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Dogs can do the strangest things sometimes, including eating rabbit poop. So, what can you do to get them to stop? Keep reading because we've got everything you need to know about dogs eating rabbit poop, from why they do it to how to prevent it. With our easy tips and tricks, you can get your dog to stop eating rabbit poop in no time.
This article is based on an interview with our certified dog behavior consultant, Lauren Novack. Check out the full interview here.
How do I stop my dog from eating rabbit poop?
Keep a close eye on your dog to prevent them from eating rabbit poop. It can also help to teach your dog the "drop it" and leave it commands, and to deter them with a taste-aversion spray. Improving your dog's diet and playing with them while they're outside can also be helpful.
Steps
Section 3 of 4:
How to Stop Dogs from Eating Rabbit Poop
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Supervise your dog when they’re outside. If you notice them chomping down on something in the grass, give a “leave it” or “come” command. This will draw your dog away from the rabbit poop and give you the chance to focus their attention on something else, like a chew toy or game of fetch. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source- Reward your pup with a treat or praise if they come to you right away. This will reinforce that moving away from the rabbit poop is good behavior. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Try to avoid repeating a command over and over again, as this will tell your dog that they don’t have to listen right away. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Teach your dog the “drop it” command. When trained correctly, this command will cue your dog to drop whatever’s in their mouth, no matter how delicious they may think it is. The more often you say “drop it” when you notice them eating rabbit poop, the more likely they are to stay away from it—they want to be “good” after all! Follow these steps to teach “drop it” : [6] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source- Give your dog a toy and let them play with it for a few moments.
- Put a high-value treat in front of their nose.
- Praise them when they drop the toy and give them the treat.
- Hide the toy behind your back while they’re eating.
- Give them back the toy when they’re done and repeat.
- Add saying “drop it” when you show the treat once they start dropping the toy right away.
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Train your dog to “leave it.” If you see your pup itching closer and closer to a pile of rabbit poop, say, “leave it.” This will teach them that they shouldn't play with rabbit poop. Follow these steps to train your dog to “leave it”: [7] X Research source- Place a low-value treat in your hand and hold it out to your dog.
- Close your hand into a fist when they try to eat the treat.
- Reward them with a high-value treat once they ignore your closed hand.
- Switch the hand the low-value treat is in, and continue rewarding with a high-value treat when your dog ignores the low-value treat.
- Say “leave it” when they start ignoring the treat when your hand is open.
- Put the low-value treat on the ground and say “leave it” once they can ignore the treat in both hands.
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Play with your dog when they’re outside. One of the main reasons dogs eat rabbit poop is curiosity. Try focusing their attention and curious-mind on something they won’t eat, like a tennis ball, a game of hide and seek, or a chew toy. [8] X Research source- Giving your dog something else to chew on or a treat they can eat will fulfill their curiosity.
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Improve your dog’s diet. Most dogs eat rabbit poop because they’re hungry and, in more serious cases, are in a nutrient deficit. Try switching up your dog’s food for something rich in proteins, fats, and minerals, or consider adding vitamins or supplements to your dog’s routine. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source- Dog multivitamins can help your pup get all the vitamins they need. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Supplements that contain the enzyme papain may help your dog’s digestive system break down nutrients. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Deter your dog with a taste-aversion spray. Surprisingly, dogs enjoy the taste of rabbit poop. The smell might pique their curiosity, and they're gulping it all down before you know it. Taste-aversion sprays are designed to make that once delectable smell and taste atrocious. Add a few spritzes to a pile of rabbit poop, so your dog will be disgusted the next time they go for a nibble. [12] X Research source- Taste-aversion products are not a one-stop fix. They may not deter some dogs, so keep a watchful eye to see how your pup reacts.
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See a vet if your dog experiences vomiting or diarrhea after eating poop. When a dog eats rabbit poop, there’s a strong chance they’re ingesting parasites, viruses, or toxins which can cause gastrointestinal problems. [13] X Research source Pica is a medical or behavioral disorder where dogs ingest non-food items. [14] X Research source If your pup keeps trying to eat rabbit poop no matter how you deter them, there may be an underlying problem only a vet can diagnose.- Eating rabbit poop could be because of pica or the reason for it. If your dog is acting differently in any way, it’s better to get them checked out sooner rather than later.
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References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-curb-unwanted-dog-behaviors/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/train-dog-common-mistakes-avoid%E2%80%8B/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teaching-your-dog-to-drop-it/
- ↑ https://akc.tv/watch/19/158/video-3/teach-your-dog-how-to-leave-it/
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/enrichment-dogs-shelters
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-nutrition-tips
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/coprophagia-in-dogs-dogs-eating-poo
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/why-does-my-dog-eat-poop
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/pica-dogs-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment
- ↑ https://northerngardener.org/battling-bunnies-garden/
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Reader Success Stories
- "I saw my dogs were ingesting rabbit poop & was disgusted. I had read somewhere that it wasn't harmful to dogs. That is, until one contracted a parasite. This article really gave me the information I needed to stop my dogs from ingesting rabbit poop." ..." more
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"I saw my dogs were ingesting rabbit poop & was disgusted. I had read somewhere that it wasn't harmful to dogs. That is, until one contracted a parasite. This article really gave me the information I needed to stop my dogs from ingesting rabbit poop."
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"This really helped me and my dog, Raven. She kept eating rabbit turds, and they started to make her sick. I was able to stop her from eating it, and she doesn't get sick as often!"
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