Have you ever been out on a walk with your dog when you noticed they were acting a bit weird when it came time to use the bathroom? Or maybe your dog has always had odd mannerisms during that time and you’re curious what they could possibly mean. This blog post will delve into common dog bathroom habits and what they mean.
Staring at You
Humans don’t like to make eye contact with others when pooping, but some dogs seem to love it. Why? A dog using the bathroom is at its most vulnerable. When your dog sets its eyes on you in the process, they trust you to watch for threats. Dogs watch to see if your body language indicates things are safe. Feel good about how much your pet cares about you when this happens.
Scooting on the Ground
Some dogs start to move while in the middle of a poo, which can be annoying. Sometimes this is done because moving helps stool pass through their bodies. In other cases, it might be a matter of a tantalizing scent in the area catching their nose. Scooting can happen if they want to clean their bum. However, if it occurs a lot, you should talk with a vet.
Kicking the Back Feet
After your dog finishes up, you might notice them kicking their hind feet and sending up poop, soil, and grass. Sure, this can make a mess but the dog is doing it as a way to clean up. This is similar to the way cats kick up litter over their poop when in a home.
Inappropriate Snacking
This bathroom habit might be the grossest, but some dogs nibble on their own waste. There is a reason for this to occur. In many cases, a dog who engages in this habit has parasites, pancreatic deficiencies, or poor intestinal absorption of nutrients. It also may happen if a dog is stressed, anxious, or eating low-nutrient kibble. Talk to a vet about ways to handle this issue.
Paying attention to your dog’s bathroom habits can clue you into any issues they might be having. Keep an eye out and learn what makes your pet comfortable. If their habits change, it could be time to talk to your vet. Those who prefer to have someone else take their dog out when it’s time to do business can call Pups Poop We Scoop for more information.