Has your Maltese gotten into the habit of eating his own feces? This behavior, known as coprophagia, is quite common in dogs, but it can be a cause for concern for owners. In this practical guide, you will learn why your Maltese eats his feces and, more importantly, how to correct this behavior effectively and safely.
Why Does Maltese Eat His Poop?
Coprophagia in dogs can be caused by several factors. Here are the most common:
1. Medical Causes
Some health conditions can cause your dog to ingest feces:
- Nutrient deficiency → If the food does not provide enough vitamins and minerals, the dog may try to obtain them from the feces.
- Digestive problems → If the dog does not digest food well, it may find substances in the feces that are still appetizing.
- Intestinal parasites → They can deprive your dog of essential nutrients, causing him to look for them elsewhere.
- Diabetes or Cushing's syndrome → Can cause the dog's appetite to increase abnormally.
👉 Solution: If the behavior appears sudden or persistent, consult your veterinarian to rule out health problems.
2. Behavioral Causes
Dog behavior can be influenced by environmental factors and learned habits:
- Imitation of the mother → Females clean the litter by eating the feces of the pups, and some pups learn this behavior.
- Boredom or loneliness → If the dog is left alone for too long, he may find entertainment in feces.
- Stress or anxiety → A stressful environment can lead the dog to obsessive behaviors, such as coprophagia.
- Excessive punishment for housebreaking → If the dog has been severely punished, he may eat feces to hide "the evidence".
- Owner's attention → If the dog understands that this behavior provokes a reaction from the owner, he may repeat it to get attention.
How to Stop Your Maltese From Eating His Own Poop
Now that you know the possible causes, let's look at practical solutions to correct the behavior.
1. Improve your diet
A balanced diet reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies and aids digestion.
✅ Choose a high-quality food with digestible proteins and rich in vitamins and minerals.
✅ Add supplements such as digestive enzymes or vitamins as advised by your veterinarian.
✅ Avoid overly processed foods that may not be fully digested.
2. Keep the Environment Clean
A clean environment reduces opportunities for unwanted behavior.
✅ Pick up the feces immediately after your dog does his business.
✅ Avoid access to other animals' feces when you are walking.
3. Use Natural Repellents
Some additives make stool unpleasant to taste:
✅ Pineapple or pumpkin in the diet → Makes stool less palatable.
✅ Specific supplements available in veterinary pharmacies.
4. Correct Behavior in a Positive Way
✅ Reward your dog when he ignores poop → Use treats or cuddles to reinforce good behavior.
✅ Distract the dog immediately after his needs → Offer him a toy or take him away from the area.
❌ Avoid excessive punishments → They can increase anxiety and make the problem worse.
5. Enrich Your Routine
If your Maltese is bored, he may seek alternative activities such as coprophagia.
✅ Increase walks and play time.
✅ Offer interactive or chewable toys to keep him busy.
6. Consult a Dog Trainer
If the behavior persists despite your efforts, you may need to consult an expert for a personalized plan.
Conclusion
Coprophagia in Maltese can be frustrating, but with the right strategies it can be solved. Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes , keep the environment clean, correct the behavior with positive methods and enrich his daily routine.
Have you ever faced this problem with your dog? Share your experience in the comments! 🐶