When your dog is eating poop and has diarrhea, it can be both alarming and unpleasant to deal with.
This behavior, known as coprophagia, is more common than many dog owners realize—and when it’s paired with diarrhea, it often signals something deeper than just bad habits.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may eat poop and have diarrhea, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Eating Poop and Has Diarrhea — Why It Happens
A dog eating poop and developing diarrhea is usually a sign of digestive upset, nutritional deficiency, or an underlying medical condition. Some dogs start eating feces due to boredom, stress, or learned behavior, but when diarrhea joins the picture, issues like intestinal parasites, dietary imbalances, or infections are often to blame.
Poor nutrient absorption, changes in diet, or exposure to contaminated waste can all contribute to this unpleasant combination of symptoms.
Dog Eating Poop and Has Diarrhea: Common Causes
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Dogs that lack essential nutrients may eat feces in an attempt to “replace” what’s missing.
If your dog’s food is low in key vitamins or digestive enzymes, their body may not properly absorb nutrients, leading to both nutrient-seeking behavior (like eating poop) and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Low-quality kibble, rapid dietary changes, or chronic malabsorption conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can all play a role.
You may notice a dull coat, weight loss, or persistent hunger—clues that your dog isn’t getting what they need nutritionally.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Throwing Up (Why it happens and what to do)
2. Intestinal Parasites
Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms are a major cause of both diarrhea and coprophagia.
These parasites steal nutrients from your dog’s digestive tract, leaving them hungry and undernourished even after eating. This can trigger poop-eating as a desperate attempt to regain nutrients while also causing loose stools, gas, and bloating.
Puppies and dogs who frequent communal spaces like parks or boarding facilities are especially vulnerable to picking up parasites from contaminated feces.
Regular deworming and fecal exams are crucial for prevention and early detection.
3. Poor Diet or Sudden Dietary Changes
A low-quality or inappropriate diet can disrupt your dog’s digestive balance, leading to both diarrhea and strange eating behaviors.
Dogs who suddenly switch food brands, flavors, or types (such as from dry kibble to raw or homemade) may experience intestinal distress.
Poorly balanced homemade diets, excess treats, or too many fatty table scraps can also contribute to loose stools.
When a dog’s gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, the resulting inflammation can lead them to consume feces—either their own or other animals’—as an instinctive response to replenish gut bacteria.
4. Bacterial or Viral Infections
Bacterial infections such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, and viral illnesses like parvovirus or coronavirus, can cause severe diarrhea and nausea.
A dog suffering from these infections may also display odd eating habits, including coprophagia. The diarrhea can be watery, foul-smelling, or even contain mucus or blood. Dogs may appear lethargic, vomit frequently, or lose their appetite.
In these cases, eating feces can worsen the infection by reintroducing harmful bacteria into the digestive system. These dogs need prompt veterinary care and sometimes antibiotics or supportive therapy to recover.
5. Behavioral Reasons and Stress
Sometimes, the cause isn’t medical but behavioral.
Dogs living in stressful environments—such as those who have recently moved homes, lost a companion, or spend long hours alone—may eat feces as a coping mechanism. This can cause or worsen diarrhea, as stress impacts digestion and gut motility.
Puppies often mimic the behavior of their mothers, who clean up feces instinctively. In adult dogs, the habit can persist if it isn’t corrected early, especially when combined with anxiety or lack of stimulation.
Enrichment, training, and consistent routines can help reduce this behavior over time.
6. Malabsorption or Digestive Disorders
Conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption—such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic insufficiency, or chronic gastrointestinal infections—can cause both diarrhea and coprophagia.
When food passes too quickly through the digestive tract, essential nutrients don’t get absorbed. The result? A dog that feels hungry all the time, loses weight, and begins seeking nutrients from inappropriate sources.
These dogs often have chronic loose stools, frequent flatulence, and visible weight loss despite eating normally. Veterinary evaluation, including bloodwork and fecal testing, is needed to identify and manage the underlying issue effectively.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Eating Poop and Has Diarrhea
Start by taking a close look at your dog’s diet and environment.
Feed a high-quality, well-balanced dog food that meets AAFCO standards for your dog’s age and breed. Avoid sudden food changes and table scraps, as these can worsen digestive upset.
If your dog’s diarrhea is mild and they’re otherwise active and hydrated, offer small, bland meals such as boiled chicken and white rice for 24–48 hours. This helps soothe the digestive tract and firm up stools.
Keep your dog’s environment clean and immediately remove feces from the yard or litter area to prevent re-ingestion. Providing adequate enrichment—such as puzzle toys, exercise, and attention—can help discourage poop-eating driven by boredom or stress.
You can also discuss digestive enzyme or probiotic supplements with your vet. These can improve nutrient absorption and help restore gut balance, reducing both the urge to eat feces and the occurrence of diarrhea.
Always monitor your dog for signs of worsening symptoms, and keep them hydrated—dehydration can develop quickly with diarrhea.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your veterinarian right away if your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, becomes bloody, or is accompanied by vomiting, weakness, or loss of appetite.
Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in puppies or small breeds. If your dog is lethargic, trembling, or showing signs of abdominal pain, it could indicate a serious infection or digestive disorder that requires immediate treatment.
Bring a fresh stool sample to your vet for analysis—they can check for parasites, bacterial overgrowth, or other abnormalities. In some cases, blood tests or imaging may be necessary to rule out organ-related causes.
If the poop-eating behavior persists even after medical issues are ruled out, your vet may refer you to a behaviorist for training and habit correction techniques.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Losing Weight (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
A dog eating poop and having diarrhea isn’t just a gross habit—it’s a red flag that something might be wrong internally.
Whether it’s a nutritional deficiency, digestive imbalance, or stress-related behavior, these symptoms should never be ignored. Keeping your dog on a balanced diet, maintaining a clean environment, and getting regular vet checkups are the best ways to prevent and manage this problem.
If diarrhea persists or your dog’s condition worsens, don’t delay—contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With care, consistency, and a healthy gut, most dogs can overcome this troubling combination and return to their happy, tail-wagging selves.