What can I do about my dog eating his own poo?

[Sukie92]

This happens rarely but he does. It's disgusting I hate it. What can be the reason for this? He isn't underfed because he has food available to him at all times. It usually only happens when unfortunately I can't be in the house for a long time, so i leave a weewee pad for him to go do his business in. He goes in the wee wee pad but you can CLEARLY tell that he pooed and then ate a piece. whhhaatt can I dooo ! this is driving me nuts!

 

[Labman]

The best solution to stool eating, coprophagy, is cleaning them up before the dog has a chance. You can try food additives, the home remedies pineapple juice or canned pumpkin or the commercial products Forbid or Deter.

Why dogs do it is poorly understood. It may be diet related, but changing the dog's diet might cause worse problems. Whatever problems it causes for the owner, it doesn't seem to hurt the dog unless you are trying to clear up a worm infestation.

For more information see http://home.gci.net/~divs/behavior/coprophagia.html