Last Updated on 24/04/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 24, 2024.
Have you found your Pomeranian eating poop? Pomeranians are adorable in every way. So it can be upsetting when we see that our Pomeranian puppy is eating his poop.
This is frustrating for owners, and it may cause your Pomeranian to pick up harmful bacteria and intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea and other health problems.
This behavior is often embarrassing for people who own Pomeranians and is also extremely harmful to a dog’s health.
Dogs eat poop for many reasons. Let’s look at all this in greater detail so you’ll know what to do if this happens to your dog.
Why is My Pomeranian Eating His Poop?
Dogs eat feces, and Pomeranian puppies that eat their poop do it for many reasons. Owners need to find out why their puppy eats poop and make an action plan to stop the puppy from eating dog poop.
Your pet might be eating low-quality commercial food containing many indigestible “fillers.” This causes lots of poop, and it smells the same as the dog food your pet has consumed.
You’ll know whether commercial food is good or bad by the consistency and amount of poop your dog produces. I would recommend changing to a healthier diet. One of the most common reasons why a dog may eat his poop or that of other dogs is because of dog food’s nutritional deficiencies.
If your dog’s body craves something specific, his canine instincts will make him eat it wherever he can find it, including in his stool, cat poop, or the feces of others.
Your first action is to analyze what you’re feeding your dog for meals and snacks. Some manufactured foods are okay to eat, but many contain bad fillers.
Other reasons for a puppy eating his poop include separation anxiety, boredom, and stress. Boredom and stress can cause puppies to start poop eating.
If a puppy is left alone for an extended period, he may pass the time by playing with and eating his stools.
Puppies and adult dogs are prone to eating their feces when stressed. This might be due to stress from moving into a new house or other factors. Punishing your puppy for eating his feces will add to his stress level.
What Exactly are Fillers?
Fillers are ingredients that manufacturers add to dog food to make it bulkier. They are done to give the appearance of more food than there is. They ” fluff” the food up so it looks like a lot of food when the fillers have no nutrients or calories.
If your Pom eats these foods regularly, he may still feel hungry and eventually be deficient in various vitamins and minerals. If you need to use manufactured food, it’s also wise to feed your beloved dog the best vitamin and mineral supplement you can buy to help balance out his diet and keep him healthy. Your other choice is to make food for your dog at home.
This is the only guaranteed way to know that your pet is getting healthy, wholesome, fresh food for his meals and snacks. Another benefit is that Pomeranians love homemade food.
Owners often find that making the food themselves solves any problems with the dog being a picky eater and will stop him from eating poop while he’s outside.
Another Reason For Puppies That Eat Their Poop
One of the most common reasons why a dog may eat his poop or that of other dogs is because his food is missing essential nutrients. If your dog’s body craves something specific, his canine instincts will make him eat it wherever he can find it, including in poop.
Your first action is to analyze what you’re feeding your dog for meals and snacks. Some manufactured foods are okay to eat, but many contain bad fillers.
The Third Reason A Pomeranian Eats Poop
The answer is that it may simply be curiosity, which can become a habit. Some owners claim their dog eats virtually anything. Some dogs will sniff and taste most things so they can work out what it is, if it is edible, and whether they like their taste.
It’s difficult to consider a dog that enjoys the taste of feces. However, it can depend on what foods are digested and then expelled.
If your dog is eating poop, there has to be something in it that he likes, or he wouldn’t do it. If a Pom eats poop once and isn’t taught that he shouldn’t do so, he may keep looking for poop and eating it.
You must remember that if a wrong behavior isn’t corrected, your dog will assume it’s okay and that he’s allowed to do it.
The Fourth Reason, a Pomeranian Will, Eat its Poop
The puppy is trying to get your attention. If you’ve already gotten irritated with your puppy for this behavior, he or she may continue to do it to gain your attention. Even if your reaction is negative, the puppy is just concerned that he is receiving additional attention from you.
Your puppy, on the other hand, may consume his stool to avoid negative attention. He may retaliate by swallowing the evidence to successfully “hide” it if you’ve reacted angrily to his mishaps.
Always Check For Any Underlying Medical Problems
When a Pomeranian develops a habit of eating poop, dog owners should first consider potential medical causes behind this behavior. An underlying medical condition often manifests as unusual behaviors, including a dog’s poop-eating habits.
Conditions such as digestive enzyme deficiencies, parasites, or issues related to the dog’s diet lacking in nutritional value can trigger this undesirable behavior.
For pet parents, it’s crucial to evaluate whether their Pomeranian’s actions are purely a behavioral issue or indicative of something more concerning, like an underlying health problem.
Young puppies may pick up this bad habit out of curiosity or mimicry, but this could be a sign of stress or anxiety if an older dog suddenly starts. Weight loss, changes in appetite, or an anxious demeanor can also point to health issues.
Always consult a vet to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing your Pomeranian to engage in coprophagia, ensuring that your furry friend remains healthy and happy.
Easiest Way to Stop Puppies From Eating Poop
- The most important thing to prevent puppies from eating their poop is the timing of feeding. Older puppies ( over four months) can have restricted feed times, so they must poop when you are there, and you have an opportunity to clean up quickly. Remove the kibble at night and during the day after feeding.
- Another tip to stop a puppy from eating its poop is to confine an older puppy to a crate at night or when you must leave the puppy alone. After the puppy has had a meal and poop, the best time here and use common sense; small pups cannot be without food for lengthy periods in the crate will result in accidents.
- When you house-train your Pom, pick one specific area. Then, your dog can choose his exact spot. That spot must not be used for anything except the bathroom. It should never be used as an exercise or play area. Ensure your pet’s environment is kept clean.
- After your Pomeranian has done his business, scoop it up and lead him away from that area. Watch him closely when you take him to parks and other places where other dogs play and walk.
- Eating feces produced by other dogs may cause an infestation of worms. When you notice your Pom walking towards feces, clap your hands loudly to get his attention. Then, change his focus to something else and, when he complies, reward that good behavior.
- If your yard has an open area where your Pomeranian can run around in, you must go outside first and collect any poop. Using a hose to spray water on any piles is the fastest way because the water helps it dissolve into the ground.
- Feed your Pomeranian homemade food.
Make His Poop Taste Bad
The Following Products Can be Used to Stop Puppy Eating Feces:
What to put in dog food to stop eating poop?
- If you add meat tenderizer to dog food, this can deter him from eating his feces.
- Adding pineapple, pumpkin, or a stool deterrent supplement as other options.
- Your vet can also give you medicine to make the poop taste very bitter.
It’s important to use only a single additive to avoid overbalancing your pet’s digestive system. Talk to your vet before trying anything because too much may cause other issues, and some dogs could also be allergic to the additive.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if your Pomeranian has developed the unsavory habit of eating poop, it’s important to address this behavior promptly to ensure their health and well-being.
This issue, known as coprophagia, is not uncommon among dogs, but understanding the underlying reasons—whether dietary deficiencies, behavioral triggers, or health issues—is crucial. Implementing dietary adjustments, increasing supervision, and incorporating consistent training can deter this behavior.
Quick response and the right strategies can help your Pomeranian kick this habit and lead a healthier life. Always consult your vet for advice tailored to your pet’s needs to help maintain their overall health and happiness.
Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about the health of your Pomeranian, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.
N.B. This article regarding Pomeranian health issues was written in consultation with our resident veterinarian.
Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq
DVM, University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2019
MSc. (Hons.) (Animal Breeding & Genetics), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 2021
Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
