Coprophagia, the act of eating feces, is a common but concerning behavior in dogs, including Shih Tzus. While it may seem disgusting to humans, many dogs engage in this habit for various reasons, ranging from instinctual behaviors to medical issues. If your Shih Tzu has started eating its own feces or the feces of other animals, it’s important to identify the cause and take action to correct the behavior.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Shih Tzus eat poop, the potential health risks, and effective ways to stop this habit.
Why Does a Shih Tzu Eat Poop?
There are several possible reasons why a Shih Tzu may eat feces. Some are behavioral, while others are related to health or diet. Understanding the root cause is the first step to stopping the habit.
1. Instinct and Natural Behavior
Dogs are naturally scavengers, and eating feces can be an instinctual behavior. In the wild, mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them, which includes consuming their waste. Some dogs retain this instinct, especially if they were exposed to it at a young age.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
If your Shih Tzu’s diet is lacking essential nutrients, they may try to compensate by eating feces. A deficiency in vitamins, minerals, or digestive enzymes can lead a dog to seek out additional sources of nutrition, even if they are inappropriate. Low-quality dog food or an unbalanced diet can contribute to this problem.
3. Hunger or Insufficient Feeding
If a Shih Tzu isn’t eating enough or is on a low-calorie diet, they may eat poop simply because they are hungry. Puppies, in particular, have a high metabolism and may be more prone to this behavior if they aren’t fed frequently enough.
4. Curiosity and Exploration
Puppies and young dogs often explore the world with their mouths. They may eat feces out of curiosity, just like they might chew on shoes or furniture. Over time, if not corrected, this behavior can become a habit.
5. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some Shih Tzus eat poop because they have learned that it gets a reaction from their owner. If a dog is bored or not receiving enough attention, they may engage in undesirable behaviors simply to get noticed, even if the attention is negative.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs experiencing stress, anxiety, or fear may eat their own feces as a coping mechanism. This can happen in situations such as being left alone for long periods, living in a stressful environment, or being punished harshly during house training.
7. Imitation of Other Dogs
If a Shih Tzu sees another dog eating feces, they may imitate the behavior. This is common in multi-dog households or in dogs that spend time in environments like shelters or dog parks where they observe other dogs engaging in coprophagia.
8. Medical Conditions
Some health issues can cause a Shih Tzu to eat feces. Conditions such as malabsorption disorders, intestinal parasites, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can lead to unusual eating behaviors. If your dog suddenly starts eating poop, a veterinary check-up is recommended.
Is Eating Poop Dangerous for a Shih Tzu?
While eating feces is unpleasant, it can also be harmful. The risks depend on whether the dog is consuming its own feces or the feces of other animals.
1. Exposure to Parasites and Bacteria
Feces can contain harmful parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. It can also carry bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which can lead to digestive issues and infections.
2. Risk of Toxins from Other Animals
If a Shih Tzu eats the feces of another animal, especially from outdoor sources, they could ingest harmful substances. Some animals, particularly livestock, may have feces containing remnants of medications or chemicals that could be toxic to dogs.
3. Digestive Upset
Eating poop can cause stomach upset, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If your Shih Tzu experiences these symptoms after eating feces, consult a veterinarian.
4. Reinforcement of Bad Habits
If not addressed, coprophagia can become a long-term habit that is difficult to break. The longer a dog engages in this behavior, the harder it can be to correct.
How to Stop a Shih Tzu from Eating Poop
Once you identify why your Shih Tzu is eating feces, you can take steps to eliminate the behavior. Here are some effective methods to stop this habit.
1. Keep the Environment Clean
The easiest way to prevent poop-eating is to remove the opportunity. Always clean up after your dog immediately. If you have multiple pets, monitor them closely and clean up waste before your Shih Tzu has a chance to consume it.
2. Provide a Balanced Diet
Ensure your Shih Tzu is eating a high-quality, well-balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Consider switching to premium dog food with high protein and essential vitamins. You can also add digestive enzyme supplements if your vet recommends them.
3. Increase Meal Frequency
If your Shih Tzu eats poop due to hunger, consider feeding smaller meals more frequently. Instead of two large meals a day, try splitting them into three or four smaller meals. This can help keep their stomach full and reduce the temptation to eat feces.
4. Use a Taste Deterrent
Some pet-safe additives make feces taste unpleasant to dogs. These products can be sprinkled on food and will pass through digestion, making the poop taste bitter or unappealing. Common deterrents include:
- Pineapple – Some owners find that adding pineapple to their dog’s diet makes feces less appealing.
- Pumpkin – A teaspoon of canned pumpkin in meals can aid digestion and act as a deterrent.
- Commercial deterrents – There are pet-safe products designed specifically to stop coprophagia.
5. Supervise Outdoor Time
If your Shih Tzu eats poop while outside, supervise their bathroom breaks. Keep them on a leash and redirect their attention with a treat or toy after they finish eliminating. Reward them immediately for moving away from their waste.
6. Train the “Leave It” Command
Teaching your Shih Tzu the “Leave it” command can be very effective in stopping poop-eating behavior. Start by using treats to train them to ignore an object when given the command. Once they understand, use it whenever they attempt to eat feces.
7. Provide More Mental and Physical Stimulation
Bored dogs are more likely to develop unwanted behaviors. Ensure your Shih Tzu has enough physical exercise, toys, and interactive activities to keep their mind engaged. Playtime, puzzle toys, and chew toys can help reduce boredom and unwanted habits.
8. Avoid Punishment
Never punish your Shih Tzu for eating poop. Yelling or scolding can create stress and anxiety, which may reinforce the behavior rather than stop it. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by rewarding them for ignoring feces.
9. Rule Out Medical Issues
If your Shih Tzu continues to eat poop despite training and dietary changes, schedule a veterinary check-up. Your vet can perform tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, parasites, or underlying health problems that may be causing the behavior.
Final Thoughts
While eating feces is unpleasant, it is a behavior that can be corrected with patience, training, and proper nutrition. By keeping their environment clean, providing a nutritionally balanced diet, and using positive reinforcement, you can help your Shih Tzu break the habit. If the issue persists, consulting a veterinarian can help rule out any medical causes.