Strange dog behavior

[Kido Butai]

My dog is 12. Her breed lives 13-14 max.
Is possible for dogs to develop dementia? Last couple of months she eats her excrement. I read in some pet forums that others experience the same. No, I'm not starving her, but occasionally she doesn't eat her food. She suffers osteoporosis.

 

[Thomas More]

My dog is 12. Her breed lives 13-14 max.
Is possible for dogs to develop dementia? Last couple of months she eats her excrement. I read in some pet forums that others experience the same. No, I'm not starving her, but occasionally she doesn't eat her food. She suffers osteoporosis.

Sounds like it is age related, but I've known of younger dogs eating poop too. 12 yrs is pretty old for a dog. Her breed mighr be able to reach 13-14, but it's like with people. Some fail at an earlier age than others.

I'd just try to keep her area cleaned up to minimize poop eating, and otherwise make her remaining time happy and comfortable. She could still live quite a while.

 

[Let God Arise]

I've had both cats and dogs that engage in coprophagia when they reach a very old age, and usually it was shortly before they died. My understanding is that it is due to mental decline as well as some age-induced nutritional deficiency. Just clean up after them immediately after they do their business, and take away the opportunity for it. Here's what the Great and Mighty AI had to say about it:

Elderly Pet Coprophagia: Frequency and Implications​

Coprophagia, the practice of eating feces, is a common behavior in dogs, including aged pets. While it’s more prevalent in puppies, older dogs can also develop this habit. Here are some key points to consider:

Reasons for Coprophagia in Aged Pets

1. Gut Health: As dogs age, their gut microbiome may become imbalanced, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. This can trigger coprophagia as a way to supplement their diet.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Aged pets may require different nutritional profiles than younger dogs. If their diet is inadequate or they have dental issues, they may turn to eating feces to compensate.
3. Medical Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or thyroid disease, can contribute to coprophagia in older dogs.
4. Anxiety and Stress: Aged pets may experience anxiety or stress due to changes in their environment, health, or social dynamics, leading to coprophagia as a coping mechanism.
5. Habituation: If an aged pet has developed coprophagia earlier in life, it can persist even if the underlying reasons are no longer present.

Managing Coprophagia in Aged Pets

1. Prevent Access: Keep your aged pet away from feces, both their own and others, to discourage the behavior.
2. Thorough Cleaning: Regularly clean your pet’s living area, including their bedding and food/water bowls, to remove any appealing odors or scents.
3. Supervise: Monitor your aged pet’s behavior, especially during walks or outdoor activities, to intervene promptly if they attempt to eat feces.
4. Redirect Attention: Use positive reinforcement training to redirect your pet’s attention to acceptable behaviors, such as sniffing or playing.
5. Consult a Veterinarian: Rule out underlying medical issues by consulting with your veterinarian. They may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medication to address any contributing factors.
6. Consider Professional Help: If your aged pet’s coprophagia persists despite management efforts, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance.

Remember that coprophagia in aged pets can be challenging to address, but with patience, persistence, and the right guidance, you can help your pet overcome this behavior.