Although this seems like a really disgusting act to us humans, eating sheep poo is a perfectly normal activity for a dog. Sheep poo smells good and tastes good to dogs making it a great snack to accompany a walk in the countryside.
If your dog eats sheep poo then he and you are not alone. A vast majority of dogs will, given the chance, eat sheep poo and the poo of other animals too.
Is sheep poo harmful to dogs?
Sheep poo can be harmful to dogs in all the same ways that human faeces or any other kind of animal dung could be.
If a dog eats sheep poo, it could cause them to vomit and they could become ill as a result of ingesting the bacteria from the fresh poo.
In most cases, however, they will be fine.
If your dog eats sheep poo, it is important to keep an eye on them for the rest of the day to make sure they don’t become sick as a result.
If you are concerned at all about their health after eating poo, visit your vet.
You should also clean up any fresh poo in the area so that your dog is less likely to try and eat it again in future.
Why do dogs eat poo?
There are a number of reasons why dogs might decide to eat sheep poo, but there is no one clear answer.
While some animals will simply eat what they see as food whenever they get the opportunity, others may be forced to eat poo as they are not receiving all of the nutrients that they need from their regular food.
Getting into sheep dung is just one way in which dogs can get access to extra calories, though perhaps it’s not the best.
This has led some owners to take supplements for their dog that contain vitamins and minerals to help them stay healthy.
In some cases dogs may eat poo as they are simply trying to clean their teeth of any leftover food particles.
In others they might enjoy the taste and texture of poo so much that it becomes a habit.
If your dog eats sheep dung, it is important to understand why they do this before you can stop them from doing it.
If you can fix the problem then you will be able to stop your dog from eating poo for good.
Is it okay for my dog to eat sheep poo?
While it’s not uncommon for dogs to be attracted to and sometimes eat sheep faeces (or other animal faeces), it’s generally not recommended to allow them to do so.
Here are a few reasons why:
Parasites: Sheep faeces can contain parasites like coccidia, giardia, and various worms that can be transmitted to your dog.
Disease Transmission: There’s a risk of transmission of certain diseases through faecal matter.
Digestive Upset: Consuming faeces can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly if the dog is not used to consuming such material.
Toxins: If the sheep have been treated with any medications or wormers, their faeces might contain traces of these substances, which could be harmful to your dog.
Unhealthy Eating Habits: Allowing your dog to eat faeces can encourage undesirable behaviours and eating habits.
How can I stop my dog from eating poo?
If your dog eats poo because he has a lack of nutrients in his diet, you can help him to avoid it by giving him nutrient-rich foods and supplements.
This should mean that he is not drawn to sheep dung when on a walk.
If your dog eats poo because he is trying to clean his teeth, you will need to make sure that he has plenty of opportunity to do this.
You can try offering him a range of different chew toys or dental treats so that he has something else with which to occupy himself.
If your dog eats poo simply because he likes it, you will need to keep an eye on him while he is outside and remove any fresh poo from the area before he has a chance to eat it.
This should be enough to stop him from doing this in future.
Of course, if your dog eats sheep poo regularly then they may simply like the taste of it and there is nothing you can do to stop this.
In such cases, your best option is to simply keep a closer eye on him while he is outside so that he doesn’t eat any.
Can dogs get sick from eating sheep poo?
Dogs can get sick from eating sheep dung but, in most cases, they are fine.
The worst that will happen is that your dog may vomit or have diarrhea as a result of eating fresh poo, but this should clear up after a few hours without any need for medical assistance.
If you are concerned about your dog’s health, especially if they are young or elderly, visit your vet to make sure everything is fine.
If you are concerned about your dog’s health as a result of eating poo then it is important that you seek help from a professional immediately.
You should also take measures to stop them from eating dung in the future so that the same thing does not happen again.
What should I do if my dog eats sheep poo?
If your dog eats sheep dung or even licks it, don’t panic.
Most dogs will do this at some point in their life and it usually doesn’t lead to any problems.
Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t become unwell and if so, visit your vet.
KEY FACTORS WHY DOGS EAT SHEEP POO
Instinctual Behaviour:
Dogs have evolved as scavengers, and their instinct to sniff and consume various scents and substances can drive them to eat faeces.
Nutritional Deficiency:
Dogs might seek out faeces due to a lack of certain nutrients in their diet or to supplement their intake.
Taste and Smell:
To dogs, the smell of sheep poo might be appealing, and they may find the taste palatable due to undigested food particles.
Boredom or Anxiety:
Some dogs engage in undesirable behaviours, like eating poo, out of boredom or anxiety.
Attention-Seeking:
Dogs might consume faeces to get a reaction or attention from their owners.
Lack of Training:
Dogs may not have been trained that eating faeces is undesirable behaviour.
Health Issues:
Certain health problems, like pancreatic insufficiency or increased appetite, can drive dogs to eat non-food items, including faeces.
Copying Behaviour:
Younger dogs or puppies might mimic the behaviour of other dogs they observe eating faeces.
FAQs
Why do dogs eat sheep poo?
Dogs might eat sheep poop due to a behaviour called coprophagia, which is the consumption of faeces. This behaviour could stem from several factors like curiosity, nutrient deficiencies, hunger, boredom, or even as a way to clean their environment. Some dogs may simply find the smell and taste appealing, despite being unpleasant to humans.
Is it safe for my dog to eat sheep poo?
While this behaviour might not harm your dog in many cases, it could potentially expose them to parasites, bacteria, and diseases present in the sheep’s faeces. It’s best to discourage this behaviour to keep your dog healthy.
How can I stop my dog from eating sheep poo?
The most effective way to stop your dog from eating sheep faeces is by direct supervision and intervention during walks or times they are around sheep. Training commands like “leave it” can be helpful. Additionally, making sure they are well-fed and have a balanced diet can discourage them from seeking nutrients elsewhere.
Could eating sheep poo be a sign my dog is lacking nutrients?
It could be. Some dogs might eat faeces if they are deficient in certain nutrients, as sheep poo could contain undigested food particles. However, this is not always the case. If you notice this behaviour consistently, it’s worth discussing it with a veterinarian to see if diet adjustments are necessary.
What should I do if my dog has eaten sheep poo?
Monitor your dog for any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. If any of these symptoms are present, contact a vet immediately. In the meantime, work on discouraging this behaviour to prevent future instances.
Final Words
Remember that dogs can seem weird at times and that they do some things which are simply disgusting to humans.
Eating poo is a fact of life for many dogs that we have to accept.
It can be baffling and frustrating but it’s not going to harm them as long as you keep an eye on them.
Keep your dog active and well-fed, ensure they have access to plenty of toys and chews and ensure there isn’t any fresh poo in your garden if you want to avoid them eating it.
If they do eat sheep dung then there is usually no need for concern, though you should keep an eye on them just in case and make sure that they don’t eat any more of the poo.
