ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 6, 1997 TAG: 9704070039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-16 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: paws & claws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: I have a gorgeous chocolate Labrador puppy nearly 6 months old. She is perfect in my eyes except for one disgusting habit: she will eat the droppings in the yard from our other two dogs. I would like to break her of this habit, but I am not sure how to go about it.
A: It is quite common for dogs to eat a wider range of substances than their owners find acceptable! Eating feces is called "coprophagia" and is quite common. Most dogs like food that is decaying, which leads them to eat rotting carcasses, feces and garbage.
Some dogs actively seek out feces. While this can be considered normal, most owners find it repellent. It also exposes the dog to the extra risk of food poisoning and parasites. This habit often starts when a puppy is using its mouth to explore and taste new things.
One theory suggested that adults dogs that are coprophagic are deficient in nutrients or have a pancreatic enzyme disorder. Research has shown that this is not true in most cases.
Unfortunately, this is not the easiest of habits to break. Many puppies may grow out of it as they become adults. However, I do not think it is wise to wait and see as the habit, once established, is hard to cure. The easiest way to avoid the development of coprophagia is to keep the yard free of feces and supervise the dogs when they are out in the yard. Picking up the feces and scolding the puppy for inappropriate behavior should be the rule. The enjoyment of eating a tasty substance can be removed by ambushing the dog with remote punishment. A Coke can filled with pebbles thrown at the dog might be effective or squirting with a hose.
Alternatively, feces can be booby-trapped by sprinkling them in advance with a hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco. Some owners have tried feeding the dogs a food additive like monosodium glutamate that makes the feces distasteful.
Do not chase the dog when it picks up a disgusting object. The puppy will see this as play. When the owner notices that the dog is becoming interested in an unacceptable object, try distracting it. Give it another command - such as retrieving a toy - and reward it when it complies.
If in spite of these efforts the habit persists, it may be necessary to either exercise the dog on a lead, preferably wearing a ``Halti,'' which gives you greater control over what the dog can pick up. In extreme cases, or if the dog has to be left unsupervised, a muzzle may be necessary. It will take vigilance and perseverance.
Jill Bowen has practiced veterinary medicine in England and Texas and taught at Texas A&M. She lives with her veterinarian husband and two chocolate Labrador retrievers in Blacksburg. If you have a question, please write to her in care of The Roanoke Times' New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send an e-mail to newriver@roanoke.com.
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