry companion could do such a thing! Excuse me while I gag. We were out for her last walk of the night. It was dark but lighting from the nearby building. She is wandering in the grass and I am close at hand. She is on a leash. I am giving her some lead so she can go potty. She is sniffing around, walking relatively slowly, in the grass. Suddenly she picks something up in her mouth. Immediately I bend down and with my free hand, grasp her snout. I could see she had a big pile of dog doo clenched between her jaws. I tried to get it out but I failed and she ate it. When I went to get it out of her mouth she turned and went in the opposite direction, quickly. All while she swallowed the whole big piece at once. Man was I p.o'ed!I told her "I hope you choke on it", "That is disgusting"! Dang her. I try to keep a very close eye on her. I did catch what she was doing but tonight she out smarted me. I am so not impressed. Now what? I wonder what the dog eats that left his waste there. Can my dog get worms from eating that?I took her home and got her to drink and then gave her something to eat. I can't believe that for such a small dog, how strong her jaw is. I should of just held on. I did try. she is small and wiggly. I don't want my dog to want to eat dog feces. How disturbing. How do I make her not do that anymore? I have read that dogs see it as a delicatessen. While under my rule, it is not acceptable and I need to know how to make her not ever do that again. Please help, if you have any wise suggestions. I just wish she hadn't done that. It is not like she was hungry either. The only reason she ate afterward, once we were home is because I grated some cheddar into the food, otherwise she wouldn't have eaten. She doesn't usually eat after her last walk of the night. Does your dog eat dog poo? If so, what do you do? Have you ever trained your dog not to do it? If so, how did you get them not to do that any more?Thank you and I apologize if I grossed you out. Just the thought of this make my stomach weak but it is and it can't be anymore. I need to fix this. All suggestions are appreciated.

3 people like this

23 responses

• United States

26 Jan 09

I had a dog that used to do this as well. It's fairly common. We figured the dog must be missing something in his diet if he was willing to eat feces, so we tried giving him dog vitamins. It worked! He no longer bothers with any sort of poo. They don't have to be expensive dog vitamins- we buy "Pro-Pet" daily vitamins for dogs, from Walmart. It runs about $5-$7 for a big bottle of 100 tablets, and our dogs eat them right up. Good luck if you decide to try this- I hope it works as well for you, as it did for me.

3 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Dog Care - Keeping Healthy

Thank you very much for this tip. I am considering that she may be missing something in her diet. I will talk with the vet about it when we go in or I will just try it. Thank you so much for your comment. Helpful [rated+]

1 person likes this

@modstar (9605)

• Philippines

25 Jan 09

It usually happens! Dog has no sense of cleanliness when it comes to food. I saw some dogs before who have eaten dog poo. It made me gag back then lol! I don't still don't know the explanation for it as to why they do that. I guess all we can do for now is take a very very close watch.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Hi modstar, thank you for the response. I agree. We must take a very close watch and for such a quick and wiggly little dog, a quick and strong but gently arm as well.

2 people like this

@modstar (9605)

• Philippines

25 Jan 09

I remember now. My shih tzu used to eat his pooh. He was sick so we gave him vegetables because we didn't know what causes his allergy. He ate his pooh maybe because he thought his poo's a food because it does look like mashed carrots.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Too Cute to Eat Pooh - Unspeakable

lol, she doesn't eat her own, ever. This is not a regular occurrence either. So your dog got allergies from eating it? I feed my dog vegetables everyday. I brush her teeth as well. This morning she slept in and she barely ate breakfast. I am thinking that maybe her tummy is a bit upset. Thank you for your comment.

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@stephcjh (38473)

• United States

25 Jan 09

Your dog could very well get worms if the dog doo had worms in it. I used to have a dog that used to eat their own dog doo too. That was so gross. I never did get that dog to stop doing that. The vet says they are lacking something in their diet when they eat their own poop. I have heard that if you sprinkle pepper in the area where the dog does its business, they will not eat it also. It is worth a try.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

I have seen the different things to use to deter the dog. She doesn't eat her own waste. I agree with the cross contamination of worms. Thank you for the information. Appreciate your response.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Small Breed Health - Caring For Your Dog

Great tips. Thank you. She isn't into eating her own waste. It is that of other dogs.

I have written an article previous about foods to avoid feeding your dog and onions is right up their with Chocolate, so thank you. View the discussion with the list here: http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1843311.aspx Thank you for your comment.

