It’s alarming to see your dog eating poop and then guzzling water like they can’t get enough. This combination of behaviors might seem bizarre, but it can signal anything from mild nutrient deficiencies to serious medical issues.
We outline the common reasons for a dog eating poop and drinking lots of water, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water — Why It Happens
Dogs that eat poop and drink excessive water often have an underlying imbalance driving both behaviors. It may stem from digestive enzyme deficiencies, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, intestinal parasites, or nutritional gaps. In some cases, it’s a learned behavioral habit that becomes compulsive.
Increased thirst (polydipsia) often indicates a deeper issue with kidney or liver function, while coprophagia (poop-eating) can suggest that the dog’s body is trying to recover missing nutrients or enzymes from their stool.
Dog Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water: Common Causes
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
When a dog eats poop, it’s often their body’s way of saying something’s missing. Dogs that lack vital nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, or digestive enzymes may try to “recycle” nutrients by eating feces.
This problem is particularly common in dogs fed low-quality commercial food or unbalanced homemade diets. Their bodies crave what they’re not getting, so they resort to scavenging behaviors.
The excessive drinking afterward can be the body’s attempt to flush out toxins or cope with mild dehydration from nutrient imbalances. If your dog’s water intake seems higher than normal alongside this habit, nutritional testing and a diet review are highly recommended.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Has Diarrhea (Why it happens and what to do)
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes in dogs causes the body to lose its ability to properly regulate sugar levels, leading to excessive thirst and urination. Dogs with diabetes often feel hungry all the time, even though they’re losing weight.
This constant hunger can trigger unusual eating behaviors like eating poop or scavenging. Since their cells aren’t getting enough glucose, their brain sends hunger signals even after meals. Meanwhile, their thirst increases to compensate for the sugar loss in urine.
If your dog is drinking more than usual and showing renewed interest in feces, it’s time to check their blood sugar. Left untreated, diabetes can become life-threatening.
3. Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease, caused by an overproduction of cortisol, can make dogs ravenous and extremely thirsty. This hormonal disorder often leads to behavioral changes, including poop-eating or food obsession.
You may also notice hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and muscle weakness. Because cortisol affects metabolism and water regulation, dogs with Cushing’s often pant heavily, seek food constantly, and gulp down large amounts of water.
If your dog seems unusually driven to eat everything—including feces—alongside excessive drinking, your vet may recommend a blood test to check adrenal function.
4. Intestinal Parasites
Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms can rob your dog of essential nutrients, leading to hunger and poor absorption. A dog with parasites may try to make up for this deficit by eating poop.
In addition, the irritation and inflammation caused by parasites can trigger mild dehydration, which can increase thirst. Other signs include weight loss, dull coat, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Because parasite eggs can spread through feces, poop-eating further increases the risk of reinfection—creating a frustrating cycle. Deworming and good hygiene are essential to break it.
5. Liver or Kidney Disease
Both the liver and kidneys play major roles in filtering toxins and maintaining the body’s chemical balance. When these organs aren’t working properly, toxins accumulate and the dog becomes excessively thirsty.
A dog with liver or kidney disease may eat poop due to nausea, confusion, or mineral imbalance. Sometimes, the strange behavior stems from the brain’s altered response to toxins in the bloodstream.
These conditions often develop gradually, so if your dog’s poop-eating and thirst come with vomiting, bad breath, or yellowing of the eyes, see your vet immediately. Early diagnosis can significantly improve prognosis.
6. Behavioral or Environmental Factors
Not all poop-eating is medical. Some dogs—especially puppies or bored adults—learn the habit out of curiosity, anxiety, or stress.
Dogs left alone for long periods or confined to small spaces may eat feces out of boredom. In multi-dog households, one dog might copy another’s habit or do it to “clean up.”
Afterward, they may drink a lot of water either from the salty taste of feces or as a natural follow-up to the behavior. Addressing underlying boredom and anxiety is key in these cases.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Throwing Up (Why it happens and what to do)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water
First, don’t panic—this combination of behaviors can often be managed once the root cause is identified.
Start by keeping a close eye on your dog’s food quality and water intake. Switch to a high-quality, balanced diet rich in digestible protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Avoid fillers and artificial additives. You can also add a canine probiotic or digestive enzyme supplement to support gut health and reduce nutrient scavenging.
If behavioral reasons are suspected, increase your dog’s exercise, enrichment, and supervision. Pick up feces immediately to eliminate access, and use positive reinforcement when your dog ignores droppings. Avoid punishment, as it can worsen anxiety-driven behaviors.
For dogs with possible medical causes—such as sudden excessive thirst, weight changes, or lethargy—schedule a veterinary visit promptly. The vet may run blood tests, urine analysis, and fecal exams to rule out diabetes, Cushing’s, or organ issues.
Always ensure your dog has fresh, clean water available. However, if they’re drinking excessively to the point of frequent urination or water vomiting, veterinary attention is urgent.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet as soon as you notice both poop-eating and excessive drinking together, especially if it’s new behavior.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog also shows:
Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or weakness
Swollen belly
Yellow gums or eyes
Increased urination
These signs could indicate underlying metabolic or organ diseases that need professional management. Early intervention is key to preventing complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or infection.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Losing Weight (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
While poop-eating in dogs might seem gross, pairing it with excessive drinking can be your dog’s way of signaling that something is off inside.
Whether it’s a nutritional deficiency, hormonal disorder, or learned habit, identifying the trigger early can make a huge difference in your dog’s health and happiness.
Monitor their diet, keep them mentally stimulated, and consult your vet to rule out medical causes.
With consistent care and quick action, most dogs can overcome this behavior and return to normal, healthy routines.