Dogs are born with a natural curiosity and love to play. They may eat things that they shouldn’t, but there is no need for concern if they do. Sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh it off and keep an eye on your pup in case he’s trying to tell you something like “I’m hungry!” or “I’m bored!” So, What is Coprophagia In Chihuahua? Learn how to help your Chihuahua stop eating poop.
Coprophagia in Chihuahua or Chi eating its poop is a common problem for many pet owners. Knowing how to stop this behavior can be hard, but we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll go over what coprophagia is and why your pup might be doing it. Then, you can train the dogs, make them exercise, and much more.
We’ll also discuss what Coprophagia in Chihuahua is, why dogs eat feces and why it’s important not to ignore the issue when you notice your dog starting to do so. To learn more about stopping canine coprophagia, keep reading below!
What Is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia, commonly referred to as “eating poop,” is a very common behavior for dogs.
This disgusting habit may be the result of your pup feeling hungry or needing some roughage (e.g., fiber) added to his diet; it could also stem from boredom, stress or anxiety issues, or even learned behaviors that have developed over time due to association with positive experiences such as eating food while on walks outside!
Most puppies who partake in coprophagy eat their feces regularly. Few health implications are associated with this odd practice unless they consume waste leftover from a dangerous parasite.
To learn more about what coprophagia in dogs looks like and why your pup may engage in this behavior, continue reading below!
How Do I Stop My Chihuahua From Eating His Poop?
Few things will instantly disgust any human being. However, the thought of eating feces — or, even worse, our poop — certainly ranks at the top.
Train The Dogs
But for many pets who have developed a taste for their waste over time, it’s not so disgusting to them. Rather they don’t realize how bad this habit truly is because it has become second nature.
Exercise
That’s why it’s important to take proactive measures to stop your dog from eating feces if you notice him starting to do so. One way to approach this issue is by making sure that your pup gets enough exercise and stimulation throughout the day. A bored, inactive dog is often one who turns to inappropriate behaviors like coprophagy as a way of entertaining himself.
Fiber-Rich Food
You can also try adding more fiber-rich foods to your pup’s diet. This will help make his stool less appetizing for him. And finally, make sure that you are constantly reinforcing good behavior when he does not eat poop by providing lots of positive reinforcement (praise, treats, petting, etc.).
It may take some time and patience, but if you are persistent in your efforts, it is possible to break him of the habit!
Is It Common For Chihuahuas To Eat Poop?
While coprophagia isn’t as common for small-breed dogs such as a chihuahua, it can still happen from time to time.
If you notice that this behavior has started with your dog, try implementing some of the tips above and see how things go after about two weeks.
If his poop eating does not subside by then, consider consulting an animal behavioral specialist who may be able to help address the problem more thoroughly.
Why Do Chihuahuas Eat Their Feces? Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Eating Poop?
When a chihuahua starts to eat his poop, it’s often because he is dealing with a medical issue. For example, if your pup has accidentally consumed something that upsets his stomach — like grass or another animal’s stool — and now has diarrhea as a result of the incident, you will want to keep an eye on him for any signs of discomfort such as vomiting or other gastrointestinal issues.
If this happens more than once, also make sure that there are no underlying dietary concerns (e.g., not getting enough nutrients) at play here; often, dogs who have been switched from one food brand to another experience digestive problems in the transition period while they adjust their bodies’ systems to accommodate the new food.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Their Poop?
Sickness can also be a possible side effect if your dog regularly eats his feces due to coprophagia; this behavior could lead him to ingest harmful parasites or bacteria from the waste, which would then make their way into his system and cause problems over time.
If you notice that your pup tends to eat poop more than he does other things (e.g., kibble), it’s a good idea to consult with an animal behavioral specialist who may suggest not feeding said puppy in the same area where he goes potty. This will help reduce any chances of contamination by fecal matter!
How Do I Clean My Dog’s Mouth After Eating Poop?
If your dog has just eaten some feces and you are concerned about getting sick, one of the first things you can do is try to clean his mouth as best as possible. This means using a pet-safe detergent or soap to get rid of any traces of poop that may still be lingering.
Once you give your Chihuahua a good rinse, dry his muzzle off with a towel. Apply pressure to help dislodge any remaining pieces inside his cheeks or gums.
What Can I Spray To Stop My Chihuahua Dog From Eating Poop?
In some cases, you may find it necessary to resort to using deterrents to stop your pup from eating his poop.
One of the most popular products out there that pet owners use to deter their dogs from coprophagy is called “For-Bid,” which you can spray onto a specific area (e.g., your yard) where he tends to eat stool so as not to encourage any further back end chewing and consumption by him.
If this doesn’t work, another option may be to use an animal repellent such as coyote urine or fox urine (ensure it’s 100% natural!) around especially vulnerable areas. These substances often discourage pups from coming anywhere near to keep them at bay!
Why Does My Dog Eat Other Chihuahua Dogs Poop On Walks?
If you notice that your dog is eating other dogs’ feces on walks, there are a few things to consider here. First, maybe he’s picking up scents from his surroundings and associating them with something good (e.g., food-related).
Thus making him want to continue repeating this behavior. In cases like these, try using some of the tips above to try conditioning him out of this habit by not giving in to it when he exhibits signs of wanting to eat poop. Hence, over time he will learn what behaviors result in positive experiences versus negative ones!
Why Does Pineapple Stop Dogs From Eating Poop?
While pineapple has long been touted as an effective way of keeping dogs away from their feces, some scientists believe it is simply because dogs tend not to like the taste of this fruit.
If you’re trying pineapple as a deterrent for coprophagia, try sprinkling about one teaspoon’s worth on your dog’s kibble or mixing it into his canned food!
I’ve also seen people use baby powder mixed with water (equal parts) and spray it onto areas where their pets tend to eat poop to deter them from doing so.
Why Is My Dog Bringing Poop In The House?
There may come a time when you notice your pup bringing back pieces of stool inside the house; At the same time, there are different reasons why he could be doing this; most pet owners usually find themselves in a state of panic where they begin to question what exactly is happening!
While he may be bringing the feces back into his territory as part of a territorial dispute with another dog, you can also try spraying some coyote urine or fox urine around areas leading up to your home to deter him from doing this.
If nothing seems to work, one thing you might want to do is consult with an animal behaviorist for further advice on how best to handle this situation.
Should I Muzzle My Dog To Stop Scavenging?
One option that some pet owners resort to try and stop their dog from eating poop is to muzzle him.
While this will certainly stop your pup from being able to scavenge for feces, it’s not the ideal solution as it can be quite uncomfortable and even lead to more behavioral issues down the line (e.g., anxiety and learned helplessness).
If you’re at your wit’s end and want to try using a muzzle, consult your veterinarian beforehand on which type would be best suited for your dog!
Conclusion:
There are a variety of different ways that you can try to stop coprophagia in Chihuahua. Some pet owners find it necessary to use deterrents such as For-Bid, animal repellents (e.g., coyote urine, fox urine), and pineapple. At the same time, others may choose to muzzle their pup as a final resort.
It’s important to remember that not every method will work for every dog and that you should consult with your veterinarian if you’re struggling to find a way to stop this behavior.