1 person likes this

@Meggettie (51)

• Australia

1 Feb 09

Usually, if a dog eats it's own pooh, it's because it's diet is too rich in protein and it needs more vegetables and grain. Dogs are omnivores, the same as we are and need a balanced meal. Just don't include onion because that's really bad for them. If a dog eats it's own pooh, the best thing is to feed it pineapple because it makes the pooh taste disgusting. Just for future reference.

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@Jezebella (1446)

• United States

31 Jan 09

oh my goodness I am so glad my dogs do not have that nasty habit. I couldn't imagine what I would do if I caught my dog eating another dog's poo. My dad did have one that eat the cat poo from the litter box, I ended up keeping it hidden from the dog, but not the cat of course.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Of course. I am happy to read your response. Your dogs are about the only ones who do not have this nasty habit, as you say. may I ask what you feed your dogs? What brand and how often? Do you feed them vitamins at all? Thank you. i appreciate your response.

2 people like this

@bunnybon7 (50973)

• Holiday, Florida

1 Feb 09

Sadly i've only had 2 dogs in my life of my own. when the kids were little they had a puppy couple of times but no one knew how to train them so we usually gave them away. now my dog is my life. I used to be a cat person. had so many cats i couldnt even tell how many. but my last, late hubby said it was either him or a cat, so i chose a dog

neither of mine has eaten doodoo, so i dont know why. sorry i cant be of help. But i have heard that most dogs do this so i think your not alone. it should be fine when she gets older. i hope for you it was just one time.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Can you tell me what you feed your dog and how often? What brand of food and do you give them vitamins? How old is your dog? Thank you very much for your response.

2 people like this

@bunnybon7 (50973)

• Holiday, Florida

2 Feb 09

she was 6 mths when i got her. shes now 5yrs around valentines day. she seldome eats her dog food, but its science diet. sensitive skin or something like that. anyway it has vitamins etc.

1 person likes this

@magnolia917 (112)

•

27 Jan 09

Sorry, but I'm laughing! We had a white dog years ago and after her bath, we'd go to the beach and she'd roll in dog doo every time. I think they grow out of it. Maybe go to the internet to see what some experts have to say. Good luck.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Lol my dog does the same thing, except it isn't necessarily dog pooh. If she even smells something in the grass that she likes she may try and roll in it. Seagull pooh she did this with too. Boy! I don't allow it anymore, especially after a bath.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Oh and thank you for the response. Why do dogs do these crazy things?

2 people like this

@spiderlizard22 (3444)

• United States

25 Jan 09

I heard about a miniature dachshund who ate its own poo and got sick from it. I even heard they roll around in it too.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

26 Jan 09

Yes, I have caught Roxy wanting to roll in stuff at the park but I don't let her. Seagull pooh is the worst at the park. She doesn't eat her own waste. Thank you for the response. I think she wasn't feeling so hot this morning as she slept in and she didn't eat breakfast as regular this morning.

1 person likes this

@sudalunts (5523)

• United States

25 Jan 09

Aren't Dog owners in your area required to scoop their poop? We have a law in the state where I live, that you have to remove the dog poop after the dog is done. I always see dog owners walking with their little shovels or plastic bags and gloves to remove the waste. I have a golden retriever, who loved to eat her own poop. As soon as she did it she ate it. Sometimes if we saw her in the yard getting ready to eat, and we yelled at her, she would not touch it, seems she only wanted to eat it as soon as she had done it. Yuck, gross

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Yes! It is very gross. yes we have a bylaw that carries a hefty fine if you don't clean up after your dog. My dog doesn't eat her own waste, ever. This was out of ordinary for her. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

2 people like this

@Ritz100 (1169)

• Yecla, Spain

26 Jan 09

I know you started this discussion yesterday, but I have just come across it and had to tell you that this has just happened to me too, today. Unfortunately, where I live (Spain) no one cleans up after their dogs, and there are several stray around too, so there is a fair smattering of dog doo, no matter where I take my dogs. Usually they sniff then pass by. But today the small female took a liking to one and grabbed it in her mouth. Now I am very lucky, in that she is a very obedient dog and I saw her grab it and I shouted "No, YUCH, leave it", then tugged at her leash and she let go. Im so pleased I didnt have to witness what you did, it would have turned my stomach. Try the No YUCH and pull thing, is she ever picks ANYTHING up again, (even in the house,) that you could consider dangerous or disgusting. I am only able to have this mastery because she once picked up a piece of chicken bone (and we all know how dangerous that can be,) I grabbed her and used the command, and now whenever she pick anything up I am able to use voice control to stop her.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

27 Jan 09

Hi Ritz100, regardless of when this discussion was created, your response is welcomed and appreciated. I am glad that your dog is obedient! Lucky you! My little dog is still quite young and is still learning much. I have had her since August 2008. Unfortunately, today she managed to do the same thing again, except I caught her in time and she dropped it. I took her back to where she dropped it and told her No. As I have commented previous, I am confident that She will learn that it is Yuck. I have no problem having her drop her toys when I tell her Drop it. Thank you for your response. Your points are very good ones.

