Returning to Poo
by John
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
We've recently been having a problem with our 2-1 yr-old Maltese Pooing in the house again. We thought we had them housebroke but we've had some kind of set back. But to make matters worse, many times our Maltese will return to their poo, (I know this is gross) and eat it before we can get to the bathroom to get tissue to clean it up. What is up with this? This can't be good for them.
We buy them the best food available and there is always food in their dish. They never go without. Are they just trying to get rid of the evidence before we find it???
Somebody please help if you can.
Thank you
DISCUSSION:
My dog Binky used to do that, too. Some people told me that it WAS a case of destroying evidence, but with Binky it was weird because she did it in the yard, too. I told her no every time I caught her at it, and she's stopped. It just took a lot of discipline, for us. Good luck!
Judy
Unfortunately, from what I understand, this is a "maltese thing", and alot of them do it. Shana still slips once and a while, if I'm not watching her or she needs attention. They initially hide it so you won't know they "pooed" on the rug or wherever. I don't know that they ever totally outgrow it. It's recommended that you put meat tenderizer(and lots of it) in their food. It's supposed to make their poo taste bad. My cousins also put worcestershire sauce on it. The main thing is, if you see them do it, say, "foo!"-NO!!. Try to watch when you know they're about to go, watch tehm, then praise them for going, and give them a treat Constantly praise them whenever they go-what a good puppy! They will learn-and don't forget the treats-Good luck..
Barb
John, I think many different dogs eat their feces. The vet or the pet store sells a product called "Forbid" to use on their food. It will make their poop taste foul to them and they'll stop. It's just a bad habit that needs broken. I had one dog do it (and he wasn't a Maltese). After treating his food, it stopped. As for the pooping in the house, whenever they regress, go back to the basics of housetraining. It's an imperfect world with pets but they're worth it. Good luck.
Sharon
I have never seen Jack eat his feces. As a matter of fact. He has the total opposite reaction. After he goes poo, he can not get away from it fast enough. He will finish pooing and run away from it as fast as he can, and never go near it again. It is rather cute to watch. Soory this doesn't help but I thought I would share it.
Chris and Jack
For-Bid consists of vegatable protein and sodium glutamate. You can get 12 packets for $19.99 in the Foster & Smith catalogue. They also have something call Dis-Taste which are tablets made from fermented vegetables. The tablets are supposed to taste good. If they don't eat them, the tablets can be crushed and put on the food like For-Bid. You can get 250 tabs for $12.99. The phone number is 1-800-826-7206. If it's your first order they give you a coupon for a discount. DOn't forget to ask for it!
Isabel
I've never had aproblem with Tasha eating her feces, but I have heard that when they do this they are lacking some nutrient they need. As far as pooping in the house, I would suggest going back to day one on traing.
Dottie
You can check the Archives for info on this subject...it's called coprophagy. It's a dog thing in general, not breed specific, etc. Good luck! BTW, the latest thinking on *why* is lacking certain nutrients in their foods.
annehudson
John, not sure if this will help as it seems you can't get to the poo in time. The Beasties think that cat poo is a great doggy treat and my problem has always been to find it before they do. I tried putting cayenne pepper on some the other day and they wouldn't go near it. Also heard of people using meat tenderiser but not sure if this goes on the poo or in their food - I think there's something in the archives on it.
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
We call it a problem. Our babies call it doggie-chocolate! I suppose everything IS relative...
Isabel
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise. |
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