why do dogs eat their poop

Dogs eat their poop, a behavior known as coprophagia, for a variety of reasons including nutritional deficiencies, behavioral issues, instinct, and medical problems. It is common in puppies and younger dogs, often stemming from curiosity or mimicking their mothers who eat feces to keep the den clean. Some dogs may eat poop due to nutritional deficiencies such as digestive enzyme shortages, malabsorption, parasites, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Behaviorally, dogs might do it out of boredom, stress, seeking attention, or as a leftover survival instinct from their ancestors who needed extra nutrition when food was scarce. Additionally, some dogs eat feces to hide evidence and avoid punishment. While this behavior can be normal, sudden changes or persistent coprophagia might indicate underlying health issues, so consultation with a vet is advised to rule out medical causes.