2 people like this

@paula27661 (15811)

• Australia

27 Jan 09

I can totally relate to your experience! My dog Cassie grossed me out a while ago. I took my cat litter box outside so I could change the litter and wash it out. It happened to have cat poo sitting on top and... you guessed it! Cassie ate the lot in a big gulp and looked thoroughly satisfied with her "meal" licking her chops and everything. I felt like vomiting. I felt so gross for ages that I couldn't stand Cassie licking me or getting too close for that matter. It certainly did not make her sick or anything. She is 11 now and as a puppy she used to eat her own vomit, go figure and she's always been perfectly healthy. You can only discourage your dog I guess. That's dogs for you. As much as I love Cassie, I am definitely a cat lover; cats are a lot more hygienic!

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@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Thank you for your interesting response. I have never thought of cats being more hygienic but I suppose they are! I am reluctant to let my dog get to close to me after she has eating another dogs waste also. Disgusting. We are working on changing this behavior and think I am going to get her some vitamins as perhaps she is lacking certain nutrients. Will run a trial and see.

2 people like this

@flame2000 (99)

• United States

25 Jan 09

I've had dogs my whole life and have never met a dog that didn't do that... They do it a lot as pups AND when they get very old. Wolves go out and eat stuff then return to the den and throw up so the pups can have a nice dinner...lol It will be OK...Just give your dog some mints and hug..LOL! :p

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Thank you for your advice and encouragement flame. i really appreciate it. I have talked to her about it and well, I can only hope that she understands. We will fix this. I am determined. I am aware that dogs are known to do this but my little princess? She is far too cute to eat other dog's feces. That is just unacceptable period. It isn't something she normally does. She will be having her teeth brushed in a few minutes. Thank you again.

2 people like this

@Lore2009 (7378)

• United States

25 Jan 09

That is a disgusting characteristic about dogs, but sadly, they do do it. When the dog becomes pregnant, they are naturally inclined to eat their pup's doo doo. I am guessing this is where it all comes from. They clean themselves off with their mouths also. There is a disease called Parvo, that they can contract by eating another dog's doo doo who has it so, be careful!! Just try to make sure it doesn't find any along the way. Good luck.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

26 Jan 09

Thank you. Yes, my dad says the same thing. That all dogs do that and that he doesn't know the reasons why. Thank you about the tip regarding Parvo. I will look into that and make sure she is back tip top by tomorrow. She is sleeping right now and has been fairly active all day. You can be assured that we are walking in a different area and that she is not allow to wander as far as she used to. I will be keeping a close eye on the ground which she in looking to go potty. Thank you for your response.

1 person likes this

@djemba (767)

• India

25 Jan 09

=I've heard of that happening however i haven't seen it ..Must have been disgusting...Anyways to train your dog to eat normal stuff try keeping an eye on him and not let him eat that Thing again instead feed him some dog food at intervals ..all this for a month or so .I think this should help..He'll overcome eating from garbage and stuff

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Thank you for your response. She is well fed, three times a day, cooked food, plus she gets her Royal Canin Premium Yorkie28 kibble so she has a very good diet. She doesn't eat out of the garbage although she does seem to have a bad habit of putting stuff in her mouth that she may come upon during walks. I do take cookies for her with us on our walks but if she isn't interested in them, there isn't a lot I can do to make her want them. thank you for your suggestions as I will keep on trying the food at intervals.

2 people like this

@anklesmash (1412)

•

25 Jan 09

I think it is a learned habit in some instances so if you have another dog be careful it dose'nt pick the habit up as well.

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

26 Jan 09

Thank you. Roxy is the only dog. She hangs with her cousin, the Jack Russel. When she is with him, she isn't scoping out the dog doo. In fact, I have seen her come up to it in the park, when she is with Jack and literally jump over it to get away from it. I think she did this last night because she is a little P.O'ed since the last few days had been hectic and her play and exercise routine got messed up. She doesn't usually eat the dog doo. Thanks though. I will keep a closer eye on her when she is with Jack. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

1 person likes this

@MsTickle (25180)

• Australia

25 Jan 09

Hi, yeah, it is gross...I'm feeling a bit queasy so I won't do any more than post this link for you. There were several sites I could have looked at...this was the first: http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/stop-dogs-eating-dog-poop.html Good luck!

