Yucky Coprophagia: How to Stop Your Yorkie from Eating Poop

Yorkies are a pretty exciting breed, with their animated and curious personalities. But one behavior that can leave owners scratching their heads (and holding their noses) is coprophagia – AKA eating poop. Yes, you read that right. And no, it’s not a joke.

If you’re dealing with a Yorkie with a taste for feces, you’re not alone. Many owners have reached out for help with this perplexing problem. But fear not; we’re here to provide solid recommendations for at-home treatments and cures to stop this behavior.

Key Takeaways

First, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what coprophagia is. It’s the consumption of feces, not just playing with or licking it. We’re talking full-on ingestion here.

So why would a Yorkie do such a thing? There are three main categories of reasons: nutrition, behavioral, and medical. Let’s break it down with a touch of humor, shall we?

Nutrition:

Picture this: your Yorkie is hungry, and his food bowl is empty. But wait! There’s poop nearby! To a dog fed low-quality food, poop might as well be filet mignon. That’s because low-grade dog food often contains undigested or poorly digested ingredients, so there’s still some nutrition left in the poop.

And if your Yorkie is only eating low-quality food, he may be drawn to poop from other dogs (especially those on a higher-quality diet) or even from the litter box. The poop taunts him, saying, “Hey buddy, I’m not as bad as that kibble you’re eating.”

Behavioral:

Some might think a dog eats poop to cover up an accident. But let’s be honest; a dog’s not that clever. And if your Yorkie is eating poop to hide his shame, he deserves an award for effort. No, this type of coprophagia is more likely due to behavioral issues.

Maybe he’s copying his mama, who ate poop when he was a newborn pup. Or perhaps he’s just bored and looking for something to do. Either way, it’s not a good look for him (or you).

Medical:

If your Yorkie’s poop-eating habit has come out of nowhere, there may be an underlying medical issue. Some dogs with pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, or thyroid problems may develop coprophagia as a symptom. So, getting your pup checked out by a vet to rule out any health concerns is always a good idea.

Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind coprophagia let’s get to the good stuff – how to stop it. We’ll dive into some tips for choosing a better food to prevent poop-eating and some behavioral techniques from nipping this gross habit in the bud.

So, if you’re tired of dealing with a Yorkie constantly snacking on poop, keep reading. We’ve got you covered (and we promise not to judge).

Let me put it: newborn puppies are as clueless as a squirrel trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Even if they were Einstein’s reincarnation, their memory would barely last longer than a Snapchat story.

And let’s not even entertain the notion that an adult Yorkshire Terrier would start chowing down on feces due to some long-lost memory of their puppyhood. That’s as believable as a unicorn serving as a mascot for a meatpacking plant. In other words, it’s a load of “pup-squat,” and we shouldn’t waste more time chasing our tails over it.

Behavioral Reasons

Dogs have some exciting habits; one of the most peculiar is coprophagia – eating poop. While it may seem gross and disgusting to us, there are several reasons why dogs do it. One of the primary reasons is behavioral. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible causes.

Unlikely Reasons

Hiding evidence of an accident: It is unlikely that dogs eat poop to cover up evidence of an accident. While dogs are intelligent, they do not have the cognitive ability to resort to such behavior unless they have been severely abused.

Continuation of newborn behavior: Puppies may eat their poop due to copying their mother’s behavior when they were young. However, this is unlikely to be a reason for an adult dog’s coprophagia.

Likely Reasons

Boredom: Dogs can get bored quickly, especially when alone without stimulation. When awake and have nothing else to do, they may inspect their feces, which can lead to ingestion.

Stress: Many Yorkies suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to coprophagia due to stress.

Unintentional training: Dogs learn through verbal and non-verbal cues from their owners. In some cases, owners may have unknowingly taught their dogs to mouth their feces by reacting excitedly when cleaning up the mess.

Health Issues

While coprophagia can be a symptom of specific health issues such as anemia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, or thyroid disease, it is essential to note that other symptoms are usually present that indicate illness.

In summary, coprophagia in an otherwise healthy Yorkie is likely due to a diet lacking proper nutrients or a behavioral issue, such as boredom or stress when left alone.

What if my Yorkie ate their poop? Will they get sick?

All right, then, can a Yorkie get sick from eating poop? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” And let me tell you; it’s not a pretty sight.

First, if your little furry friend chows down on his feces, it can cause serious tummy troubles. I mean, who wants to eat poop anyways, right? That’s just nasty! And if your Yorkie keeps doing it, he could end up with an upset stomach, intestinal pain, and maybe even some vomiting. Plus, if he’s eating low-quality food, he might not get all the nutrients he needs, weakening his immune system, giving him dry skin, and making his coat look dull.

