In general, mother dogs will eat their puppies’ poop until the babies are weaned and have started eating solid food. This behavior is instinctual and serves a few purposes. Firstly, it helps keep the den or living area clean and free from potential predators that may be attracted to the scent of feces. Additionally, by consuming the puppies’ waste, the mother is able to keep the area smelling neutral, which can help avoid drawing attention from other animals.
As the puppies grow older and begin to eat solid food, their feces will naturally become more solid and less appealing to the mother. This is usually when the mother will stop eating their poop. At this stage, the puppies are also starting to explore their surroundings more and may be taken outside by the mother to defecate. This is a natural progression as the puppies become more independent and start to develop their own bathroom habits.
However, it’s important to note that even if the mother stops eating poop, some puppies might continue the behavior. This is because they have learned it from their mother and may find it appealing or simply out of curiosity. It’s not uncommon for puppies to engage in coprophagia (eating feces) during their early stages of development.
If you notice your puppies continuing to eat their own feces even after they have been weaned and are eating solid food, it’s a good idea to discourage this behavior. One way to do this is by immediately cleaning up after them and ensuring their living area is kept clean. You can also try using deterrent products specifically designed to make feces less appealing to dogs.
It’s worth mentioning that while coprophagia is generally not harmful, it can sometimes indicate nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues. If you have concerns about your puppies’ behavior, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for further guidance.
Mother dogs typically stop eating their puppies’ poop when the babies are weaned and have started eating solid food. However, puppies may continue the behavior if they have learned it from their mother or out of curiosity. It’s important to discourage this behavior and ensure a clean living environment for the puppies’ overall health and well-being.