Have you ever come across a goose in a park and then noticed your dog heading over to that same spot?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to love the taste of goose droppings.
They seem to find it irresistible, and once they’ve discovered this delicacy, they just can’t help coming back for more.
But is it safe for them to eat goose feces? We’ll look at why dogs eat goose poop and whether or not it’s dangerous for them to do so.
Related: Best Coprophagia Deterrent for Dogs
Why Dogs Eat Goose Poop
Following are a few reasons why your dog might be eating goose poop.
Scavengers by Nature
Dogs are scavengers by nature. So if they come across something that is edible, they’ll often try it.
It doesn’t matter what it is or where it comes from – if it looks like food and smells okay, your dog will probably eat it.
It might be as simple as this with goose poop. If a dog happens upon some geese droppings, there’s a good chance they’ll give them a try.
Related: Why Does Dog Poop Turn White?
Hunger
One of the most common reasons dogs eat goose poop is that they’re hungry.
This can happen if your dog is missing out on some key nutrients in their diet.
Or it could simply mean that they’re not getting enough to eat throughout the day.
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Either way, when dogs are hungry, they will start looking for something to snack on. And unfortunately, that can include poop.
Genetics
Some dogs love eating poop because of their genetics.
Some breeds of dogs were bred specifically to hunt rabbits or other small prey animals that live in burrows.
When hunting in the wild, these dogs would often eat the animals’ droppings to get at their prey.
In the same way, some dogs have developed a taste for goose droppings because the droppings are readily available to them.
And since dogs are natural scavengers, it’s not surprising they are attracted to this type of food.
Related: Why Do Dogs Eat Human Poop? Is it Unsafe?
Nutrition
Dogs like to eat goose poop because it provides them with additional nutrients[1] that they otherwise wouldn’t get from their regular diet.
These nutrients include protein and fiber. The fiber helps with digestion, while the protein helps to keep your dog’s muscles strong.
Attention
If you know that your dog has been eating goose poop (or other feces) only when you’re present, you may have a dog who eats feces to seek attention.
In this case, you should ignore the behavior altogether without acknowledging it with eye contact.
It may take some time to break the habit, but eventually, your dog should realize that this behavior isn’t getting attention, so there’s no point in doing it anymore.
Related: Why Does My Dog Look at Me When He Poops?
Is it Ok for Dogs to Eat Geese Feces?
Like any other type of food, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s safe for your dog to eat goose poop.
On the plus side, eating goose droppings can provide your dog with some essential nutrients that they might not be getting from their regular diet.
And as we already mentioned, some dogs simply love the taste of this type of food.
On the other hand, there are some potential dangers associated with eating goose poop[2].
For starters, there’s always the possibility of getting sick from consuming feces.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Goose Poop?
Yes, dogs can get sick from eating goose poop[3].
This is because fecal matter can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can make your dog sick.
Some of the most common illnesses contracted from eating poop include giardia, salmonella, and campylobacter.
All of these illnesses can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Some geese can carry diseases like avian flu. If your dog eats droppings from an infected bird, it could develop a serious illness.
What to Do When Your Dog Eats Goose Poop
If you notice your dog eating goose poop, there are a few things that you can do to try and stop the behavior.
First, it’s important to try and determine the root cause of your dog’s poop-eating habit. Is it hungry?
Did it see another dog eating poop and decide to try it out for itself?
Once you know the reason, you can start working on a solution.
How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Goose Poop
If your dog is eating feces, there are plenty of ways to get it to stop.
- If the behavior is caused by a lack of nutrients in your dog’s diet, you can add a quality dog food supplement to its diet.
- If the behavior is caused by boredom, you can provide your dog with more toys and activities to keep it busy.
- If the behavior is caused by anxiety, you can work with a behaviorist to help your dog deal with its anxiety healthily.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not the most appealing thing in the world, there are some good reasons why your dog might be drawn to eating goose poop.
However, there are also some risks associated with this behavior, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s safe for your dog to consume.
FAQs
Here are a few other common questions people ask.
Is Goose Poop Dangerous for Dogs?
Yes, eating goose poop can be dangerous for dogs. Feces may contain a variety of harmful germs and parasites, which might make your dog sick. Giardia, salmonella, and campylobacter are just a few of the most frequent diseases acquired through consuming feces.
What Happens if A Dog Eats Goose Poop?
If a dog eats goose poop, it is possible to get sick. Depending on what the dog ate, it could contract various illnesses, including giardia, salmonella, and campylobacter.
Can Dogs Get Parasites From Goose Poop?
Yes, dogs can get parasites from eating goose poop. Parasites that might be found in the fecal matter include giardia, roundworms, and tapeworms.
