Besides the ick factor, dogs that eat poop are at risk of contracting gastrointestinal worms or experiencing an upset stomach. And, as stated above, coprophagia in dogs could also point to an underlying medical issue. Whether behavioral or medical in nature, this issue also disrupts the pet-human bond.
What kind of worms do dogs get from eating poop?
Whipworms. Whipworms are a type of worm in dogs that lives in the cecum (the beginning of the large intestine) and colon, where they pass their eggs into the dog's feces. Dogs get whipworms from ingesting an infested substance, which can include soil, food, water, feces, or animal flesh.
Can dogs eating poop cause worms?
There definitely are health concerns when dog eats feces. He can become infested with parasites from a wild animal or stray pet, or he could keep re-infesting himself if he already has worms. People can also contract parasites from feces, such as hookworms, through the skin.
Can my dog get sick from eating poop?
Even if eating poop is a normal behavior, it can still cause your dog to get sick. Eating poop is a common way that internal parasites are passed between dogs or to dogs from other animals. It is also possible for dogs to get other infectious gastrointestinal diseases from eating poop.
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