You may have known someone who has owned a dog or had one.
This is not about zoomies or obsessive nail licking. We are talking about eating poop. Yes, some dogs love to eat poop.
Even if you are only now learning about it, you can be thankful that you didn’t have to first see it. You don’t even have to see it in order to believe it.
For generations, we have been baffled by the mystery of poop eating. You might have noticed that dogs love deer feces if you live in a country or state with a lot of deer.
Gross, right? There are many gross things dogs do, unfortunately this is only one.
Today, however, we will be focusing on this. You might have noticed that your dog eats deer poop or just curious about it. This article will explain what this bizarre behavior could mean.
Understanding the Behavior
According to a 2012 study, around 16% of dogs regularly eat poop.
This behavior is known as coprophagia and doesn’t stop with herbivores. Dogs have been known to eat each other’s poop or their own poop.
Do you know how many times we have poop?
There are several possibilities that could help us understand why our dogs are digging in the deer poop. These possibilities will be discussed below.
Deer poop is what dogs eat.
We are often overwhelmed by confusion and disgust when trying to find out why our furry friends eat deer urine.
It’s hard to not feel disgusted. It’s important to remember, however, that beauty and disgust are in the eyes of the beholder. We all know from experience that dogs see things differently than our eyes.
It gets a reaction from you
Let’s start with something you might not be drawn to immediately. Let’s think about this: What would you do if your dog ever ate poop?
Did you ignore the behavior or did you react? Did you react quickly and loudly to the behavior?
You are not the only one who reacted loudly and abruptly to your dog’s actions. You did this to give your dog some attention. Sometimes all your dog needs is attention from you.
This is not to say you aren’t paying enough attention at other times to your dog, but your dog simply loves attention.
Both humans and animals want to see a positive reaction. It’s not uncommon for children to exhibit similar behavior. You just have to learn how to get around it.
You might be curious how you would accomplish that. We will be covering that topic in the “Preventing Your Dog From Eating Deer Poop” section shortly. Keep reading!
They like the taste and smell
Although it might not be what your dog wants to hear, maybe he just loves the smell and taste of it. We’re sure of it. But how do we make this happen?
Remember that beauty is all in the eyes of the beholder. Dogs love strange and unusual things. Dogs can enjoy what might be disgusting or unpleasant to us, but it is also a treat for them!
It is possible that your dog simply loves the smell of deer feces. We don’t know what we can tell you if that is the case.
They learned it from other dogs
This behavior could also be a result of learning it from other dogs. You’re likely to have found the reason if you know of a dog who likes coprophagia and were familiar with it before your dog began doing it.
Dogs can pick up behaviors very easily, just like humans. Dogs will often mimic the behavior of other dogs and try it out if they are able to see them doing it.
To be able to copy the behavior, they would need to see it repeatedly. It is almost impossible for a dog to copy behavior they have only seen once. 
You know where to go if you want your dog to be best friends with another dog or eat a particular diet.
It will be about dealing with the behavior of your dog and trying to get them off it.
These are some studies that look at dogs eating poop. This study discusses the fact that most poop-eating dogs are considered “greedy”.
The second article focuses on how dogs who live with a poop-eater may learn this behavior.
They have a Parasitic Infection
Parasitic infections can also cause your dog to ingest deer poop if they have the opportunity.
Parasites can cause your dog to not get the nutrition they need. They might be tempted to eat deer poop to gain these nutrients.
This possibility may seem unlikely because of the mixed evidence regarding poo eating and nutrition. It’s worth noting that there isn’t much evidence to support either side of the argument.
They are malnourished/have a deficient diet
This is a similar point to the one before, but without the parasites. Dogs that are malnourished may eat grass and deer poop to obtain the nutrients they require.
This has again drawn mixed reactions. It does happen in malnourished dogs, but it can also happen in dogs who are healthy.
It is possible for malnourishment to cause it, but we cannot help but wonder if there shouldn’t be enough food?
One study concluded that dogs who eat poop have the same lifestyles, sex, diet and amount of meals as other dogs.
Are Deer poop and dogs healthy?
These possibilities are what lead us to the next question: Is deer poop actually nutritional for dogs? Yes and no.
Deer eat mostly grass and leaves so there isn’t much in their feces to benefit dogs. Their poop however is a good source of fiber.
What is the point?
Fiber is good for the digestive system. Dogs love grass, and this is why they eat it every now an then. Dogs also need to poop often!
Your dog eating deer poop can have serious consequences
There are some dangers that dogs can inhale deer poop. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Giardia
Giardia can infect any number of mammals. This includes dogs and humans, as well as deer and dogs.
This parasite spreads through ingesting poop particles. Evidently, if your dog eats poop, it is likely that they are ingesting poop particles.
It can also be spread by stepping on poop or licking their paws afterward, making it very easy for them to get it. Giardia can be found in many different forms.
The types that are most harmful to humans don’t usually affect dogs.
There’s always something to be grateful for, right?
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis can spread from infected animals’ urine to humans. Although fecal matter does not contain urine, it is a common side effect.
There will always be poop where there is pee. Leptospirosis can be found in fecal matter or the surrounding areas.
Although dogs are unlikely to pass it on, it can be transmitted to humans. A course of antibiotics is required to treat the condition.
You can choose to have dialysis or hydration therapy, but that would require a vet.
Is your dog at risk of contracting parasites from eating deer poop?
Tapeworms and roundworms are unlikely to be transmitted to dogs, but they can get them. Although parasites can be passed from dead deer carcasses to dogs and cats, it is unlikely that any parasites will be transmitted through poop.
What about viruses?
There are currently no viruses that could be transmitted from dog to dog poop. Another reason to be grateful!
What is Bacteria?
It’s not surprising that poop can carry a lot of bacteria. Salmonella and E.Coli can be found as deer poop. However, dogs are usually able to handle them.
These bacteria are only relevant to older dogs or puppies, as they are less capable of handling them.
You should keep an eye out for any signs that your dog or puppy may have gotten into poop. You should immediately take your dog to the vet if they show signs of discomfort.
If they do poop, don’t let them lick your face.
How to stop your dog from eating deer poop
You are probably curious about how to prevent your dog from eating poop. Let’s take a closer look.
“Leave It”
It is important that you teach your dog to “leave” the command. These commands are important for your dog’s good.
You can teach your dog to “leave” and they will be able not to eat or go near deer poop next time you are out.
They will eventually learn to avoid deer poop due to conditioning. They will start to associate the phrase “leave it!” with deer poop and will eventually lose interest in it.
Get Leashing
A leash is another effective and simple way to prevent your dog from eating deer urine. This is a simple one.
Keep Calm
Do you remember what we said about how your dog reacts to deer poop being eaten by your dog? Do not do that. Be calm and don’t expect them to react in a hurry.
They will stop their behavior if they realize that you won’t give them that reaction.
What to do if your dog eats deer poop
You won’t usually need to do anything. If you are concerned, contact your vet. However, this is not always necessary. Contact your vet if your dog is acting unusually or seems unwell.
Last Thoughts
You made it to the end! Bravo for getting this far! This topic is not one you would enjoy reading for pleasure, I’m certain.
We have to deal daily with the problem of dogs eating their poop. Although there may be some strange reasons your dog might be eating deer urine, it’s not usually dangerous.
It’s not something you want your dog doing. Remember that dogs love to lick you.
Deer poop is what dogs eat. Dog Food Smart.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.topdogadvisor.com/for-your-next-bake-off-try-these-dog-approved-cookie-recipe-ideas/
