Rabbits actually produce two different kinds of poop. The most common type that your dog is likely to eat looks like normal pellets, which are actually undigested hay and grasses. This kind of poop is round and dark brown in colour with little to no odour.
The second type of rabbit poop is called cecotropes. This looks like a bunch of small grapes clustered together, and it has quite a distinct odour. These are actually nutrient-packed digestive items rather than poop. Rabbits produce these at night and end up eating them again for their nutritional benefit. Since the rabbits devour them, your dog is unlikely to find this and eat it.
Reasons For Dogs Eating Rabbit Poop
Sense of Smell and Taste
As humans, we generally rely on all five of our basic senses to get through everyday life. Dogs rely most heavily on their sense of smell and taste. When you’re walking your dog or just letting him hang out in the backyard, you’ve probably noticed that he is mostly walking around with his nose to the ground.
When your dog is walking with his nose to the ground, he’s bound to come across things that smell and taste different or are interesting to him, like rabbit poop. Your dog’s curiosity might just get the best of him at times, and he just might eat the rabbit poop.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Just like humans, dogs need certain nutrients to thrive and be healthy. When dogs are deficient in nutrients, they will often eat weird things. This is their attempt to obtain the nutrients they’re missing. As gross as it is, rabbit poop is rich in fibre. If your dog is consistently trying to eat rabbit poop, it could be a sign that he needs more fibre in his diet.
Hunger
A hungry dog is likely to eat all sorts of weird things, including things like trash or poop from another animal.
Pica
Pica is a condition in which dogs consistently chew and consume non-edible items. This is a serious condition that usually stems from underlying medical conditions or compulsive disorders, such as:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Extreme boredom
- Anxiety
- Teething
- Early weaning
- Compulsive disorder
Pica could potentially be a life-threatening condition when dogs consume items they shouldn’t that are toxic or harmful. If your dog is eating things he shouldn’t and exhibiting any of these other underlying conditions, please contact your veterinarian.
Should you worry if your dog eats rabbit poop?
While it may gross you out when your dog eats rabbit poop, the good news is that rabbit poop is mostly undigested grass and hay. As long as your dog only eats a small amount, he’ll probably be fine.
However, it’s important to note that rabbit poop can contain some parasites, such as:
- Coccidia
- Giardia
- Leptospira
If your dog has recently eaten rabbit poop and is exhibiting symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, you should contact your veterinarian.
How to stop your dog from eating rabbit poop?
We’ve established that eating rabbit poop is a gross habit that is unlikely to cause your dog harm, but that doesn’t mean you want your dog to do it regularly.
Try To Prevent Rabbits From Entering Your Backyard
Rabbits can slide through small places, so when possible, it’s best to secure the perimeter of your yard with solid fencing.
Supervise Your Dog When He’s Outside
Sometimes it can be annoying to accompany your dog outside, but it really is the best way to make sure he doesn’t get into anything he shouldn’t.
Muzzle Your Dog When He Goes Outside
Muzzles can look scary, but they’re actually a wonderful tool! Just because a dog is wearing a muzzle doesn’t mean that he’s a bad dog. Muzzles can keep dogs safe by preventing them from eating things they shouldn’t, like rabbit poop. If you’re thinking about using a muzzle, be sure to go through the steps of properly muzzle training your dog.
Teach Your Dog A “Leave It” Or “Drop It” Cue
Even if you’re with your dog in your backyard supervising, you’ll still need a way to communicate with him. Sometimes he’ll be further away on the other side of the yard, so you’ll have to use cues to communicate. Using a verbal “leave it” or “drop it” cue will come in handy in these instances.
Conclusion
While eating rabbit poop isn’t likely to cause serious harm to your dog, it’s not a great habit for him to do regularly. You should always try to prevent and discourage your dog from eating rabbit poop. If your dog is attempting to eat rabbit poop obsessively and you suspect a nutritional deficiency or pica, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
