If your dog consumes fox feces, don’t panic. While the thought of your beloved pet eating poo is enough to make anyone nauseous, it’s important to remember that dogs are scavengers by nature.
Canines will eat just about anything they can get their mouths on to survive- including poop. So while it may be gross to us, for a dog, consuming feces is perfectly normal behavior.
That doesn’t mean you should allow your dog to dine on poop on a regular basis. Foxes often carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to dogs if ingested.
It’s important to take precautionary measures if you think your pup has eaten fox feces. There are some things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations. Eating fox poo can expose your pup to various parasites and diseases, so they must be protected.
Secondly, keep an eye on your dog for any signs of illness. If they start vomiting or have diarrhea, contact your vet immediately.
Lastly, give them plenty of fresh water to drink to help flush anything out that might be making them sick.
What Do I Do If My Dog Rolls in Fox Poo?
If your dog rolls in fox poo or any other foul-smelling substance, it can be a very unpleasant situation. Dogs sometimes do this because they have a strong sense of smell.
Trying to mask their scent or because they are simply attracted to the odor. Here’s what you should do if your dog rolls in fox poo:
Isolate Your Dog: While it can be frustrating and smelly, try to remain calm and patient. Getting upset or scolding your dog might not help the situation and could confuse or stress them. If your dog is indoors, immediately take them outside to avoid spreading the smell in your home.
Rinse Your Dog: If possible, hose off your dog outdoors. This will help remove the bulk of the substance. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, paying special attention to the affected areas.
Gather Supplies: You will need some supplies to clean your dog. This may include disposable gloves, a hose, a bucket or container, dog shampoo, and towels.
Use Dog Shampoo: Once you’ve rinsed your dog, use a dog-specific shampoo to wash them thoroughly. Regular human shampoo is not recommended because it can irritate a dog’s skin.
Repeat as Needed: Depending on how strong the odor is and how deeply the substance has penetrated your dog’s fur, you may need to repeat the bathing process a few times.
Focus on the Affected Areas: Pay extra attention to the areas where your dog rolled, such as the neck, back, or any other area that may have come into contact with the substance.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all the shampoo, and then dry them off completely with a towel or a hairdryer set to a low, warm setting. Make sure they are completely dry, as damp fur can trap odors.
Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent your dog from rolling in foul-smelling substances in the future, keep a close eye on them during walks and try to discourage the behavior. You can also work on obedience training to improve recall and other commands.
Reward and Praise: Once your dog is clean, give them plenty of praise and possibly a treat to reinforce good behavior during the bath.
Remember that rolling in strong-smelling substances is a natural dog behavior, so be patient with your pet. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash during walks in areas where they are likely to encounter such substances until you can trust them not to roll in them.
Why Do Dogs Eat Fox Poo?
Dogs are known to eat various unpleasant things, including fox feces, for several reasons, although it may seem puzzling to humans. Here are some of the reasons why dogs might be attracted to eating fox feces:
Instinctual Behavior: Dogs have inherited certain behaviors from their wild ancestors, such as wolves. In the wild, consuming the feces of other animals, including foxes, may have served a survival purpose. It allowed them to obtain undigested nutrients or potential food sources.
Scent Marking: Fox feces, like that of other animals, carries a strong scent. When dogs roll in or eat feces, it can be a way for them to “mark” themselves with the scent, essentially camouflaging their odor. This behavior may have evolved as a way to mask their presence from potential predators or prey while hunting.
Nutritional Deficiency: Dogs may eat feces if they have a nutritional deficiency or are not getting the necessary nutrients from their regular diet. They may be trying to supplement their diet with the nutrients found in feces.
Curiosity: Dogs explore their environment through their sense of smell and taste. They are naturally curious animals and may investigate unfamiliar odors, including those found in feces.
Behavioral Issues: Coprophagia, the act of eating feces, can sometimes be a behavioral issue in dogs. It may be associated with boredom, stress, anxiety, or compulsive behavior. It’s essential to address the underlying cause of the behavior.
It’s generally not a behavior that pet owners want to encourage. There is a potential risk of ingesting parasites or pathogens from feces, and the habit can be quite unpleasant for humans.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Wild Animal Poop?
Yes, dogs can get sick from eating wild animal poop. While the risk is low, it’s still possible for your dog to contract a disease or parasite from consuming feces.
Symptoms of illness in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and lack of appetite. If you think your dog has eaten wild animal poop and is showing any of these symptoms.
Can Puppies Eat Fox Poo?
While it is true that fox poo can contain parasites and other harmful bacteria, if the poo is fresh and comes from a healthy fox, it should pose no problem for a puppy.
Some people believe that eating small amounts of fox poo can help to build a puppy’s immune system! You should always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your puppy, just to be on the safe side.
My Puppy Ate Fox Poo
If you have a puppy, chances are at some point they will try to eat everything in sight – including things that you would rather they left alone.
One of the grosser things that puppies (and dogs) like to eat is fox poo. While it may seem disgusting to us, for them it’s just another tasty treat.
So what’s the big deal if your pup eats fox poo? Well, unfortunately, foxes can carry a number of diseases which can be passed on to your dog if they consume their feces. These diseases include:
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and even death in young puppies.
- Giardia: A parasitic infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
- Cryptosporidium: Another parasitic infection that can cause severe dehydration.
While most cases of these diseases are not fatal, they can all make your pup very sick and require expensive treatment from your veterinarian.
Can Eating Fox Poo Make My Dog Sick?
Yes, eating fox poo can make your dog sick. Foxes are known to carry several diseases that can be transmitted to dogs, including rabies, mange, and distemper.
While most of these diseases are not commonly seen in the United States, they are still a risk if your dog comes into contact with fox feces.
How To Stop Dog Eating Fox Poo?
Stopping your dog from eating fox feces, or any feces for that matter, can be challenging, but it’s an essential behavior to address for the health and hygiene of your pet. Here are some steps you can take to discourage this behavior:
Supervise Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially when you’re out for walks or in areas where they might encounter fox feces. If you see them approaching feces, intervene immediately.
Teach Basic Commands: Teach your dog basic commands like “leave it” or “drop it.” Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward them when they obey these commands. Practice these commands regularly, even in controlled situations at home, to reinforce the behavior.
Change Their Diet: Sometimes, dogs may eat feces due to a nutritional deficiency. Ensure that your dog is on a balanced and high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Keep Your Yard Clean: If you have a backyard where your dog spends time, make sure to regularly clean up after them. This includes promptly removing their feces to prevent them from developing a taste for it.
Add Supplements: Some dog owners have reported success in reducing coprophagia (the act of eating feces) by adding supplements to their dog’s diet. Products like “For-Bid” or pineapple (due to its natural enzyme content) can make feces less appealing to dogs.
Behavior Modification: If your dog’s coprophagia is linked to behavioral issues like anxiety or boredom, work on addressing these underlying problems. Provide mental and physical stimulation through toys, playtime, and exercise.
Fecal Deterrents: Some commercial products are available that can be applied to feces to make them less appealing to dogs. These products are usually sprinkled on the feces, and their taste and smell deter the dog from eating them.
Remember that addressing coprophagia may take time and patience. Consistency in training and providing a well-balanced diet are key factors in successfully preventing this behavior.
If you’re struggling to manage this issue, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide tailored guidance for your specific situation.
Conclusion
If your dog eats fox poo, don’t panic. While it’s not the most appetizing thing in the world, it’s not going to hurt them. The biggest risk is if your dog ingests a parasite that the fox poo may be carrying.
If you’re concerned, take your dog to the vet for a check-up. Otherwise, just keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t eat any more fox poo!
