Why Do Dogs Eat Poop and How Do You Stop It?

5. Stress and Environmental Factors Play a Role

Certain stress and environmental factors have been identified as potential causes for dogs to eat poop. The factors include:

• Keeping the Dog Alone: Many dogs do not react well to spending a lot of time alone, and it causes them stress. Dogs that are isolated and stressed are more likely to eat poop than ones that spend a lot of time with others.
• Get a Reaction: Dogs like to eat poop to see how you will react. It could be its way of teasing you and getting you excited.
• Protect the Pack: Studies have shown that younger dogs will often eat the poop of an elderly or sick dog. Scientists think this is because the dogs learned to eat the poop to eliminate the scent predators can follow.