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Ask the vet

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In Association with Vet Help Direct - an interactive website designed and run by qualified vets. Step-by-step questions help you to decide if you need to take your pet to the vets, and if so how urgently. If your dog isn't insured yet, find out what vets recommend you look into when choosing a policy. There is a directory of pet insurers so that you can then find the best policy for you and your dog. If you aren't already registered with a vet in your area there is a directory of local vet practices. Visit www.vethelpdirect.com

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Ask The Vet - Q&A Question Why is my 9 week old puppy eating his poo and how can I stop him? Angela Holt - Lancashire, UK Answering questions: Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from Vet Help Direct Answer Hi Angela, It’s unfortunately quite common for puppies and dogs of all ages to try to eat their poo. It’s a horrible thing to see and of course its not very hygienic either. The first thing to check on is that you are feeding your puppy a balanced diet. The best way to do this is to choose a good quality manufactured puppy food. The good pet food companies have teams of dieticians working on making puppy food with the best balance of nutrients, they have years of experience and you are extremely unlikely to be able to do a better job yourself with a homemade diet. Sometimes it may be worth trying a few different types of good quality puppy food to see if a particular brand is causing the problem. The other important thing to do is to get your puppy checked over by a vet to ensure that there are no health problems. I’m sure that you will have already done this or be about to do it as your puppy should be having its vaccinations around now. You will also need to discuss a worm control regime with your vet. Unfortunately many healthy puppies on good diets try to eat their own faeces. Once you’ve ruled out any underlying causes you can try behavioural techniques. Get advice from your vet as to get the best regime for your puppy and lifestyle. A good one to start with is standing very close by when your puppy’s going to the toilet, and diving in with a treat and lots of fuss and praise as soon as they’ve finished going. Meanwhile subtly pick up before they get a chance to eat the faeces. The aim of this is that the puppy will come looking to you for praise, attention and treats when he’s finished toileting. Picking up the poo quietly and calmly ensures it doesn’t turn into a big game of who is going to get to it first! Good luck and have fun with your puppy. Kind regards, Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com Editors Note: You might also be interested in our D for Dog article Dogs that eat poo - Coprophagia.   © D for Dog www.dfordog.com Back to Questions Previous Next   Only one question per week will be answered. Unanswered questions will be retained and may be selected at a later date at the vet's discretion. Disclaimer: 'Ask The Vet' is not intended to be used for as a substitute for visiting your vet. If your dog is showing any sign of poor health or discomfort please contact your own veterinary surgeon. If you are not sure how urgent the condition is use www.vethelpdirect.com to help you decide. Any opinions given in the answers to these questions are Ms Samuel's, they may not necessarily reflect the views of the veterinary profession in general or any other individual veterinary surgeon.   Joint Support for Dogs Nervous Support for Dogs Herbal Throat Syrup for Dogs

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