Uncovering the Puzzling Behavior: Why Do Shih Tzu Eat Poop?

AvatarByErick Benitez General Blog

We all know that dogs eat some bizarre things, from dirty socks to their own vomit. But one behavior that might leave you scratching your head is when your beloved Shih Tzu decides to munch on some feces. Yes, poop. It’s not only gross, but it can also be a cause for concern for pet owners. So, why do Shih Tzus eat poop? In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind this peculiar behavior and what you can do about it. Whether you own a Shih Tzu or simply find this phenomenon fascinating, read on to understand the psychology behind this unsavory habit.

Understanding Coprophagia: What Is It?

Coprophagia is the act of a dog consuming their own feces or the feces of other animals. While it may be a disgusting behavior to humans, it is actually common in many animal species, including Shih Tzus. In fact, a study from the University of California, Davis found that 16% of dogs have been observed eating feces at least once.
But why do Shih Tzu specifically engage in this behavior? There are several reasons that can contribute to a dog’s coprophagia, ranging from medical issues to behavioral and instinctual habits.

The Role of Nutrition in Coprophagia

One potential reason for a Shih Tzu’s poop-eating behavior is related to their diet. If a dog is not getting enough nutrients or has an unbalanced diet, they may be inclined to eat feces as a way to compensate for any deficiencies. This is especially true if your dog’s diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins or proteins. In some cases, coprophagia may even be caused by malabsorption issues, where the dog’s body isn’t properly absorbing necessary nutrients.

In addition, some low-quality dog foods may contain indigestible fillers that pass through the body and appear undigested in the stool. These partially digested food particles can still retain an odor and taste appealing to dogs, leading them to consume their own poop or that of other animals.

Instinctual and Behavioral Factors

Coprophagia can also be attributed to instinctual and behavioral factors within a dog’s nature. Wild dogs may eat poop as a survival tactic – consuming waste from prey animals can provide additional nutrients and help clean up their living area. In domesticated dogs like Shih Tzus, this natural instinct may still manifest, especially in dogs that spend a lot of time outside or live in kennel situations where they are constantly surrounded by poop.

Some dogs may also simply engage in coprophagia out of boredom. If your Shih Tzu doesn’t have enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to eating feces as a way to entertain themselves. This is particularly true if your dog is left alone for long periods of time or doesn’t have access to toys and playtime.

Medical Reasons for Coprophagia

Occasionally, a dog’s coprophagia may be rooted in an underlying medical issue. Malabsorption issues were previously mentioned, but other conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency or intestinal parasites can also contribute to poop-eating behavior. If you suspect your Shih Tzu’s coprophagia is caused by a medical issue, it’s important to visit your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Stop Your Shih Tzu from Eating Poop

One of the main concerns with coprophagia is the potential health risks it can pose for your dog. Consuming feces can lead to digestive issues and infections from bacteria and parasites found in the stool. It’s important to address this behavior and take steps to prevent it from continuing.
Here are some strategies you can use to help stop your Shih Tzu from eating poop:

1. Keep their living area clean: Make sure you clean up after your dog immediately after they go potty. This will not only reduce the temptation for them to eat their own feces, but it will also prevent any potential parasites or bacteria from being ingested.

2. Provide a balanced diet: Ensure that your Shih Tzu is getting all the necessary nutrients from their food by providing them with a high-quality diet recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid any foods with fillers and by-products that may be harder to digest.

3. Increase exercise and mental stimulation: Providing plenty of physical and mental exercise can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and reduce boredom, which in turn may help decrease the likelihood of coprophagia.

4. Train a “leave it” command: Teaching your Shih Tzu to “leave it” can be helpful in stopping them from consuming feces. Practice the command consistently with treats and rewards so that your dog learns to listen and obey even around distractions.

5. Seek professional help: If your Shih Tzu’s coprophagia is excessive or concerning, it may be beneficial to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can work with you to find a solution tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

In conclusion, coprophagia in Shih Tzus can have various causes including nutritional deficiencies, instinctual behaviors, and medical issues. Identifying the root cause is crucial in finding an effective solution to stop this behavior. By providing proper nutrition, preventing boredom, and implementing consistent training techniques, you can help discourage your Shih Tzu from eating poop and keep them healthy and happy.

The Natural Instinct of Shih Tzu to Eat Poop

Many pet owners have probably experienced the unpleasant moment of catching their beloved Shih Tzu eating poop. This behavior, also known as coprophagia, can be quite alarming and confusing for pet owners. However, it is important to understand that this is a natural instinct in dogs, especially in Shih Tzus.

The ancestors of domesticated dogs like the Shih Tzu were scavengers and lived in a group where food resources were scarce. In order to survive, they had to resort to consuming whatever food was available, including animal feces. This instinct has been retained even after generations of domestication.

Moreover, the sense of smell in dogs is much more enhanced compared to humans. Their nose has over 300 million scent receptors while humans only have around 6 million. This means that dogs can easily detect the smell of waste products and feces, which may be appealing to them due to their high protein content.

Another contributing factor is their active and curious nature. Shih Tzus are known for being playful and energetic dogs who love to explore their surroundings. This includes sniffing around and investigating anything they come across, which may include poop from other animals.

