My dog ate eating poop (coprophagia) — what should I do?
GREEN — Usually watch at home
What to do now
- Usually not dangerous in small amounts. Watch for the symptoms below for the next 24 hours.
- Call your vet if symptoms appear, the amount was large, or your dog is very small, old, or ill.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Common behavior; risks are parasites and drugs if the other animal was recently medicated.
Symptoms to watch for
Usually none; occasional vomiting.
When: -
⚠️ Horse manure from recently dewormed horses -> Ivermectin.
Frequently asked questions
Is eating poop (coprophagia) dangerous for dogs?
Usually not seriously. Common behavior; risks are parasites and drugs if the other animal was recently medicated. Monitor and call your vet if symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate eating poop (coprophagia)?
Usually none; occasional vomiting.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats eating poop (coprophagia)?
-
Is there anything else to know about eating poop (coprophagia)?
Horse manure from recently dewormed horses -> Ivermectin.
What should I do if my dog ate eating poop (coprophagia)?
Usually not dangerous in small amounts. Watch for the symptoms below for the next 24 hours. Call your vet if symptoms appear, the amount was large, or your dog is very small, old, or ill.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
⚖️ Evidence note: Behavioral item; general sources.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: feces, horse manure · Category: Object · Last reviewed 2026-10-14