How to stop my dog from eating cat poop

If you’ve got cats and dogs you’ve likely fought the battle to keep your dogs from “helping” you keep the cat’s litter boxes clean — yes? Perhaps you’re still fighting the battle? Maybe you’ve given up?

Take heart though intrepid warrior, all hope is not lost. There can be ways to win this war — and, in the process, minimize your cat’s (and likely your) stress, as well as your dog’s digestive upset.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

No one knows for sure. It's most likely because it tastes like cat food. And anyone who's had a dog knows that most dogs will eat anything given the opportunity!

Is Cat Poop Dangerous For Dogs?

It certainly can be! Not only can eating cat poop cause digestive upset for dogs, but it can also be a source of transmission for intestinal and other parasites. Ouch and yuk!

Watch Out For These Signs If You Suspect Your Dog May Have Eaten Cat Poop

• Lack of appetite
• Painful abdomen
• Decreased energy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• And then, of course, bad breath and cat litter between their teeth

6 Tips To Help You Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box

• Put the litter box in a room behind a baby gate. If you’ve got a large dog, elevate the baby gate a few inches off the ground — high enough that your cat can shimmy under, but your dog will be left looking in. If your dog is as small as your cat, then lower the gate to the ground and try putting a cat climbing tree on either side of the gate — this will give your cat an easy path to the box while your dog can just sit and admire your cat’s nimbleness.
  
• Use a gate hook and eye or another set-up to prop your basement, bathroom, or closet door open wide enough to allow your cat to pass in and out while keeping your dog out. (*Won’t work if your dog is the same size as your cat.)
• Install a cat door (such as the Cathole or microchip door) into your basement, bathroom, or closet door. If your dog would be small enough to pass through it too, consider installing one that has a magnetic lock flap that your cat’s collar would open.
• Put a litter box behind a couch, blocking off your dog’s access with a strategically placed baby gate or another piece of furniture.
• Put the litter boxes up on a laundry table or countertop that your dog can’t reach. Just be certain that your cat can easily and comfortably reach the boxes — especially older cats who may be suffering from arthritis or other painful conditions (often “in silence”).
• Try some of these great DIY ideas to hide your cat’s box(es). Just be aware though that some cats may prefer uncovered litter boxes, and that preference will be even stronger if each time they try to exit the covered box they’re greeted by your dog’s smiling face. You can minimize the likelihood of this happening by making several entrances and exits for your cat to choose from.

It’s a noble quest you’re on! The stress of sharing their litter boxes with the slobbery canine residents of the household can cause your cats enough stress to bring on urinary problems. And the frequent litter box raiding will almost certainly cause your dog digestive upset for them, as well as a very unpleasant feeling you’ll get upon noticing the litter stuck between your dog’s teeth only after they've licked your face!

While it may sound downright disgusting to you, dogs naturally like to dine on cat poop. Canines are attracted to things with a strong odor, like that of cat feces, or even better, cat food.

If you live in a multi-pet household, you may have noticed Fido sniffing around the litter box. His fondness for eating cat poop, a habit referred to as coprophagia, can be caused by a variety of reasons. It may be due to a dietary deficiency, a bad habit, or simply a product of exploration.

Not only is feasting on cat poop gross, but it can also be an unhealthy habit for your pup. Cat poop may contain harmful bacteria and even parasites. Moreover, ingesting litter could pose a problem for your pooch. Eating cat litter can cause a blockage in his bowls.

If your dog is eating cat poop, here are seven ways to put an end to this bad behavior.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop (& How To Stop It)

When your dog goes to stick his nose in the litter box, it’s time to teach him the “leave it” command. Whenever you see your pet trying to explore the cat’s potty, tell him to “leave it” in a firm tone. If he obeys, give him a treat. If he ignores you, say the command again, but louder. It’s important to be diligent about saying the command so your dog gets the hint.

A dirty litter box is more tempting to your dog than a clean one is. Keep your cat’s litter box as clean as possible by scooping it daily and changing out the litter weekly. Use crystal litter to better control odor. This kind of litter easily clumps and is simple to scoop.

A bored dog can have bad behaviors. Keep your pet physically and mentally engaged with daily doses of exercise and plenty of interactive dog toys.

To give your kitty more privacy and to discourage your dog from getting into the litter, buy a hooded litter box. Not only will a hooded cat box help to combat stink, but it’ll keep your dog from sniffing around and snacking on cat poo.

If your kitty’s litter box is in a room that your dog has access to, he’ll probably try and get into it. Move the litter box into a bathroom or spare bedroom and put up a doggy gate to prevent your pup from gaining access to the litter. Installing a kitty door to your basement is also a good way to prevent Fido from getting into the cat poop.

One way to keep your dog from eating cat poop is to make it unappealing for him to do so. A stool deterrent will make cat feces less attractive to your pup.

It may sound odd to sprinkle spices in the litter box, but black pepper or hot sauce will keep your hungry dog away. Not only do they dislike the smell, but they hate the spicy taste.

Final Thoughts: Dog Eating Cat Poop

Dogs that eat cat poop not only have bad breath, but they’re also susceptible to parasites and bacteria. Curb your dog’s attraction to the litter box by keeping him occupied, investing in a hooded cat box and doggy gates, or by using black pepper or stool deterrents.

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Featured Image Credit: Stephanie Ho, Pexels