Shih Tzu Coprophagia (Eating Feces)

Overview

Coprophagia, is a common yet often distressing behavior where dogs, including the Shih Tzu, consume feces, be it their own or that of other animals. It is a prevalent issue among canines and understandably causes concern for many pet parents.

In this article, we cover the causes of coprophagia, associated health risks, and discuss when to seek a vet's assessment. We also provide practical advice on treating, managing, and preventing this behavior, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools to support your Shih Tzu’s well-being.

A Shih Tzu near sign that says No Eating Poop

Causes of Coprophagia with Shih Tzu Dogs

The issue of a Shih Tzu, or any other dog, eating poop is tricky to resolve since there are quite a few possible causes behind the behavior and coprophagia may develop from more than one trigger. This said, it is a behavior that should be addressed and there are ways to prevent it. First, let's take a look at the top possible reasons.

Medical Reasons

Enzyme Deficiencies: Shih Tzu dogs lacking certain digestive enzymes may turn to coprophagia. This deficiency can lead them to seek out enzymes from other animals' feces, as a compensatory behavior for what their bodies are missing.
Parasites: Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms or whipworms can rob a dog of essential nutrients, leading them to consume feces as a misguided attempt to restore these nutrients.
Diseases Affecting Absorption of Nutrients: Conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal tumors or cancer, can impair a dog’s ability to absorb nutrients, potentially leading to coprophagia as the dog instinctively tries to compensate for these deficiencies.
Other Health Conditions, not directly related to nutrient absorption or enzyme deficiencies, may also lead to coprophagia. These can include neurological disorders or cognitive dysfunction in older dogs.

Behavioral Reasons

Boredom, Anxiety or Stress: Shih Tzu dogs that are not mentally or physically stimulated may eat feces out of boredom or anxiety. This behavior can be a sign that the dog needs more interactive play, exercise, or mental challenges.
Attention-Seeking Behavior: Some dogs learn that eating feces garners a strong reaction from their humans and may continue the behavior to gain attention, even if it is negative.
Imitation of Mother’s Behavior During Weaning: Young puppies may mimic their mother's behavior of eating feces (which mothers do to keep the den clean). This learned behavior can sometimes persist even as the pup matures.
Curiosity, Especially in Puppies: Young dogs often explore the world with their mouths and might eat feces out of curiosity.

Diet-Related Reasons

Poor Quality of Food: If a dog's diet lacks sufficient nutrients or is hard to digest, they might eat feces as an instinctual attempt to make up for these dietary shortcomings.
Insufficient Nutrients: Even well-balanced diets can fall short in certain nutrients for some dogs. This insufficiency may drive them to eat feces, seeking missing nutrients like vitamins or minerals.

Health Risks Associated with Coprophagia

Transmission of Parasites and Diseases: Consuming feces can expose a Shih Tzu to various parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia, as well as bacterial infections such as salmonella and E. coli. These parasites and pathogens are often present in feces and can lead to serious health issues in dogs.

Potential for Zoonotic Infections: Less common, but still possible, are zoonotic infections, where pathogens in feces are transmitted from animals to humans. Eating poop can turn dogs into inadvertent carriers, posing dangers to humans, particularly young children and the immunocompromised. These types of infections include salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, giardiasis and hookworms and roundworms, which are especially risky for children.

Nutritional Imbalances: Regular consumption of feces can lead to nutritional imbalances with Shih Tzu dogs. It can disrupt the normal balance of nutrients in their diet, potentially leading to deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients, which can impact overall health and well-being.

How to Prevent and Treat Coprophagia with Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs

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Taking steps to stop a Shih Tzu from eating poop is a multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive approach. There's no single solution to this complex behavior, but with patience and persistence, it is possible to effectively address and potentially stop it.

