How Much Pineapple To Give Dog To Stop Eating Poop?
You probably love your dog to death, but there is one pretty common habit that can gross out even the most dedicated dog parent – coprophagia. This is the act of the pup eating feces.
If your pup can’t help itself and gobbles up its own poop, then don’t worry. This may seem extremely nasty for you, but it can be a satisfying experience for canines. In some cases, it may mean that the dog has an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed too.
Luckily, there is an easy way to stop your pet from eating its own poop. This is by adding some pineapple to its diet.
This may sound strange to us, but the pineapple contains enzymes that make the feces unpleasant to sniff and eat for dogs and thus deters them from eating them.
Six small chunks of pineapple given throughout the day several times a week should do wonders for your poop-eating dog.
Remember that pineapple may be safe for canines, but it is packed with sugar, so you should be careful with the quantities you give to your pup.
Read on to find out how much pineapple to give your dog to stop it from eating its poop.
We have added some of the most common reasons for coprophagia in dogs and why pineapple is such a great way to stop this unwanted gross behavior in pups.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop?
Coprophagia is quite common in dogs. There are various reasons why your furbaby may be resorting to consuming its own feces. Some are health or nutrient-related, and others are related to behavioral issues.
Here are the most common reasons for coprophagia in canines:
Malnutrition
Malnutrition can occur among dogs that have been left without enough food for some time.
But even if you have been feeding your furry friend diligently, there are cases when it can be experiencing a lack of certain nutrients essential for its wellbeing. This causes the dog to eat its feces and try to replenish this lack.
The lack of vitamin B1 has been found to cause coprophagia. Thankfully, pineapples are packed with this vital vitamin.
Malnutrition can be determined via blood tests and can easily be managed by switching the dog to nutrient-rich food, or in some cases, with additional supplements. Once the dog gets back to normal, the poop-eating incidents should stop.
Malabsorption Syndrome
This rare condition prevents the small intestine of the dog from absorbing all of the essential nutrients it needs, even if it eats the best nutrient-rich dog foods.
This lack of nutrients will instinctively make the pup want to eat its poop in an attempt to get the needed missing nutrients.
You should consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your furry friend is suffering from this syndrome.
Diseases and Infections
Parasite infections and certain diseases can lead to an increased appetite in dogs. This can make them look for other food sources, including their own feces.
Some diseases which can unlock coprophagia and an insatiable appetite in canines include thyroid disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease.
So, if your dog starts eating its poop or is hungrier than normal, you should take it to the vet for an examination and testing to determine whether it has any of these underlying diseases.
Your veterinarian can also test it for parasites and appoint a treatment to resolve the problem.
Attention seeking
If your vet doesn’t find any underlying medical reasons for your dog’s habit of eating its feces, then it is very likely a behavioral problem.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety or not getting enough attention from you can try to grab your attention in various ways.
Remember the first time you saw your pup eating poop? You probably reacted in some way. Your clever furbaby probably remembers that reaction and may seek to achieve it repeatedly by repeating this unwanted behavior.
You can resolve this issue by spending more time playing and socializing with your dog, getting it toys to keep it entertained when you are gone or busy, and so on.
Or you can train it using positive reinforcement to quit the poop eating altogether and to seek your attention in other more pleasant and acceptable ways.
Behavior learned in early puppyhood
When puppies are born or very young, their mother will diligently clean them and help them poop by licking their cute bottoms.
Some puppies may learn this behavior from their moms and start licking their siblings too and then continue doing it even when they are adult dogs.
While licking poop until the puppies are still not weaned can have some benefits thanks to the friendly bacteria they ingest in the process, such behavior is not as desired as the dog gets older.
Usually, the puppies will outgrow this habit when they become about three months old, but there are chances that this behavior will continue long after that.
Some dogs simply enjoy eating poop
For many pups, poop is like a delicacy. Dogs seem to like the smell and taste of poop, and some do more than others – and actually eat it.
Giving the Dog Pineapple to Stop the Poop Eating
While some veterinary supplements and medications can help the dog stop eating its own feces, a few pieces of pineapple several times a week is an easier and more natural way to deter this yucky behavior.
Related: Meat Tenderizer For Dogs: All You Need To Know!
How Does Pineapple Help Stop Poop Eaters?
Pineapples contain a special enzyme that, when digested, is transformed in a way that makes the feces taste and smell unappetizing.
Dogs usually smell first and then taste things. So if something smells good to them, they will proceed to eat it.
Once you add several pieces of pineapple to the dog’s daily menu and do this several times a week, you will notice that the dog will stop sniffing or trying to ingest its own feces.
Plus, pineapples contain vitamin B1, which is known to cause coprophagia when dogs lack enough of it.
How Much Pineapple to Give Dog to Stop Eating Poop?
While pineapple is a safe fruit for canines, it still has high sugar content, so you should be careful with the amounts you give to your dog.
Peel it, and cut it into small chunks first. Depending on the size of your dog, set aside a few chunks to give out as daily treats throughout the day. Six pieces are enough for a medium-sized dog.
Do this several times a week, and hopefully, you will see the effect pretty soon.
Keep in mind that if your dog has had this behavior for years, it may be harder to break the habit quickly with the use of pineapples.
What Are the Other Benefits of Pineapples for Dogs?
While pineapples are highly efficient for stopping pups from eating their own feces, they also contain some essential nutrients that can boost their health.
These tropical fruits have more than 80% water content, so they are perfect for keeping the pup hydrated, especially on hot days.
They also contain vitamins C, B1, and B6, which can help improve your furry friend’s immune system and brain function. Pineapples are also loaded with antioxidants which will help keep your dog healthy and prevent some diseases.
So, overall, the pineapple is an excellent treat for dogs when given in moderation.
Final Verdict
If you are fed up with your dog’s gross behavior and want to stop it from eating its own poop once and for all, then pineapple can be the best solution for you.
Of course, you should consult with your veterinarian first, who may perform tests to determine whether or not the dog’s coprophagia is due to underlying health issues or not.
If the pup has a medical issue, then the appropriate treatment will be appointed.
If poop-eating is a behavioral problem, then the pineapple method is a great way to try to break this nasty habit, along with training.
Six small chunks of pineapple given to the pup throughout the day several times a week can do wonders for some of the poop-eating dogs.
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