| Coprophagia in dogs  Coprophagia is a behavior often observed in dogs. Hofmeister, Cumming, and Dhein (2001) wrote that this behavior in dogs has not been well-researched, and they are currently preparing a study. In a preliminary paper, they write that there are various hypotheses for this behavior in canines, although none have been proven: To obtain attention from their caretakers. From anxiety, stress, or upon being punished for bad behaviors. They had been punished for having defecated in the past, and attempt to clean up out of fear of being punished again. Because dogs are, by nature, scavengers, and this is within the range of scavenger behavior. To prevent the scent from attracting predators. Because the texture and temperature of fresh feces approximates that of regurgitated food, which is how mothers in the wild provide solid food to their pups. Because of the protein content of the feces (particularly cat feces), or over-feeding, leading to large concentrations of undigested matter in the feces. Due to assorted health problems, including: Pancreatitis Intestinal infections Food allergies, leading to mal-absorption Because they are hungry, such as when eating routines are changed, food is withheld, or nutrients are not properly absorbed. Carnivores may sometimes eat or roll in the feces of their prey to ingest and exude scents which mask their own. Some veterinarians recommend adding meat tenderizer to dog food, as this makes the feces taste excessively bad to dogs. Several companies produce food additives that can also be added to the animal's food to make feces taste bad. Often, these food additives will contain Capsicum Oleoresin which gives off a repugnant odor making the fecal matter undesirable to the dog. (wikipedia) |
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Coprophagia in Papillons
| Papillons as puppies or adults occasionally eat other, or their own, dog feces. Coprophagia The Papillon Puppy being with it's mother for the first 10-12 weeks occasionally learns moms behavior: mom cleans after him/her and she keeps the "den" clean by eating the little mess he/she makes. This unpleasant behavior normally diminishes normally within a few weeks and goes away. |