The Role of Nutrition in Coprophagia

Apart from the natural instinct and curiosity, poor nutrition can also play a role in why Shih Tzus eat poop. Dogs who are not getting enough nutrients from their diet may turn to seeking out other sources of nutrition, including feces.

This can be attributed to the fact that many commercial dog foods are filled with fillers and by-products that do not provide adequate nutrition for dogs. As a result, Shih Tzus may feel a strong urge to supplement their diet with feces as it contains certain vitamins and minerals that they may be lacking.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions such as malabsorption syndrome may also lead to poor nutrient absorption and cause dogs to eat their own or other animals’ feces.

Coping Strategies for Coprophagia in Shih Tzus

While it can be quite distressing for pet owners to watch their Shih Tzu eating poop, there are ways to manage and reduce this behavior. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Keep the environment clean: The simplest way to prevent coprophagia is to keep the environment free from feces. Make sure to pick up after your dog immediately and dispose of it properly. This includes being vigilant when taking your Shih Tzu for walks in areas where he may come across poop from other animals.

2. Ensure a nutritious diet: As mentioned earlier, poor nutrition can be a contributing factor in coprophagia. Therefore, it is important to feed your Shih Tzu a high-quality and balanced diet that meets his nutritional needs.

3. Train your dog: Basic obedience training can also help in curbing this behavior. Teaching commands like “leave it” or “drop it” can be useful when you catch your dog trying to eat poop.

4. Provide mental stimulation: Boredom can also lead to coprophagia in dogs. Make sure your Shih Tzu gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation through interactive toys and games.

5. Consult a veterinarian: If your Shih Tzu’s coprophagia is persistent despite these strategies, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for further evaluation and possible treatment options.

Social Implications of Coprophagia

Apart from the physical implications like potential worm infestations and gastrointestinal upset, coprophagia can also have social implications for dogs. This behavior can be off-putting for other dog owners, and it may also cause your Shih Tzu to have a hard time making friends with other dogs.

Moreover, constant scolding or punishment from the owner can lead to fear and anxiety in dogs, causing them to hide their poop-eating behavior. This can further worsen the problem as the dog may continue to do so in secrecy.

Therefore, it is important for pet owners to understand that coprophagia is a natural instinct in dogs and should be dealt with patience and understanding rather than anger and punishment.

In summary, while it may seem gross and puzzling, coprophagia is a natural behavior in Shih Tzus. However, it is important to address this behavior through proper management strategies and addressing any underlying nutrition or medical issues. As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to provide our furry friends with a safe and clean environment where they can thrive without feeling the need to eat poop.

1) Why do Shih Tzu eat poop?
Shih Tzu may eat poop due to various reasons such as nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or learned behavior from their mother. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and address it accordingly.
2) Is it normal for Shih Tzu to eat poop?
No, it is not normal for Shih Tzu (or any dog) to eat poop. This behavior is known as coprophagia and should be addressed immediately as it can lead to health problems and should not be encouraged.
3) How can I prevent my Shih Tzu from eating poop?
The most effective way to prevent this behavior is by promptly cleaning up after your dog and discouraging them from approaching or smelling feces. You can also try distracting your Shih Tzu with a toy or treats when they show interest in eating poop.
4) Do Shih Tzu puppies also eat poop?
Yes, even young Shih Tzu puppies may exhibit coprophagia. It is important to address this behavior early on before it becomes a habit.
5) Can certain medical conditions make a Shih Tzu eat poop?
Yes, some medical conditions such as malabsorption syndrome or pancreatic insufficiency may lead to nutritional deficiencies that can cause dogs to seek out feces for nutrients. Any abnormal behavior should be discussed with a veterinarian.
6) Are there any supplements that can help stop my Shih Tzu from eating poop?
There are no specific supplements that have been proven to stop this behavior in dogs. However, ensuring that your dog’s diet is well-balanced and meeting their nutritional needs may help reduce the likelihood of coprophagia. Consult with a veterinarian for appropriate dietary recommendations.

In conclusion, the question of why Shih Tzu eat poop may seem puzzling and even disgusting to many pet owners. However, upon closer examination of the possible causes and reasons behind this behavior, it becomes clear that there may not be a single simple answer. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, boredom, and learned behavior all play a role in this concerning behavior.

While it may be tempting to view this behavior as abnormal or abnormal urge, it is important for pet owners to understand that dogs – including Shih Tzu – have evolved as scavengers and opportunistic eaters. This means that eating poop may simply be a natural instinct for them.

Nevertheless, it is important for pet owners to address this issue promptly. Seeking advice from a veterinarian can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on proper diet and supplements. Providing a healthy and balanced diet can also prevent nutritional deficiencies that may lead to this behavior.

Moreover, engaging in regular playtime and providing mental stimulation for Shih Tzu can help reduce boredom and potential underlying behavioral issues. Reward-based training can also shape their behavior towards more desirable habits.

Ultimately, the key takeaway here is that while eating poop may be common in Shih Tzu (and other dogs), it should not be ignored. By

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.