Hello there
There are ways to correct the problem without using cleaning wipes
which may vary in chemical content from brand to brand.
There may also be underlying reasons for coprophagy (eating feces)
that might need professional attention. Coprophagy may be caused by a
nutritional (thiamine or vitamin-B) or digestive enzyme deficiency in
some dogs. This possibility should be discussed with your
veterinarian.
"Coprophagy may be a displacement or compulsive behavior in response
to stress, frustration, or anxiety. A dog that is tied up in the back
yard for many hours a day is lonely and frustrated. This often
results in displacement behaviors such as barking, digging, and
coprophagy. Coprophagy may also be an attention-seeking behavior,
for example if the dog has learned that his/her owner comes flying out
of the door in response, giving the dog that much needed attention
(remember, even negative attention is attention to a dog)." - quote
from "MSPCA Springfield Animal Shelter - Western New England Animal
Center" - http://www.mspca.org/springfield/dog_behavior/eating_feces.html
How to stop it?
1 - Switch to a premium quality pet foor to make sure your dog is
getting high quality nutrition.
2 - Have your vet test for nutritional deficiencies.
3 - Reduce stress in your dog's life.
4 - Remove your attention to the behaveior. In other words, don't
wipe your dog's mouth with anything. Remember, negative attention is
still attention to your dog.
5 - Booby trap a few piles with Tabasco or cayenne pepper.
6 - Use remote punishment such as a squirt from a garden hose or an
air horn. If your dog considers having his mouth wiped as punishment,
then the dog will associate the unpleasantness directly with you
creating a situation of distrust.
7 - Walk your dog on a leash so you can control movements.
"Coprophagy is a very difficult behavior to extinguish. It may be the
case that you will have to manage your dog’s environment for the rest
of his/her life to prevent the behavior." - quote from "MSPCA
Springfield Animal Shelter - Western New England Animal Center" -
http://www.mspca.org/springfield/dog_behavior/eating_feces.html
The list of does and don'ts is from the same source but I have
customized it to answer your question.
Search - Google
Terms - coprophagy +in dogs
I would suggest you avoid the baby wipes. While there is information
available about the safety of babywipes and human babies and about the
safety of babywipes for external use on dogs such as cleaning feet and
ears, wiping a dogs mouth is not external use. Chemicals which are
safe for baby may not be safe for a dog (or even baby) to actually
ingest.
If you must wipe your dog's mouth, there are dental wipes made just
for dogs and cats. One brand name is Boots & Barkley. I know you can
find them at Target Stores and your local vet may have them, or a
comparable brand.
If I may clarify anything, please ask before rating the answer.
Cheers
digsalot |
