Puppy eats poop

[domandcamismom]

I have a 4 month old schnoodle who has been eating our 4 year old labs poop.  I am not sure why he is doing it because he is on the recommended food and gets plenty to eat.  Is there any way to stop this behavior?  He tends to then throw it up and that has to be one of the nastiest things to clean up after!  lol  Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[Margot49]

You like poopsicles, huh?  I think my dog friends that live in areas that snow coined that phrase.  :-)
I would think you would have to try either/or at least a week or two to see if you notice any improvement.
It may just come down to daily or more often poop patrol.  
At least you don't have they getting into cat litter boxes.  Know a lot of people that have that problem and small dogs seem to be the worst.
I don't know, I think the worse it smells the more appetizing it is.  

[domandcamismom]

LOL...that "poopsicles" remark had me giggling out loud!  

I do plan on giving it to both dogs, just have to figure out which we are going to try first.  How long would you recommend using the stuff in their food?

[Margot49]

Oh, "poopsicles".  I know many people who have dogs that love those.  LOL!!!

Well, whatever you try, give it to both dogs.

[domandcamismom]

Thanks so much for the great ideas.  We are definitely going to try adding stuff to the food.  I have had dogs do it before but it was only in the winter and they did not throw up after like the pup does.  lol  I will also be keeping my fingers crossed that he grows out of it!  =)

[Margot49]

Oh, don't you just love it!!  NOT!!  This is called coprophagia.  You can do some searches on the Internet to read more about it but, basically and as far as I know, there are no definitive answers as to why dogs do this. Some that do it as puppies will grow out of it.  Best thing you can do is training.  When they start to do it, give a firm *NO" command and remove from the area.  Some have said that adding meat tenderizer or some pineapple to the food will be a deterrent (this has to be added to the food of all your dogs, not just the one eating the stool).  You can try being quick and spraying the poop with something distasteful like lemon, vinegar, etc.  Aside from all that, the only thing we can do sometimes is make sure and clean up ASAP.
Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones and the pup will get over it?  :-)