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Dog of the Day:

Watson!

Meme of the day: No, it’s playtime!

A Delightful (and Gross) Mystery: Why Dogs Eat Rabbit Poop

If you're a dog owner, you've likely witnessed it: that moment when your beloved canine companion, with a look of pure joy and a wagging tail, discovers a little pile of rabbit droppings and, well, snacks on them. It’s a common, if slightly stomach-churning, habit that leaves many of us asking, "Why?!"

While it might seem baffling to us, this behavior, known as coprophagia (the consumption of feces), is actually a window into the fascinating world of our dogs' instincts and nutritional needs. Let's dig into the reasons behind this peculiar passion for "bunny berries."

A Taste of Nutritional History

Back in the day, before kibble and canned food, dogs and their ancestors were scavengers. Their diet was varied, and they often consumed the entire prey animal, including its stomach contents. Rabbit droppings are a little like a pre-packaged vitamin pill. They are full of undigested plant matter, fiber, and B vitamins that can be a tasty and easy-to-access nutritional supplement for a dog.

Just a Snack! (Or, A Little Treat from Nature)

Some dogs are simply opportunistic eaters. To them, rabbit poop is just another interesting thing they found on their walk. It's a little nugget of something different, and their curious nature takes over. Think of it like a child who finds a handful of spilled cereal on the floor—it's just a quick and easy snack!

The Enticing Scent of "Prey"

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. To them, the scent of a rabbit's digestive system is a siren song. The smell of the droppings is linked to the scent of a prey animal, which can be an exciting and compelling draw. It's a natural instinct for a dog to investigate and consume things that smell like a potential meal.

A Case of Boredom

For some dogs, particularly those who are not mentally or physically stimulated, eating rabbit poop can simply be a way to entertain themselves. It's an activity, a way to pass the time and engage their senses. If you suspect this is the case, try to increase your dog's exercise and mental stimulation with new toys, training, or longer walks.

Is It Harmful?

This is a question many dog owners worry about. In most cases, eating rabbit poop is harmless. The risk of your dog getting sick from it is generally low. However, it's always a good idea to monitor your dog and consult with your vet if they show any signs of illness after eating something they shouldn't.

What Can You Do?

While it's a natural behavior, it's completely understandable if you'd rather your dog didn't make a meal of every pile of rabbit droppings they find.

  • Leash Up: The easiest solution is to keep your dog on a leash and away from areas where rabbits are active.

  • "Leave It": Train your dog with the "leave it" command. This is an excellent skill for preventing them from eating anything questionable on your walks.

  • Distraction: If you see your dog eyeing a pile of poop, distract them with a fun, high-value treat or a favorite toy.

Ultimately, a dog's fascination with rabbit poop is just one of the many quirks that make them so endearing. It’s a reminder that their world is a vibrant, sensory-rich place where every scent and morsel tells a story.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

  • Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.

  • Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.

  • Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free-Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats, for possible bird flu exposure.

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Family Photo of the Day:

Roscoe!

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