Q: Why do My Dogs Eat Feces? Will it Hurt Them?

Q: My two Shih Tzus eat each others feces. We have tried classical training and even Distaste pills (that made them eat it worse). Is there anything that you suggest to help stop this? Is it bad for their health?Q: My two Shih Tzus eat each others feces. We have tried classical training and even Distaste pills (that made them eat it worse). Is there anything that you suggest to help stop this? Is it bad for their health?

A: There are many dogs that exhibit this undesirable trait! It can be bad for their health if your dog consumes the feces of a dog infected with parasites. If your dogs are parasite-free it shouldn't cause more than bad breath! For training advice you can try a citronella collar. This collar sprays foul smelling citronella in their faces when activated. One thing that has worked for others would be to put Tabasco sauce or hot sauce on the feces. Then when the pet tries to ingest it they are upset with the taste. Meat tenderizer or fresh pineapple added to the food can also help to make the feces taste less desirable! Good Luck!

Dr. Lauren Brickman Dr. Brickman started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to…

Filed Under: Health & Home, Training & Behavior, Dog & Cat Breeds, Behavior, Dog Breeds, Training
Tags: Dogs, Shih Tzu, advice, Citronella Collar, dog health, dogs, feces, parasites

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