Dogs are commonly referred to as man’s best friend. As loving and loyal companions to humans for thousands of years, most people are shocked to learn that dogs sometimes eat other dogs. If you’re wondering if dogs really do eat each other and want to understand the reasons behind this taboo topic, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, dogs sometimes eat other dogs, but it’s relatively rare and usually happens due to extreme circumstances like starvation or mental illness, not because dogs see each other as food sources.
Reasons Why Dogs Might Eat Other Dogs
Starvation and Hunger
Dogs are opportunistic eaters by nature. When they are desperately hungry and can’t find any other food sources, they may turn to eating other dogs to survive. This tragic behavior is most often seen in stray dog populations where food is extremely scarce.
If a dog is not able to find enough scraps or garbage to eat, they may start viewing other dogs as prey. While difficult to think about, this is one key reason why some dogs eat others. Proper care and feeding of our canine companions is crucial to prevent such dire circumstances.
Mental Illness or Trauma
In some rare cases, dogs may exhibit cannibalistic tendencies due to psychological issues like severe anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, or past abuse and trauma. Dogs who have been neglected or isolated can develop neurotic behaviors like eating their own tail or limbs.
Extending this damaged mental state, they may turn to consuming other dogs. Working closely with a veterinary behaviorist is recommended if a dog is showing any abnormal behavioral signs. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the underlying mental health condition can often be effectively managed.
Medical Conditions Causing Abnormal Behavior
Certain medical conditions like liver disease, rabies, distemper and toxicity can alter a dog’s mental state and cause them to act aggressively or exhibit odd behaviors like cannibalism. Since these diseases affect the brain and impact impulse control, a dog may attack and eat another dog without their normal inhibitions.
Quick medical intervention is imperative if an illness is suspected as the cause for any out-of-character actions. Once diagnosed and treated, the aberrant behavior will often resolve.
Learned Behavior
Sadly, some dogs may learn to eat other dogs if they have been trained to do so. Dog fighting rings will try to increase viciousness in the dogs by rewarding them when they attack or kill other dogs. Through positive reinforcement for aggression, they learn this is desired behavior.
Dogs bred and raised in dog fighting environments can develop a drive to kill other dogs without proper rehabilitation. Law enforcement continues efforts to uncover and shut down these criminal networks for the safety of all dogs.
Predatory Instinct
In rare situations, some dogs may view small dogs or puppies as prey to hunt and consume. This predatory behavior is more likely to develop in dogs who lack early socialization or have a high, uncontrolled prey drive.
Dogs such as huskies, malamutes and terriers often have an innate drive to chase and kill small fast-moving animals. Without firm training, they may extend this instinct to small dogs. Supervising all interactions and providing proper obedience training is key to keeping this predatory drive in check.
With socialization and structure, dogs can learn to control their impulses.
Myths and Facts About Canine Cannibalism
Myth: All Dogs Will Resort to Eating Other Dogs if Hungry
It’s a common myth that dogs are likely to turn to cannibalism if they get hungry enough. However, the truth is that the vast majority of dogs do not see other dogs as a food source, even when extremely hungry. Dogs are omnivores and can survive on a variety of foods if necessary.
While isolated cases of dogs eating other dogs due to extreme starvation exist, this is very rare behavior for domesticated dogs.
Fact: Most Dogs Do Not See Other Dogs as Food
Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years and have adapted to eat what humans provide for them. Their natural prey drive toward other dogs has been greatly reduced through the domestication process.
Most dogs today are provided adequate food by caring owners and have little motivation to hunt other dogs for sustenance. In fact, dogs seem to understand that other dogs are not prey, but rather companions.
There are certainly exceptions where feral or abused dogs will hunt small dogs, but well-cared for domesticated dogs do not generally view other dogs as food.
Myth: Dogs That Kill Other Dogs Are Dangerous
When a dog attacks and kills another dog, many people assume the aggressor must be extremely aggressive or dangerous. However, there are various motivations for dogs attacking other dogs, and predation is just one. Some reasons for fatal dog attacks include:
- Predatory aggression – A strong prey drive toward small dogs or cats
- Territorial aggression – Protecting their turf from an intruder
- Fear aggression – Preemptive attack due to feeling threatened
- Pain or sickness – Lashing out due to untreated medical issues
While concerning, a dog killing another does not necessarily mean it is inherently vicious. With proper training and socialization, many dogs can learn to control their aggressive tendencies.
Fact: Many Factors Influence Dogs Eating Dogs
Though rare, there are some situations that can lead to dogs killing and eating other dogs:
- Lack of early socialization – Dogs not exposed to other dogs early on may see them as prey
- Isolation – Dogs deprived of interaction and pack structure sometimes revert to a feral state
- Prey drive – Some breeds have very strong instincts to hunt
- Hunger – Dogs lacking food may become desperate for sustenance
- Pack mentality – Dogs may sometimes kill weaker dogs seen as unfit for the pack
However, in most cases, properly socialized domestic dogs provided adequate care do not kill or eat other dogs. Responsible pet ownership greatly reduces any risk of dogs turning to cannibalism.
Preventing Dogs From Eating Each Other
Proper Feeding and Nutrition
Ensuring dogs receive adequate nutrition from quality food sources is key to curbing cannibalistic behaviors. Feed dogs twice daily to prevent extreme hunger and look for diets rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Consult your veterinarian if uncertain about optimal nutrition for your dog’s needs.
Supervise Interactions
Closely monitor multi-dog households, especially when introducing new animals. Mounting stress from disagreements can trigger aggression. Have areas for dogs to retreat when overwhelmed and separate them if tensions escalate.
Consider professional training or behavioral therapy for dogs struggling to get along.
Train Impulse Control
Work on obedience cues like “leave it” and “drop it” to curb scavenging tendencies. Reward dogs for redirecting attention from potential food sources. Teaching dogs self-restraint around items that seem appealing helps reduce risk of consuming questionable items.
Spay/Neuter Your Dog
Intact dogs may show more domineering behaviors, like resource guarding food items, that can spark fights. Sterilization reduces hormone-fueled aggression in males and females. According to the ASPCA, over 70% of bites involve intact dogs, indicating neutering makes dogs less likely to be dangerously assertive.
Consult an Expert if Issues Persist
For recurring cannibalistic tendencies, seek help from veterinary behaviorists. They can identify contributing factors and outline customized treatment plans involving tactics like prescription medications, desensitization training, environmental changes, and pheromone therapy.
Getting to root causes enhances prevention success.
Conclusion
While the idea of dogs eating dogs is disturbing, it does occasionally happen due to circumstances like starvation or mental illness. However, canine cannibalism is relatively rare, and most dogs do not see their fellow canines as food sources.
By properly caring for and training your dog, you can minimize the risk. If you have any concerns about your dog harming other pets, be sure to consult an animal behavior expert for help.
With this deeper understanding of the facts around dogs eating dogs, you can rest assured knowing that Fido views you as family, not food!