Successful treatment often involves a combination of medical interventions, behavioral modifications, and home-based strategies. Each Shih Tzu is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, calling for a tailored approach that considers the individual dog's health, environment, and behavioral patterns.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach this challenge:

#1 Enzyme Supplements

These types of supplements can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing a dog's tendency to seek out feces. Other benefits include improved coat texture, reduced dry skin and flatulence, healthier weight, and increased energy. One like NaturVet Advanced Probiotics and Enzyme Powder

can be mixed with a meal once daily. Noticeable improvements may appear in a week, with optimal results in one to two months. This is safe for long-term use, but may be less necessary in time.

#2 Parasite Control

#3. Limit Access

This may seem like a ‘given’, but you may be surprised to what extent you can actually make changes in this regard.

1. If this is an issue regarding a Shih Tzu eating cat poop, keep the litter box out of reach.

To rule out the possibility of roundworms, hookworms or whipworms as the cause of coprophagia, puppies should have exams for parasites every 2-4 weeks until about four months old due to higher susceptibility. Adults generally need once or twice-yearly exams, though those with higher exposure risks, like frequenting dog parks or hiking areas, might need more frequent checks. Shih Tzu dogs on regular parasite prevention medications often require fewer exams but should still have at least annual check-ups. If a Shih Tzu has a history of parasitic infections, more frequent monitoring might be advised by the vet.

#3 Adjust the Diet

Ensure a balanced diet that meets all your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs, as this can reduce coprophagia behavior if the diet is missing key nutrients. See also: Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines.

Adding either pineapple and pumpkin to a dog’s diet is said to perhaps help with coprophagia; however, there is only anecdotal proof. Both are safe for dogs to eat in reasonable amounts. Pumpkin does work to help with digestive issues including diarrhea and constipation. But it will not affect the taste of feces.

#4 Limit Access

A Shih Tzu cannot eat feces that is not there. Maintain a clean poop-free yard. If you have a cat, and your Shih Tzu eats the cat poop, keep the litter box up high and out of reach. Any accidents in the house should be cleaned asap.

#5 Manage and Redirect Behavior

Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu when outside. When on walks, keep them on a harness and a short leash, walking in a heeling position to your left and no further ahead then the extension of your foot. Do not allow them to sniff at poop or put their face anywhere near it.

Your yard should not contain any feces (see previous tip), but if it does, supervise your Shih Tzu and if they attempt to eat feces, interrupt them with a loud clap and a “no.”

#6 Positive Reinforcement Training

If there is an instance of your Shih Tzu seeing feces that they’d normally eat, but they do not, even if it was due to you controlling their movements via a harness and leash, immediately offer praise and reward. Use a high-value treat (a moist, strongly flavored, strongly desired treat that a dog does not receive at any other time other than to reinforce good behavior).

#7 Take Steps to Prevent Boredom

If your Shih Tzu eats their own poop when home alone, reassess their toy collection. If they require it, obtain some fun toys to combat boredom while you are away. When you are with your Shih Tzu, get them moving more with walks and games like fetch and have them engage in some mind exercises as well via puzzle game toys. See also: The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu for fun ideas.

#8 Take Steps to Prevent Stress

If your Shih Tzu eats their own poop when home by themselves, this may be due to separation anxiety stress. There are many ways to manage this including calming music, leaving on the TV tuned to a dog-friendly channel, experimenting with a window vs a non-window view and supplying a companion toy.

#9 Taste-Aversion Products

There are many types, some do not work at all and others are hit-or-miss. Do note that using hot sauce is not recommended. One supplement you may want to consider is No Poo Chews for Dogs by Vet Promise.

It’s an interesting supplement that works on the issue from many angles. It promotes healthy digestion via bromelain and pumpkin, it is formulated to reduce stool odor via glutamic acid (an amino acid) and has probiotics for good gut health. It's made in the USA and contains only all-natural ingredients. If nothing else, it can support healthier stools.

A Final Note

It’s a disturbing habit when a dog eats their own poop, or that of another animal, but even more than that it is often a wake-up call that there is something that needs to be addressed. Ruling out health issues, addressing a problem with nutrient absorption, switching to a superior food, limiting access, working to resolve stress and boredom levels, and using a deterrent are all methods that can work together to finally stop coprophagia issues that a Shih Tzu may be having.