But it gets worse, folks. If your pup is being treated for worms and eating poop, he’s just re-infecting himself. And nobody wants that! Puppies are especially at risk because they can get worms from their mom and don’t have a robust immune system. So, get your pup de-wormed and keep an eye on him if he’s prone to eating poop.

And let’s not forget about the other health risks. Your Yorkie could pick up nasty things from eating poop, like tapeworms, contaminated soil, or fleas. That’s why it’s essential to get your dog screened for parasites twice a year and to keep him away from poop-eating shenanigans.

So, there you have it, folks. Eating poop is terrible news for your furry friend and your nose too! So, let’s all agree to keep the poop where it belongs, in the yard or litter box, and not in our dog’s tummies.

Let’s talk about the serious business of poop-eating for our furry little friends. And let me tell you, and it’s not a pretty sight.

Eating Poop from Other Dogs:

Now, if your little Yorkie is munching on another dog’s poop, that’s asking for trouble. All sorts of nasty things can be spread from one dog to another through feces, and it’s not a risk worth taking.

The top concerns are worms like roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. These can all cause serious health problems for your pup, so it’s essential to keep an eye on him and ensure he’s not eating poop from other dogs.

And let’s not forget about the diseases that can be transmitted through feces, like campylobacteriosis, corona, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, parvo, and salmonellosis. That’s a mouthful, and not in a good way!

Eating Cat Poop:

Some of you may wonder if your dog can catch worms from a cat. And the answer is yes, my friends. Many parasites can be transferred from animal to animal, so watching your pup if he’s snacking on cat poop is essential.

Your Yorkie can become infected if a cat has worms or is shedding worms and eggs. And the three diseases that are most commonly contracted through this kind of poop-eating behavior are clostridia, salmonella, and campylobacter.

So, there you have it, folks. Poop-eating may seem fun and tasty for your pup, but it’s not worth the risk. Keep a close eye on your furry friend, ensure he’s not snacking on poop from other animals, and keep him healthy and happy!

How to stop a Yorkie from eating his poop

Okay, listen up, humans, we need to talk about your furry friend’s poop-eating habit. Yes, it’s gross, but don’t worry; there are solutions! Here are four things you can do to help stop your Yorkie from indulging in this rather unsavory activity.

Importance of feeding high-quality food to Yorkies

First and foremost, check what you’re feeding your pooch. We get it, convenience is king, and sometimes you grab whatever’s on the shelf. But let’s face it; those one or two-star brands are not doing your pup any favors.

And just because a brand is well-known doesn’t mean it suits your furry friend. So, take some time to research and invest in high-quality food that doesn’t have a bunch of nasty chemicals and preservatives. Your Yorkie will thank you, and who knows, maybe they’ll stop eating poop as a bonus.

Choosing the right snacks and treats for Yorkies

Speaking of food, let’s talk snacks. Not all treats are created equal, my friends. Skip the ones with additives and fillers, and choose healthy options like fruits and veggies. You read that right. Your dog can enjoy blueberries, raspberries, and even bananas! Just avoid grapes and raisins, as those are toxic to dogs.

And when choosing manufactured treats, make sure they’re made in the USA and don’t contain sketchy ingredients.

Addressing underlying causes of coprophagia in Yorkies

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why do dogs eat poop in the first place? It could be a medical issue, boredom, or even stress. So, take your Yorkie to the vet to rule out any underlying health concerns. And if you think your dog is bored or anxious, try giving them more exercise and mental stimulation. A tired pup is a happy pup.

Supervising and disposing of poop to prevent coprophagia

Last but not least, supervise your dog and pick up poop immediately. Yes, it’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s necessary. Don’t allow your dog to indulge in their poop-eating habit. And if you catch them in the act, don’t scold or punish them. Instead, distract them with a toy or treat them and dispose of the evidence.

So, there you have it, folks. Follow these tips, and you’ll hopefully have a poop-eating-free home in no time. Your Yorkie will thank you, and you’ll be able to breathe a little easier knowing you won’t have to witness that particular behavior anymore.

Craig

As a lifelong dog lover, I fell in love with Yorkies for their spunky personalities, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.

As a dedicated Yorkie owner, I have spent years learning about the breed and how to provide the best possible care for them. From finding the proper diet to exercise, and so much more! I take every aspect of my Yorkie’s life seriously.

In addition to being a loving dog parent, I’m an avid blogger, sharing my experiences and insights on all things Yorkie-related. From training tips to grooming advice, Yorkieclothing.com is a go-to resource for other Yorkie owners worldwide.