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Beautiful Loyal Friend - but with a disgusting habit that must be broken!

Great. yes I have seen different things that you can place in areas that you don't want the dog to eat or chew. She does not eat her own. I am concerned about the worm possibility. I am also concerned period. I do not want my little dog doing this, at all, ever! I will be keeping a far closer eye on her. I already do but she got away from me last night when I tried to open her jaw to release the turd. Little brat! She is up to date on her vaccinations and has been wormed recently. Thank you for the link that explains breaking my dog of this disgusting habit! http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/stop-dogs-eating-dog-poop.html I really appreciate that. In the last three days, today is four, her routine has been altered because of visitors overnight and tasks needing to be done. She has been ripped off of her play time and more importantly, her walks. Usually when she sees another dogs feces, she will sniff around the area but jump away from it once she reached the location. What really bugs me is that people are suppose to be cleaning up after their dogs. Well thanks again. I appreciate your help!

2 people like this

rebelangelseven

@rebelangelseven (315)

• United States

26 Jan 09

I have heard of this happening to others, in fact one of my friends took her dog to the vet and he gave her something to sprinkle on the pups food to make the poo unappatising.....don't know if this might help, but its worth a try...

1 person likes this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

Thank you for your comment. I understand what the vet suggested and would be useful if it were the dogs own waste that they tend to want to eat but she is not interested in her own waste.

1 person likes this

@mummyofthree (2715)

•

25 Jan 09

OOOOH!

Typical dog behaviour I'm afraid! If the faeces had worms in it then yes your dog could get worms. You should give your dog worming tablets on a regualr basis but if you haven't I would now! I don't think you train her not to do it. Lol!

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it and will look into getting her some worming medicine that I can give her on a regular preventative basis, as she does not have worms presently. Didn't as late as yesterday that I am aware of. thanks you for your response!

2 people like this

@kezabelle (2974)

•

25 Jan 09

I dont think you can stop them maybe keep an eye out for the dirty disgusting person though who lets their dog poo on the ground and doesnt bother clearing up behind it!!!

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@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

I so hear you and I agree whole heartedly. I am very upset when I come across this. Especially when it is found on the property of our building complex. Usually we walk off the property however and is usually pretty good out there. I am so against those who do not clean up after their dogs. Think about how they may treat the dog? I have kept an eye out before. When it snowed, I had to clear a nice big spot for my dog. We went there everyday, several times a day and it was good. One day we went there and someone left their dogs waste in our circle we cleared. I did watch but seen nothing. People who do not clean up after their dogs are rude and irresponsible dog handlers. Thank you kindly for your comment.

2 people like this

@rocketj1 (6955)

• United States

31 Jan 09

This is one of the main ways that dogs get worms. And puppies especially do this! My dog plays with his own frozen poo in the winter time!! Love my dog, but I do not let any dog lick my face if I can help it!! Yuuuuuuucky!

1 person likes this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

1 Feb 09

I agree, I am reluctant to let her get as close to me as I used to, too. I know about the worm thing and she is going on regular worming medicine for a bit, just in case. Thank you for your response.

2 people like this

@mzplased (255)

• United States

25 Jan 09

oh ick! LOL I know I caught my dog once eating poo from the cat box! Luckily he didnt make a habit of it. I think he was just curious and thought it would taste good and found out otherwise since I havent noticed him doing it again. No suggestions here, hopefully he wont do it again, but I think some things are just in dogs nature to eat things that gross us out! LOL Good luck!

2 people like this

@EvrWonder (3571)

• Canada

25 Jan 09

So Cute So Bad - Baby's Gonna Learn Manners

Lol I agree that dogs sometimes have that tendancy to eat things that gross us out. My poor little pooch. She is way too cute to be taking part in such disgusting behavior. I am embarrassed too. In any case, my brothers dog did that too, went to the cats littler box. Came back out with his face white from the kitty litter powder. that is how we knew he went in there. Bad Boy. He doesn't eat dog waste. I am almost sure I know why she did this now since I have been reviewing this great link provided by MsTickle above: http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/stop-dogs-eating-dog-poop.html So if your dog does this, check out that link. I know I am! Thank you very much for your response.

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