I have a female belgian malinois. When her puppies were first born she ate their feces, now the puppies are older and she still seems to like to eat their feces. How can I stop that?
It’s common for mother dogs, especially shortly after giving birth, to eat their puppies’ feces. This behavior, called coprophagia, is instinctual and helps keep the nest clean while protecting the puppies from predators by eliminating odors. However, as the puppies grow older, the behavior typically diminishes. If your Belgian Malinois continues to do this as the puppies age, here are some steps to discourage it:
1. Clean Up Immediately
- Remove the puppies’ feces as quickly as possible to limit the opportunity for the mother to eat it. Puppies usually eliminate after eating or waking up, so being proactive during those times can help.
2. Monitor Her Diet
- Ensure she’s getting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Sometimes, dogs eat feces due to nutritional deficiencies. High-quality dog food that meets her energy needs, especially while nursing, is crucial.
3. Provide Digestive Enzyme Supplements
- Some dogs eat feces because their body isn’t properly digesting or absorbing nutrients. You can consult your vet about adding digestive enzymes or probiotics to her diet to improve nutrient absorption and discourage the behavior.
4. Use Deterrents
- There are products you can sprinkle on the puppies’ food to make their feces taste unpleasant to the mother, such as For-Bid or similar supplements.
- Natural deterrents like a small amount of pineapple or pumpkin in the puppies’ diet can also make their feces less appealing.
5. Provide Enrichment
- If the behavior stems from boredom or stress, provide her with mental stimulation. Toys, training sessions, or interactive games can help redirect her focus.
6. Increase Supervision
- Keep an eye on her interactions with the puppies, especially during elimination times. Redirect her if you notice her trying to eat feces.
7. Vet Consultation
- If the behavior persists despite your efforts, consult a veterinarian. Persistent coprophagia can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue, such as parasites, malabsorption, or other health concerns.
8. Train an Alternative Behavior
- Teach her the “leave it” command. With consistent positive reinforcement, you can discourage her from engaging with feces.
9. Wean the Puppies Gradually
- As the puppies get older and start eating solid food, they’ll naturally stop nursing. This can reduce the mother’s instinct to clean them and eat their feces.
With patience and consistency, this behavior can be managed and reduced over time.
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