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My puppy eats poop. Which stool deterrent works best?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has been eating her poop and other dogs' poop ever since she's been born. I know it's normal behavior, however she's been doing it for 7 months now. Her sister has stopped this behavior for the most part, but my puppy continues to do this. I wanted to know which stool deterrent would be the best for her, because these online reviews are skewing my decision too much.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2017

It's such a gross behavior of dogs, isn't it?? The best way to get her to stop is to pick up her poop and her sister's poop immediately after they go potty. If it's taken away right after they poop, then she can't get to it to eat it. Keep her on a leash when you are out in public, and immediately move her away from any poop left by other dogs. Stool deterrents can work, and there really isn't one best one, but make sure that whatever one you chose does not contain garlic. That's because garlic is poisonous to dogs. The best way to stop her, however, is to remove her access to it.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 8th, 2017

    Great question! The best way to stop your pup from eating their poop is to pick it up right after they passes the feces. That guarantees they can't eat it. There are also feces deterrent sprays you can get online or in pet stores to stop it. Just make sure that garlic isn't one of the ingredients because garlic is toxic to dogs.

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